When it comes to fashion and style, nothing should stand in the way of a woman and the absolutely perfect embodiment of anything ... “iconic”
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Absolutely perfect! The Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses and classic white shirt.
Picture: Pinterest |
AS a journalist, one of my pet hates is the misuse of certain words. Words such as “like” when used instead of “as” or “as if”. Or the word “over” instead of more than.
But it’s the misuse, or should I say overuse, of the word “iconic” that really gets me going. Particularly when used to describe a person or an item of clothing. And, trust me, we’re not talking about the online store!
So let’s take a step back for a moment. What does “iconic” actually mean? An icon is a religious work of art most commonly of the Greek or Russian orthodox churches. Or an image or depiction that represents something else of greater significance through literal or figurative meaning usually associated with religious, cultural, political or economic standing. So “iconic” relates to or is of the nature of an icon.
So why do people use the word to refer to or describe something that is significant or historic with such abandon?
I often see articles that refer to clothing as “iconic”. The “iconic” white shirt, the “iconic” trench coat, the “iconic” little black dress. Those sartorially splendiferous pieces that are so obviously more than the sum of their parts they really cannot be described as anything else. I understand what they are getting at ... suggesting, for example, that the white shirt is the most perfect embodiment of something.
But it begs the question. Can you truly describe a piece of clothing as “iconic”?
I’d prefer to call them “essential”, “perfect”, “absolute” or perhaps, just a plain old “must have”.
Regardless, every woman needs a few of these game-changing pieces in her wardrobe. Those absolutely perfect essential pieces that make you more complete, more confident and more beautiful from the moment you put them on. Simple, throwaway, anonymous even, but mythically important behind closed closet doors. And when they start falling apart due to being over worn (which, of course, they always are) don’t you always wish you’d bought them in bulk?
“The hallmark of perfection is that everything in your wardrobe should work with everything else.”
So how do you update your capsule wardrobe to make it “absolutely perfect” right now?
Well, basic rules still apply. Every woman still needs those absolutely perfect classic basic pieces. But we need to pad that capsule with a few more “absolutely perfects” to make it more wow now.
These are not just any items of clothing. Every one of these pieces is considered more than the sum of its parts. We’re talking absolutely perfect status here, after all.
Sure we could all go out and spend an absolute fortune on a new wardrobe every season, just because we absolutely and categorically “must have” certain things. But restricting your sartorial choices to pieces that work back with what you already have makes for a better edit. In other words, the key to a truly successful wardrobe is to build a core of absolutely perfect classic basics – the building blocks upon which your look and style is created.
The only rule to this new season game is that if you spot a potentially perfect piece, don’t buy one ... buy several. Extravagant? No way!
Remember, ladies, we’re talking absolute perfection. Or some might say “iconic”!
What are the pieces you simply can’t live without?
Are they absolutely perfect? Would love to hear from you
Labels: absolutely perfect pieces, capsule wardrobe, classic wardrobe essentials, classic white shirt, little black dress, the iconic, what every woman needs