Two months of this new year have passed and I want to ask you one (or two) quick question(s): do you know what to wear in 2016? Is your wardrobe ready? While we may be excited to start the year with fresh outfits and garments, it is important to go through what you already have and sort them out.
If you are aware of what you own, you will be more prone to buy new items that will complement your closet and avoid any wastage of money through duplication or out of style garments. You know Carrie Bradshaw’s famous quote, right? ”I like my money right where I can see it, hanging in my closet.”
Preparing your wardrobe for 2016 is not rocket science and the first step is to actually make space in your closet. With time, we tend to buy clothes and accumulate them until we no longer remember that we own them! Make space by giving away what you no longer need or use – what may be old for you now, can make the day of someone who can barely afford these kinds of clothes.
The second step for what to wear in 2016 is to build on what you already own. Look out for trend-proof items (such as the everlasting pair of jeans and simple tee) and outfit multipliers (basic outfits that match most garments). Now, check out what the latest trends are and make a shopping plan. Choose items that you would be comfortable in and are attuned to your personality and taste.
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” (Rachel Zoe)
Of course, each wardrobe will vary according to their owner’s taste, color preferences, and budget. Yesterday’s fashion can be remodeled to tomorrow’s fashion, so if you know how to sew then you can certainly revamp your old clothes into new and fresh designs.
The third step is choosing a base color for your wardrobe. A base color will significantly affect your wardrobe and shopping habits since it will define the skeleton of your apparel. Idyllically, your base color should be a neutral one like black, brown, navy, or khaki for the bottom part. Black is the most chosen color since it is not only flattering, but also travels well and hides any stains in case you splash something on yourself.
So, Do You Know What To Wear In 2016?
#1 Going Out
Choosing what to wear in 2016, when you plan to go out with your friends, on a date or for a special occasion can be very time consuming if you have no idea on how to dress up. For a girls’ outing, you can opt to choose one of these outfits:
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Madewell Checked Twill Shirt Dress
“We love the laid-back appeal of Madewell’s shirt dress. Made from super soft black and white checked twill, the relaxed shape of this style is enhanced by a gently curved hem and turned-up cuffs. “
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Etro Printed Silk-Crepe Mini Dress
“Printed with a beautiful array of florals, Etro’s silk-crepe dress is cut with a V-neck and fluted hem – flattering details that create the illusion of a narrower waist. Wear yours with heels or flats depending on the occasion.”
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Alice + Olivia Klynn Crepe Top
“Alice + Olivia’s eye-catching red ‘Klynn’ top is cut from smooth crepe. Darted for a streamlined shape, it’s cropped to reveal the most flattering part of your waist. Complement the silhouette with a full high-waisted skirt.”
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Pierre Balmain Button-Detailed Quilted Stretch-Denim Shorts
“Pierre Balmain’s light blue stretch-denim shorts are cut in a flattering high-rise silhouette. They’re quilted at the sides and punctuated with two rows of embossed silver buttons along the front. Wear yours with a tucked-in top and sneakers at the weekend.”
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Madewell Stretch-Denim Shorts
“Madewell’s stretch-denim shorts are detailed with frayed cuffs and patch pockets. They have polished buttons along the front to accentuate the high-rise fit. We like them styled with a tucked-in top and flats.”
For a date or special occasion, you might like one of the following:
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Maison Margiela Light Enver Chiffon-Paneled Washed-Satin Dress
“Elegant deconstruction is a recurring theme at Maison Margiela. This ‘Light Enver’ dress is cut from washed-satin with a chiffon overlay that drapes and moves beautifully at the back. Complete your look with bare legs and boots. “
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Alice + Olivia Avani Embroidered Tulle Top
“Alice + Olivia’s tulle ‘Avani’ top is intricately embroidered with white and gold threads in a pretty floral motif. Cut in a flattering cropped silhouette, it’s finished with scalloped edges that highlight the narrowest part of your waist. Pair it with the matching skirt as an elegant alternative to a party dress.”
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Pierre Balmain Organza-Paneled Stretch Cotton-Blend Satin-Twill Jumpsuit
“Glamorous and so flattering, Pierre Balmain’s jumpsuit has exaggerated pockets that create the illusion of a slimmer waist and is paneled with sheer organza. This cotton-blend satin-twill piece is woven with just a hint of stretch for flexibility.”
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Alexander Mcqueen Off-the-Shoulder Knitted Mini Dress
“Alexander McQueen’s mini dress is knitted with a figure-flattering white bouclé finish. Cut to sit off your shoulders, this softly structured style elegantly frames your décolletage and flares out into a fluted skirt. We love it toughened up with brogues.”
#2 Going To Work
The way you dress when you go to work will depend largely on where you work. What to wear in 2016 for work? One of the most common business attires that most women choose to wear is the blazer; either as formal wear or casual.
You should choose and buy your work apparel to accentuate your body shape, make you comfortable and also bring out your positivity! Below are a few examples of what to wear in 2016 for work:
- Formal wear – trousers or skirts
Petite Women’s Halogen One-Button Stretch Suit Jacket
“A tailored suit jacket features all the classic styling details in a shorter, fitted silhouette cut from a season-spanning stretch fabric.”
Women’s Theory ‘Gabe’ Stretch Wool Blazer
“A touch of stretch eases the fit of a polished virgin wool blazer tailored in a single-button style and fronted with high notched lapels.”
In the summer, nothing beats the traditional black dress – elegant and classy.
