by Christa Abernathy

Created on: January 11, 2007   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Fashion, like the seasons, comes in cycles. This is an advantage to you as a budding fashionista, because you can purchase some staple pieces for your wardrobe that will unify the trends as they come.

While we all appreciate the value of "the Little Black Dress", most people forget that there are more styles of black dresses than anything else on the market. When you're purchasing that one piece of clothing that will go with anything, remember that simple is the key to fabulous. Find a dress that fits your body type. I'm an hour-glass shape and so a nice skirt with a slight flare to it is better for my body. Don't rely on the dress for your sparkle factor. Have a simple embellishment to the dress, like a rhinestone collar or a sequined flower design on the skirt and leave it at that. Your accessories will add any pizazz you need. Besides, if you purchase one great dress and change up your shoes and jewels to fit the changing styles, you'll never have to worry about looking the same.

Now for blouses, you want a variety of casual and business wear to choose from, all of which you want to be fashionable well after the first three months of owning it. Because, really, who wants to spend a fortune on a wardrobe that doesn't last? Sticking with our simplicity theme, get a few classic-cut long shirts. As adults we become increasingly aware of the fact that our shirts should not only meet the top of our jeans but also cover us when we're sitting down, standing, or even doing jumping jacks.

Don't go for the boxy t-shirts, but try for a more form-fitting baby t-shirt instead, again in the longer styles. These can be layered for warmth and style or worn separately. Tank tops, again should be chosen with some modesty in mind. While every few years skin becomes "in", know that it's classier to keep 'em guessing. You can always get the skimpier clothes on a whim later on.

For business wear, tailored is always in. Buying several pin-striped shirts in a variety of colors will give you a plethora of choices to sort through. And since you can pair these blouses with either pants or skirts, your choices are nearly limitless. Having some nice camisoles with lace accents will make your blouses pop when you want a change from the usual routine.

Slacks and skirts should be cut to fit your body. If you're curvy, don't get the super low-cut pants. They'll only leave you with unsightly belly bulge, even if you aren't overweight. The best plan is to wear bottoms at your natural waist line. These will be slimming on you, so long as you buy them to fit. Flat-front pants are stylish without being too trendy. When worn with a t-shirt they are as casual as jeans, without being as fashion-risky as a pair of jeans can be. When worn with a blouse, they can be as professional as a suit.

Look for the stand-by pieces that you see time and again. Whether casual, formal or anywhere in between, you'll find that it's far simpler to purchase a wardrobe you can appreciate for years to come if you stick by this rule.

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