FASHION WITHOUT COMPROMISE - MODEST FASHION

By Sarah Martin

I have a section in my closet that I’ve reserved for my staples, my go-to, ready-to-wear clothes that I can grab on a moment's notice without thinking twice. I strongly believe that every girl should have a staple section of their closet consisting of no more than six or seven pieces that can all mix and match to get you ready for a night on the town or the most professional of engagements.

The name of the game is preparation. All of these items are meant to help you look and feel as prepared as possible. Even for a budget savvy girl, your staple section is certainly the place to splurge. You need to love these items so that when you wear them, not only do you feel prepared, but you feel confident and lovely.

1. A Great Blouse

   The style of your blouse doesn’t matter as much as what it does. It should be flattering, but not overly flashy. You should be able to wear this blouse to a job interview, a night out, or to meet the parents. My staple blouse is a navy blue fitted sweater during the winter and a patterned white button-down in the summer. One of the main reasons I picked each of these is because I don't need to iron them. If your go-to blouse wrinkles badly, it wont be ready the moment you need it.

   Don't be afraid of color! My mother believes fervently that a staple blouse should be stark white, but I disagree. Your blouse can be whatever color you prefer as long as it works with the rest of your staple section.

2. Pencil Skirt

   Yes, a skirt. Even if you don’t like skirts, it is a good habit to keep one on hand just in case. The traditional pencil skirt that comes to mind is black or maybe a dark grey. Mine, however, is beige lace so don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Your pencil skirt shouldn’t be too tight, you may need to do a bit of walking in it, but again, it should still be flattering.

   I received my pencil skirt as a gift and I can honestly say it has been the most useful gift I’ve ever had. I wear it all the time, not just because it’s my staple, but because I love it. It’s appropriate for church, for meetings, for interviews, and for just about anything else.

3. Jacket or Blazer

   It may seem silly, but nothing shakes my nerves like being cold. I lose focus, I daze off, I simply don’t want to be there. Be prepared for cold. The weather can change on a moment's notice. Your day activity my be extended into a night activity. The office you are interviewing in may be absolutely freezing. Being prepared with a nice jacket or blazer can be very impressive to a boss or potential boss because it means you are prepared. Aesthetically, a blazer can also bump your staple outfit up professionally. Each situation is different, so it is always good to plan for the worst.

   A word of caution: Blazers are very “in” at the moment. You can find them anywhere, which is great. But it also means that there are more poor quality and poor looking options to sift through. Make sure, if you do purchase a blazer, that it is a good quality material and is put together in a professional-looking manner. You want your blazer to last you a long time and to do you the justice it should.

4. Great Heels or Flats

   Good shoes are very important. Shoes can make or break your outfit. My staple shoes are black heels, about three inches, pointed toe–the classic pump. I found mine at a Good Will for seven dollars. You should feel comfortable that your shoes aren’t going to hurt too bad and that they are going to stay on if you walk around.

   If you don’t do heels though, flats are completely appropriate in any situation and can be an even better option if you are doing a lot of walking. Keeping both sets of shoes handy is your best option if you do feel comfortable in heels.

5. Black Jeans

   These are more specifically for a night on the town, but could certainly be worn for something a little more formal if the situation allows. Black jeans are flattering, useful, go with everything, and they never go out of style. I’m on my third pair because I wear them out so fast. Black jeans look great with a flat, heel, or boot and will go with nearly any color top.

   Just like any other kind of jean, you need to decide which style works best for your body type. Just because all the girls at your school are wearing skinny jeans does not mean that you have to as well. Try a boot cut or a straight leg. Do what you feel comfortable and beautiful in.

6. Accessory Niche

   The worst part of getting ready quickly is usually trying to find those smaller pieces like belts and earrings. Keeping your staple jewelry and belt (if necessary) all in one place can save precious time and keep you as calm as possible.

   It is amazingly useful to have a small sandwich bag stuffed with a few bobby-pins, hair ties, lip gloss, and a lady-product or two just in case. Strategically place your bag, maybe in the pocket of your blazer, so you can grab it at a moment's notice in times of desperation. It can absolutely save your life, or at least your event.

A staples section can be an immensely useful tool if you use it right. Though I wear my staple items regularly, I actually keep them in a separate section of my closet, off to one side. I always know where they are when I need them and can get to them in a moment's notice.

Ladies, I hope that this Go-To list helped! Please remember to think outside of the box and be creative with your staples; they don’t have to be boring, they can be fun and fresh.

Have fun!

Sarah Martin is a student at Brigham Young University and is pursuing a major in print journalism. She loves fashion and aspires to work on a fashion magazine that expresses the values of modesty she has come to revere.

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