White blouse, black trouser suit among women’s must-haves

HAMBURG - Fashion changes quickly. A flashy colour or unusual tailoring can soon prove outdated. But some classic garments have proved essential over the years. They are as sharp on an outing with the family as they are on a business luncheon or evening out at the theatre.

“There are some articles of clothing that are basic to any wardrobe,” said Maria Hans, a fashion expert in Hamburg. Among them are a white blouse and a black trouser suit.

A woman who puts this classic combination together cleverly, is always dressed appropriately, fashion experts say.

“It’s especially nice when a plain, classic garment is combined with one that is fancy or unusual,” said Bitten Stetter, an instructor at the Academy for Fashion Design in Hamburg.

Someone who owns 10 classic garments and occasionally buys a modern piece of clothing, has done herself and her wallet a favour, said Petra Claessens, president of the German Fashion Institute in Krefeld.

She’ll have few recurring worries about being able to put together a stylish outfit. But Claessens cautions that it’s important to buy high quality classic clothes for the long term.  

Classic jeans

Not to be dismissed are classic jeans. No wardrobe should be without them, said Ingrid Loschek, professor of fashion history and fashion theory at the College of Design, Technology and Economics in Pforzheim.

Jeans are appropriate office attire in Germany and other central European countries and in some parts of the United States and Canada as well, and a good pair is also appropriate for going out in the evening. Dark blue is best suited to both work and going out, Hans said. Also important is that the jeans fit well.

“They should be a little loose around the hips and by all means completely cover one’s behind,” Hans said. Jeans can be dressed up by adding a belt. Hans recommends choosing one to fit the occasion: sporty for a more casual affair, elegant for a more fancy occasion.

A little black dress is also a must in every wardrobe.

“It’s as good with a jeans jacket as it is with stockings and pumps,” Claessens said. The dress should be neither too baggy nor too tight, and most importantly not too short.

“Some dresses exaggerate too much,” Hans said. “If the dress rises too high in the back, it looks cheap.”  

Accessories

Accessories such as jewellery, a cap or a very nice purse add spice. Another way to jazz up a garment is to add a scarf.

“There are different ways to wear a scarf - from wrapping it around the neck to swinging it over the shoulders like a stole,” Stetter said.

The fashion experts agree a classic white blouse is irreplaceable.

“It has just come back into fashion, for example with ruches or ties to bring it together,” said Claessens. A white blouse can be worn in multiple ways. “It always matches, whether it’s worn with jeans or a suit,” Hans added.

Shirts are another option that is easy to mix and match.

“They can be worn under a blazer instead of a blouse,” Hans said, adding that the most important thing to remember when choosing a shirt is that quality is important. “It should not contain cotton, which loses its shape quickly.”

The colour that suits a woman best depends on her skin and hair colour. Women should steer clear of a colour that makes them look pale. This could be pink for blondes and beige for dark-haired women.  

Timeless trouser suit

A timeless trouser suit can make any woman feel well dressed at work.

“With a black trouser suit, a woman is well armed for many occasions from a job interview to a visit to the theatre,” said Stetter.

Claessens also advises against buying a brightly coloured trouser suit that’s meant to be worn over a long time.

“The suit should be navy blue, black or beige so that it can be worn with a white or red blouse,” she said.

The trench coat is another standard outerwear garment.

“A sure bet is a coat that is camel hair coloured, brown or black,” Stetter explained. To create a classic look to go with the coat, choose a black cashmere V-neck sweater or a small, plaid wool skirt.

To be well prepared for different occasions, low-heeled shoes, along with pumps and ankle-high and knee-high boots belong in every closet. It’s best to select a small shaped boot, so that they will go well with skirts or pants, Stetter said.

“Every look rises and falls on its shoes,” Hans said.

DPA 

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