The change of season beckons us to update our wardrobes. Runway shows, magazines, shopping websites and social media propel this notion. Being aware and inspired by the current trends is important, but retaining a personal sense of style while still looking fresh, should be the goal. How do you create a look that is up-to-date and chic but not trendy?
It’s just like cooking pea soup. Which, by the way, is delicious, easy and a great meal for springtime.
First, create the mirepoix, or flavor base, by sautéing vegetables in oil or butter. This flavor base comprises elements that you have on hand but are effectively interchangeable, and will steer the direction of your soup. In this case it will be garlic, leeks (onion or shallot can suffice), celery; add carrot if you want.
The mirepoix in your closet are pieces that you already own, that you know look great on you, and that speak to the current trends in some way. This might be color, or shape, or hemline…..it doesn’t have to be any specific piece, but should reference what’s current in some way. Just like the base of your soup can be almost any variation of onion, garlic, carrot, celery…. This spring, for example, you might pull out a great lilac sweater or scarf, pair it with something red or burgundy, since this is a color combination that is looking very current. Or maybe it’s a linen shorts suit you wore the last time this walked the runway, or a dress with a large floral or jungle print.
The next step to your soup is adding the specific ingredient(s) that are integral to this particular recipe; in this case, peas, prosciutto,creme fraiche, and parsley.
You can do this by buying a few pieces that are ON TREND. These pieces, when chosen carefully, will perk up what you own in just the right way. Right now, I’d suggest culottes or bermuda shorts, square toe shoes or sandals, or natural fibers like rafia. When sprinkled in sparingly (like your salt and pepper), they will look au courant without feeling contrived.
The last step is the stock. Your stock is basic, should always be in your freezer, and works for all soup recipes.
In your closet, this translates to YOUR BASICS. The items that you wear season after season, that work with everything you own, and always look great on you. Without making a huge statement, they manage to pull every look together. This could be your favorite jeans, basic white or black pants, your forever white blouse or cardigan, your favorite handbag and jewelry. They are pieces that you have collected over the years that you never have to think twice about.
Choosing the right items that are in your closet but may have been overlooked lately, in combination with key pieces you buy new and the classics that you always love, is the winning recipe for looking chic and up-to-date with each new season. With those ingredients you can always look as fresh as your spring soup tastes!
WHERE TO BUY:
Pastels / Lavender
CULOTTES/BERMUDA SHORTS
FLORALS
SQUARE TOE SANDALS
NATURAL/RAFIA
