For everyone out there who is a Project Runway fan, you are most likely aware of Tim Gunn's own reality show spin off "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style"(and naturally know who Tim Gunn is of course). If you haven't heard Tim has created a one-hour, eight episode series that airs every Thursday at 10PM ET on the Bravo network. To put it quite simply, we are talking about a makeover show with a tasty twist.
Using his combination of tough love and calm guidance, Tim provides women with advice on how to dress according to their age, body type and whatever fashion icon they relate to best. In general, I think the show hits it's mark best in that it does not focus on the one time makeover transformation. The unique quality of this show is that Tim and his assistant Veronica Webb, former model and fashion accomplice, really focus on the education and guidance side of being stylish and encouraging these women to make their own decisions. It is my belief that there are quite a few women out there that are not aware of how to dress themselves and how to purchase appropriate and classic pieces. This show helps educate and inspire all women, no matter their age, background, or knowledge of tailored clothing and fashion trends.
While there are pros and cons of the show as an entire series, there is one consistent tool that I feel every woman should know about and follow as their individual style guidance: Tim Gunn's list of 10 Essential Elements. In the beginning of each episode, Tim and Veronica help the "contestant" clean out their closets and then provide them with a list of 10 items to purchase on their shopping adventure to help revamp their wardrobe. The following ten items are must have basic pieces that every woman must have:
1. Basic Black Dress Ah, the little black dress. This one is my personal favorite and will admit to owning multiple versions. It is a great essential piece because it is classic, always a safe choice and has its’ tendencies to boost a woman’s confidence and sense of femininity. Once you find the perfect fit, the black dress becomes your best friend.
2. Trench Coat A trench coat is an important piece to have as it lends itself well to a variety of dress codes and weather changes. What more could you ask for? The tricky part in my mind is finding the proper fit. Trench coats are a particularly hot item for this fall, so most stores are carrying them in a variety of colors, patterns and lengths.
3. Classic Dress Pants Classic dress pants are great for the office, dinner parties or an evening on the town. I would suggest a pair in black as it is flattering on most body types and will allow for more outfitting with tops of your choice varying in color, pattern or texture.
4. White Shirt
The white button down shirt is a classic staple that every woman needs in her closet. It is the piece that pulls many outfits together and can stand on it's own as a simple yet chic piece. I tend to look for crisp clean blouses that are structured in shape and have feminine detailing at the collar or waistline.
5. Jeans When shopping for jeans, the process of finding the perfect style and flattering fit can be tricky and somewhat stressful. Trends right now in denim include the wide leg trouser fit, the low rise boot cut and of course the skinny jean. I own one of each - I will wear my trouser fit for a more polished and professional look and keep the boot cut jeans for weekend casual or going out. Women either love or hate the skinny jeans, and you'll know immediately once you try them on. While I would recommend sticking with a high rise, wide leg jean or a classic boot cut, don't be afraid of the skinny jean. Try a pair or two on, and you'll be surprised with the results. If you're still not convinced, try pairing the skinny jean silhouette with a tall pair of boots and a long sweater this fall and winter. It creates a slimming effect on most body types and you just may surprisingly fall in love with a new look. No matter what the style, I always rely on my gut instinct and comfort levels, but I always rely on second and third opinions from the sales associates. Typically stores have denim specialists who have a wealth of knowledge about jeans you may not have known about.
6. Cashmere Sweater To some this may be a rather expensive "staple" to have in your closet, which I'm sure many can relate to. However, cashmere is really a symbol of quality, comfort, simplicity and elegance. When you slip on a cashmere sweater you feel cozy, you feel smart (and we're not talking book lovers here). If 100% cashmere scares you for one reason or the other, many retailers offer a cashmere blend at a lower price point. Again, if you are looking to add a cashmere sweater to your closet, I would definitely suggest sticking to a neutral color and a simple shape to help protect the timeliness of the sweater. You will be able to wear it with any outfit and it will last you throughout the years.
7. Skirt Skirts can be fun and feminine when they fit right according to your body proportions. I actually learned a lot from Tim Gunn's show in what shapes of skirts to purchase according to the frame of my body. I learned to purchase according to what fits right versus buying according to the colors or prints that I am attracted to. Skirts can be flirtatious and professional based on what top or jacket you pair them with. Outfitting with a skirt also provides flexibility to dress your outfit up or dress it down.
8. Day Dress
Last spring and summer, the fashion industry definitely saw a splurge in styles, colors and the sheer mass quantities of dresses make their way into the market and into women’s closets across the country. Women were ditching pants altogether and making a statement with feminine and chic dresses instead. The day dress is fabulous in that it provides a complete, pulled together and fun outfit with only one article of clothing. When you are standing in front of your closet, unsure of what to pair with what, the day dress is a great alternative to all that “thinking” so early in the morning. And, with the colder weather on the way, don’t be afraid of wearing dresses – throw on a pair of boots and a cardigan or long sweater jacket and you’ll have a great outfit that can easily be transitioned from day to night when needed.
9. BlazerBlazers, again similar to trench coats, are a popular trend right now given that the fit is right. I have noticed a lot of tailored jackets with feminine detailing that provides a flattering silhouette when paired with a great pair of wide leg dress pants for the office or your favorite pair of jeans when you are out running around town. Blazers offer a window of opportunity and flexibility when outfitting according to your mood, time of day, and where you are heading out.
10. Sweat Suit Alternative The sweat suit alternative means different things to different people, on different days. Depending on the day this might mean jersey dress with leggings, it may mean a crisp dark pair of trouser jeans and a feminine blouse, it also may mean my yoga pants and a graphic thermal. Others may disagree with me, but in my opinion the sweat suit alternative simply should be anything but sweats and a t-shirt. While I adore my KU hooded sweatshirt on nights cuddled up on my couch, I think Tim’s point with this is to not let comfort take over your personal style. In other words, stay feminine, and do some further digging to find that “alternative” when you’re heading to the grocery store and when those elastic waistband sweats are calling your name fend off those thoughts and I guarantee if you put together a cute little outfit for yourself, you will find a bit more pep in your step.
The list may sound basic or a no-brainer to many, but the focus is really on making sure each piece of clothing fits you correctly. Not according to trends or what magazines and the industry says, but according to what fits your body portions best and boosts all levels of confidence and energy in you as a woman. The lessons Tim Gunn focuses on throughout his show is information that most of us tend to miss or not consider while mindlessly shopping and gabbing away with friends or thinking about what is next on the to-do lists in our heads.
I recently cleaned out my closet and was able to donate multiple bags of clothing to Good Will and with the change in season I encourage everyone to do the same. It feels great to clean out your closet of things you haven’t worn in years, things that simply don’t fit or that one sweater with the coffee stain on the bottom corner that you choose to ignore out of love for your favorite purchase two years ago. It is a way to donate to charity this season and start fresh in creating a simpler closet with the essentials you need to look and feel fabulous, confident, feminine…express your inner Sarah Jessica Parker, Jackie O., Tracy Reese, Coco Chanel or Gwen Stefani…express your own individual style.
No longer do you have to rely on the classic black leather boot with a heel. While this style will always be around, it can get old quickly. In addition to the taller leather and suede classics, we can now start considering the growing shorter boot trend, the "bootie" (Anthropologie.com, $98). The shorter ankle boot has been popping into wardrobes in a variety of texture and patterns. While this is not my personal favorite, it does offer a refreshing and fashion forward look when paired with skirts and dresses. 
