In the book I describe some of what are considered the classic wardrobe staples that every woman should own. I always have to qualify this concept with a little dose of reality and this caveat: depending upon your lifestyle and coloring, the strictly “classic” version of these may not work for you.
Still, they have stood the test of time (at least for the past 100 years or so—in the larger scheme of things these too may pass) for a reason. Here are some of the reasons why classics are sexy and appropriate for more than just the Classic/Traditional style type.
Everybody’s de rigueur white cotton blouse has a Romantic/Alluring silhouette because the v-neck draws the eye to, and suggests the existence of, cleavage, so it can add a little sexiness to any outfit. It also carries some feeling of Youthful/Playfulness because of its crisp, fresh fabric texture. And because it’s uncomplicated it appeals to the Natural/Relaxed types who don’t like to spend a lot of time getting dressed.
A trench coat creates a sense of mystery. By covering up what you are wearing with a garment that suggest menswear it implies you are on as secret mission or are trying to hide something—something that appeals to both a Dramatic/Theatrical style type and in its mystery, even the Angelic/Ethereal type. It’s also appealing to a variety of style types in that wearing anything in a fabric or cut typically used for menswear plays against type similarly to the way a boyfriend jacket or wearing an actual boyfriend’s shirt is sexy.
Leopard—and any animal print for that matter—is one of the most specific reflections of nature that we can wear and it works on a broad range of different types for different reasons. It speaks directly to the Natural/Relaxed type but in a tongue-and-cheek way because you aren’t wearing the actual animal—at least I hope not. (I personally am averse to buying fur. With so many convincing faux fur fabrics these days killing an animal just to look sexy, mysterious and powerful is, IMHO, beyond unnecessary.) Because it’s a kind of “wink-wink” pattern, animal prints become Spirited/Exuberant too. And because it suggests you have conquered such a “dangerous” beast it is also Dramatic/Theatrical. In another way, it becomes somewhat Romantic/Alluring. Men traditionally have been associated with hunting, so the women who wear animal prints become as if the Romantic/Alluring hunted. (Yeah, I know that one’s pretty creepy, sexist and is going to get me in hot water, but still…)
Things like Topsiders, sneakers and LLBean totes are quintessentially Natural/Relaxed and Classical/Traditional at the same time and immediately say “preppy chic.” The typical colors and fabrics of these items make you think of summertime, a season associated with Youthful/Playful good times and outdoor get-togethers that appeal to every type, but particularly the Natural/Relaxed types.
The LBD is Dramatic (simply because of its color) and Romantic (because of its often body-skimming silhouettes). The starkness of black also suggests something “beyond” or hidden and that alone increases the drama. And even those waif-like Angelic/Ethereal types can identify with the otherworldliness of something hidden or beyond. Always, when choosing one of the classic pieces, make sure the color, fabric and drape are complimentary to your coloring, style type and body.
And then, of course, there’s the fact that the Classic/Traditional style type is the balance point between all the other six types that we talk about in the book. It’s just practical and comforting to know that you can grab one of the classic pieces out of your closet and that you will look pulled together.
Andrea’s books and new video series:
