Image Management is the need of the hour! Kamna Mago, Founder – Guise Image Management, is a certified Image Consultant. She practices in various formats such as one on one consultations, workshops etc. She is your friend, philosopher and guide when it comes to achieving your desired image goals.

Kamna Mago
Kamna Mago

Let’s discuss some “basics” as far as clothing goes. Remember, clothes are your biggest communicating factor when it comes to your visual image. The biggest misconception about the basics is that they are boring. In fact, it’s really quite the opposite. Read on, and I’ll show you why!

But first, let’s discuss some classic examples of timeless style.

Ahh… don’t we all love Coco Chanel!  Her elegance, her grace, her poise…

Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel

Then again, think classic and beautiful, and Audrey Hepburn in her LBD from our very favourite Breakfast at Tiffany’s pops into our heads!

Back home, think beauty and you are reminded of all your Yash Chopra heroines, in their classic saris, chiffons and pastel colors.

Ever wondered what makes these women so timeless and classic?

Ladies, the answer is very simple – BASICS (read: Classics!)

Basics allow you to be classy while giving you the freedom to be creative and expressive of your personal style and individuality. With that in mind, here are some tips on how you can make the basics uniquely yours!

1) The Classic White Shirt and Jeans.

The Classic white shirt and jeans
The classic white shirt and jeans

Now, a basic must-have is your classic white shirt. Team it up with some fabulous fitting jeans. Then follow your matching belt-tote-shoe rule, maybe in tan. Wear natural make-up (nude lips, coral blush and eye-shadow, kohl and mascara) and tie up your hair in a neat high ponytail, gelling the crown of your head to give you that crisp neat look. This look can easily take you through the day, a movie date, or a semi-formal meeting.

2) Your Classic LBD.

LBD
LBD

Everyone should invest in a good LBD – however, our figures keep changing all the time. Now you can still wear that little black dress of yours with a little twist. Team it up with your best-fitted short skirt (perhaps one that is a bit flared to counter any flab on your lower body.) Alternatively, if you are one of the lucky ones with a fabulous hourglass figure, don on your body-hugging mini skirt to enhance your curves. This is my idea of  a fine balance between trendy and classic 😉 . To finish off the look, you can accessorize with red lips!

3) The Beautiful Summer/Day Dress.

Day Dress (Photo Courtesy | zara.com; karrenmillen.com; netaporter.com)
Day Dress (Photo Courtesy | zara.com; karrenmillen.com; netaporter.com)

Your very feminine, pastel shade, strappy frilly dress can also be spiced up by adding an additional layer.  Try a light fabric jacket which could again be in a white or a pastel in order to keep with the mood. A jacket can take you from the day right through the evening,without ever losing its understated elegance.

4) Formal Pants.

Formal Pants
Formal Pants

I know, I know, how we hate wearing those formal pants to work. However, they are not as boring as you may think. Get your basic navy, beige and black colored trousers and look for the right fit. Then, try ankle pants, cropped pants, slim fits, flared, and high-waist – there is so much you can do with them.  Team them with medium heeled wedges, stilettos, or ankle boots. The trendy cut of the pants and the 4-inch heel will instantly give that boring formal wear a glamorous lift 🙂

5) The All-Purpose Jacket.

Jackets (Photo Courtesy | netaporter.com, zara.com)
Jackets (Photo Courtesy | netaporter.com, zara.com)

Jackets need not mean manly looking blazers. Choose a lightweight one that follows the silhouette of your body and accentuates its curves. Pick one in a neutral shades so as to increase its wearability. You can team it up with your day dresses, racer back and strappy tees, or formal blouses. The possibilities with jackets are endless!

I’m sure by now you have a fair idea of how to play around with your basics and use them as an expression of your creativity! Remember, basics are your wardrobe must-haves. They help you create versitality in your wardrobe as they can be easily mixed and matched. They are money–savers as a single piece can give you soo many different looks. And, they take you anywhere from the day right through the evening as they’re easy to dress up or down. Now go out and experiment!

website: www.guiseconsulting.com