overnight socialite

Bridie Clark, author of The Overnight Socialite, shared some tips on how to dress like you've got a trust fund and a ton of money to spare. Wouldn't that be nice?

The "socialite look" is just a matter of mastering a few basic rules. 

  1. Figure out what works and stick with it. Anchor your wardrobe with clean lines, good fabrics, classic tailoring. Develop a signature look...even a uniform. Avoid trends. The look you're striving for is fresh but timeless, and most trends have an expiration date.
  2. Before you make a purchase, try to calculate Cost-Per-Wear. A Burberry trench that you'll wear every spring for the rest of your life could be worth a splurge. Likewise you'll always want to wear a great watch, "everyday" jewelry with just the right amount of bling, a simple clutch for evening, a tote that's comfortable but chic. And a little black dress -- you'll wear it all the time. 
  3. Buy at the right time. Stores need to turn over their inventory to make room for new arrivals, so keep your eye out for sales. There's definitely a right time (usually January) and a wrong time (November) to buy that shearling coat. 
  4. Buy more than one. Say you find the perfect pair of jeans. The right length, the right wash, the right silhouette from every angle. This is a good moment to splurge by doubling down on an extra pair (and if they're really that fabulous, two). Same goes for all your basics -- white tailored shirts, black ballet flats, socks. This way you'll have a fresh set to rotate in when the original starts to show wear and tear.
  5. Never compromise on fit. Who cares if it's cashmere -- if the sweater doesn't fit properly, donate it. Keep your wardrobe as streamlined as possible. 
  6. Take care of what you have. Skip bleach -- it will hurt the fibers of your clothing after many washes. Instead, soak whites in hot water using detergent and a bleach alternative, like white vinegar. Be vigilant about separating colors. Your jeans and delicates should never see the inside of a dryer. Lastly, spot-clean items instead of always dry-cleaning -- it'll save you money, and save your clothes the chemical treatment.   
  7. Never pay retail. Why blow your budget at the mall when there are so many places to buy designer clothing at deep discounts? Sites like Gilt, eBay, and consignment shops are just some of the spots you'll find marked-down treasures that look like you bought them on Fifth Avenue. Somebody did.
  8. Master a speedy daytime beauty routine. We all need to get out the door quickly sometimes. After your shower, massage a small amount of mousse into the roots of your hair, flip your head and use a flat brush to blowdry hair into straight, shiny panels. Smear on some tinted moisturizer with SPF, some mascara, and some lipgloss, and you're good to go.
  9. To paraphrase Coco Chanel, remove one accessory before you walk out the door. Less is more. If you want to look effortlessly elegant, put quality ahead of quantity and keep your look simple.
  10. Exercise clothing should be worn solely to exercise. OK, and back and forth to the gym. Socialites don't allow themselves to lapse into that comfy, sloppy look that can be so tempting on a Sunday morning.

 

I'm going to (sort of) agree with everything except number 10 -- some exercise clothing can look super chic, especially with baby spit up on it!

 

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