Minimal Luxury Wardrobe Remake: formalising the basics.
The point of a minimal wardrobe is to create ease and versatility; but also, if every piece is special, then anything can feel dressed up for a formal occasion. In this post, I'll be introducing some pieces into the wardrobe for formalising the basics.
Formalities are subjective, of course, but in this installment I add just a few pieces into the existing foundation of blacks, to take the pants, shorts and skirt to a slightly more elevated look.
The first piece I introduce is a 100% silk camisole by a brand called Silk Laundry.
When it comes to dressing for a special occasion - and that could be anything from a dinner out, or a movie, to a work function - I look no further than incorporating fabrics that are luxurious by default.
Some will understand what is meant by the difference between looking 'rich' and looking 'expensive'.
Silk makes one look expensive. And I'll take the obscurity one step further, and say that it is about making the individual, themselves, look expensive; not the outfit.
When I was a teenager, I was hooked on a series by Virginia Andrews, of Flowers in the Attic fame. In one of the novels, the protagonist is told, "Notice how you compliment the dress, and not the other way around."
(It could've been a necklace, not a dress; don't quote me.)
That line struck a chord in me. I remember pondering over it afterwards, and constantly coming back to it.
Back to the silk camisole, it's barely there design, and it's waif-like fabric, are a far cry from the chocolate wrapper dresses that wrap themselves around a figure and demand credit, and approval, just for being.
I have always disliked the notion that something garners accolades because it would be rude not to acknowledge the very apparent effort put in. For me, a special piece is something that did all the work in the blueprints of its design.
I mean, just try to break the perfection of a sylph-like, silk slip.
It lifts the status of a pair of otherwise unremarkable black shorts, or pants, with its nod to the luxurious and its fluid drape.
Another piece, (actually, it's two pieces, worn together), that I've decided to keep as an integral part of my 'formal' wardrobe, is that of two billowy, silk chiffon tops.
These were gifted to me by my mum, and are made by a New Zealand designer whose label is known as Pearl. The designer is a long-time friend of my mums, so it's nice to have a piece in my wardrobe with some sentimental value.
These two tops are totally sheer, but when worn together they are opaque enough to wear without worrying at all about transparency. Carefully thought out, these pieces create a gauze-like haze of black mist around the body, and the way they move could also be described as a haze. They hang way from the body, especially the larger piece worn on top, and are a really unexpected twist on elegance.
The pinpricks of light dotted about the neckline, due to perfectly placed Swarovski crystals, are a beautiful touch that lifts the pieces without leaning too far into girlishness.
They don't glitter. They don't sparkle. They just have a subtle glint reminiscent of a clear night sky.
What are your staple pieces for formalities, that carry their own and can be mixed and matched with just about anything, for an air of elegance?
Items shown in video:
Pants: Made by me
Shorts: Made by me
Waistcoat: Made by me
Skirt: Harris Tapper
Silk camisole: Silk Laundry
Silk chiffon tops: Pearl
Shoes: FEIT
Belt: Calvin Klein
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