Women’s French Connection ‘Feather Ruth’ Fit & Flare Dress
“A refined stretch-woven dress is topped with an elegant bateau neckline, fitted with darts at the inset waist and then flared to a flirty full-circle skirt.”
Women’s Classiques Entier ‘Ocean Tweed’ Collarless Tweed & Ponte Jacket
“Professional and sophisticated, a collarless jacket that frames textured tweed with a sleek ponte knit is streamlined with zip-front styling.”
- Casual wear outfits
Women’s Cupcakes and Cashmere ‘Brixton’ Blazer
”Add instant polish to your laid-back look with a versatile blazer styled with notched lapels, front flap pockets and long sleeves that roll to reveal cool contrast stripes.”
Petite Women’s Classiques Entier Three Quarter Sleeve Stripe Jacquard Jacket
“Variegated stripes refresh a jacquard jacket tailored for a feminine fit with cropped sleeves and sporty zip pockets.”
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Erdem Vivi Floral-Print Jersey Mini Dress
“Cut from flexible jersey, it’s cleverly paneled to follow the contours of your body before flaring out into a feminine skirt.”
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3.1 Phillip Lim Belted Cotton-Blend Dress
“3.1 Phillip Lim’s midnight-blue dress is darted for a figure-flattering fit. Crafted from cotton-blend designed to retain its shape, it has a cutout back and belted waist that accentuates your narrowest part. “
#3 Accessories
- Bags – “Life is short. Buy the bag”. (GiGi, New York)
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Cristopher Kane Safety Buckle Shoulder Bag
“Christopher Kane’s PVC bag combines two brand signatures – the safety buckle and lace. This transparent envelope-style design is framed with midnight-blue leather and sized to hold your cell phone, wallet, and lipstick. Wear it cross-body or tuck the strap in, to hold it as a clutch.”
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Alexander McQueen Heroine Large Shoulder Bag
“Alexander McQueen’s black leather ‘Heroine’ shoulder bag is designed with two internal compartments lined in soft suede. This versatile piece works day or night. “
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Nano Tie Leather Shoulder Bag
“Created with city-goers in mind, KARA’s smooth leather shoulder bag is designed for cool, effortless wear. This versatile sand-hued style has slim ties and an interior patch pocket to hold your phone or cards. Carry it on the shoulder or cross-body.”
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Givenchy Medium Pandora Bag in Black Leather
“Givenchy’s iconic ‘Pandora’ bag is reworked for the new season in off-white canvas and sleek black leather. Accented by complementing silver hardware, this slouchy, twill-lined design is equipped with two internal compartments sizable enough to keep your daily essentials organized. Use the top handle or carry it cross-body with the detachable strap on busier days.”
- Shoes – “All you really need is the right pair of shoes.” (Cinderella)
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Cristopher Kane Lace-Print Leather Sneakers
“Part of Christopher Kane’s Resort ’16 collection, these beige and black leather sneakers are printed in the label’s signature ‘lover’s lace‘ motif. They have soft cushioning and are finished with a shock-absorbing rubber sole for the most comfortable stride. Wear yours with everything from mini dresses to off-duty denim.”
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Jimmy Choo Flora Leather-Trimmed Denim Sandals
“Jimmy Choo’s peep-toe ‘Flora’ sandals combine sleek black leather with blue denim. The elegant crisscross straps secure with a buckle for a customized fit. This pair looks chic with office attire and cocktail dresses alike. “
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Miu Miu Satin-Trimmed Patent-Leather Pumps
“Miu Miu’s pumps were seen with a number of looks on the Spring ’16 runway. They have been crafted in Italy from glossy red patent-leather and decorated with detachable ribbons that wind around your ankle – switch between black satin or gingham to suit any look.”
- Jewelry – “Jewelry has the power to be this one little thing that can make you feel unique.” (Jennie Kwon of Jennie Kwon Designs)
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Valentino Metal Glam Bracelet
“Valentino’s ‘Metal Glam’ bracelet is punctuated with the house’s signature gold-tone brass flip lock and pyramid studs. This Italian-made accessory is crafted from soft black leather that becomes even more supple over time.”
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Cornelia Webb Gold-Plated Necklace
“Stockholm-based jewelry designer Cornelia Webb emphasizes the expert craftsmanship in her work through artisanal details. This gold-plated brass necklace has three organically molded rings – where the fingerprint marks are still visible. They’re strung on a delicate chain that can be worn at two different lengths.”
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Jennifer Fisher Double Knot Gold-Plated Cuff
“Jennifer Fisher describes her Fall ’15 collection as “sculptural, substantial and timeless.” This ‘Double Knot’ cuff is cast from smooth gold-plated brass and knotted at the open ends. It securely coils around your wrist and is perfect for stacking”
The biggest jewelry trend in 2016 so far is the infamous choker.
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Jennifer Fisher Flat Plate Silver-Plated Choker
“Jennifer Fisher’s sleek ‘Flat Plate’ choker is a simple, versatile design that works equally well for day or evening. Cast from polished silver-plated brass coated with rhodium, this lightweight piece slips on to sit comfortably high on your neck. Showcase it with an off-the-shoulder top.”
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Lanvin Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Silk-Satin Necklace
“Lanvin’s necklace is made from glossy black silk-satin cord designed to be tied closely around your neck. It’s tipped with two silver-tone pewter and brass beads encrusted with light-catching Swarovski crystals. Try layering it with fine chains.”
Besides all of these, the best accessory that you should actually own and definitely wear in 2016 is your smile! It may sound cliché, but nothing looks better than a well-dressed lady with a pretty smile! Trust me.
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