One of the best things you can do to build your wardrobe is to concentrate on one clothing category- the classics. Those practical pieces that have the versatility to go from trend to trend, day to evening, season to season. As I have said before, if you are shopping under a tight budget, it is always best to fill your closet with classics first, then spend less on trendy statement accessories that will transform your look into the "it" look of season.
One great thing about the classics- you don't have to pay a lot to get a lot. Because every woman in all walks of life wears the classics, you couldn't closely tell a DVF from a Massimo when you've found the right fit. In this series of posts, I will give suggestions of what I think are the ultimate must-haves, where to find them, and how to wear them just right.
The Trouser
A great pair of black or grey pants will do wonders for your wardrobe. Great for work and play, the trouser is a simple way to reach complete sophistication.
Fit: The easiest way to entirely ruin a great pair of trousers is a bad fit. If the trouser is too short, sophistication goes straight out the window; but if too long, the looks turns slightly sloppy. Wear or carry a pair of heels when shopping for this classic item. When you try the trousers on with them, the hem should hit just a tiny bit above the floor. If you are tall (like me), look for a pair that has a cuff at the hem- that way you can take the pair to a tailor and use the extra fabric for lengthening the hemline. Also, this pant should never be too tight. A great indication of a too-tight trouser is a well too defined booty, creases that form around the front of the hips, and worst of all, a muffin top (a waistline that squeezes your hips/stomach so much that it creates a sort of bulge around the middle). Don't be afraid to go up a size if necessary, no one but you knows what size you're wearing and you'll feel better and look thinner in a size that fits you appropriately.
The Ensemble: You know you've found the perfect pair of trousers when you put them on, feel great in them, and think to yourself, "Wow, I could wear these with anything!" Blouses, sweaters, cardigans, knits, halters, blazers, etc, etc, etc! For work wear with anything with a sleeve (short, 3/4, wrist or long in length) and for play dress them up by baring a little more skin with a cute halter or one-shoulder top. As long as you look and feel fabulous, anything goes!
Taking on the Trends: A great way to take a a trouser from one trend to the next is by accessorizing with great shoes and belts. With stores like H&M, Forever 21, and Target putting out trendy shoes each season, you are bound to find a fabulous, on-trend pair at a low cost. However, you must consider the type of shoe for the season- bulky wedges and platforms are generally trouser no-no's as they deter the straight line of the pant and over power the look as a whole. Go with a pretty pump or stiletto in the season's hottest hue to lengthen the leg and be on track with the trends. Right now belts of all shapes, sizes, textures and colors are considered in style. My personal favorite is the skinny belt. I think it adds just the right touch of class without looking over-accessorized (another big fashion faux-pas in my book).
Here are some fabulous options from Banana Republic (bananarepublic.com) at even more fabulous prices.
718 Martin Sleek Straight Pant
$78.00 on sale for $55.30
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Jackson Sleek Classic Wide-Leg Pant
$98.00 on sale for $68.60
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Martin Stretch Cotton Trouser
$79.00
Olivia Wilde in Reem Acra
Eva Longoria in Reem Acra
For the Sweet and Sassy
For the Beach Bum
For the Bronze Bombshell 
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