If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I am into fashion. I have written about it several times from "Librarian Fashion (no, that's not an oxymoron) to a history of Baby Boomer fashion ("A Baby Boomer's Fashion Show: A Short History of the Last 65 Years in the Clothes We Wore") to fashion advice for us older, curvier ladies ("Fashion Inspiration for the Woman of a Certain Age - and Size!").
So, of course, I would be drawn to this MasterClass. And who wouldn't want some tips from Tan France, the style guy on the new version of "Queer Eye?" And lest you men out there think there is nothing here for you, you would be wrong. When Tan France says " style for everyone," he means it.
In a series of 12 videos (2 hours and 19 minutes), France teaches us how to be the very best versions of ourselves. He promises that at the end of the class "You will feel wonderful," because style commands respect and investing in your image can change your life.
With the caveat that rules can be broken, he lays out "The Rules of Great Style," and adds, yes, rules can be broken but first, you need to know the rules.
- Know your proportions - realize your are not a super model. You are not meant to wear those runway clothes.
- Know yourself - don't wear something that is not you.
- Let go of archaic rules e.g. curvy girls don't need to wear A-line dresses (thank the lord!)
- Let go of "dressing for your age (thank, god)!"
- Add great accessories
And speaking of accessories, he says that Coco Chanel ruined accessories for us when she said before going out look at yourself in the mirror and remove one thing. He says NOT to limit yourself. Load up those accessories!
France then goes on to discuss the importance of a "Capsule Wardrobe," which is a collection of neutral classic pieces that you can mix and match.
I couldn't help but laugh here. I have the equivalent of about 100 capsule wardrobes (this is only one of my closets)!
Anyway, a good capsule wardrobe should consist of:
1. A great coat
2. A leather jacket
3. Button up shirts in neutral colors
4. A great fitting suit
5. Neutral sweaters
6. T-shirts (black, white, navy and khaki)
7. A couple of pairs of denim jeans (how about 20)?
8. Wonderful footwear - white sneakers, a nude heel or a dressed up flat.
9. A statement belt - if you need a belt to hold up your pants they are too big. Get them tailored!
10. A little classic dress
Check, check, check, check, check, check, check, check, check and check.
And if you guys are still out there, note all of that capsule wardrobe applies to you too - well, maybe not the nude heel, dressed up flats or little classic dress. Instead, for shoes, you need the sneakers, as well as a black boot and a brown shoe or boot. But all of the rest applies.
Tan goes on to then show how to turn this capsule wardrobe into all kinds of looks, how to transition from brunch to work to evening and the importance of adding accessories (they show that you give a damn about how you look).
All along he shares various fashion tips and here is my favorite:
If you want to keep your denim jeans in great shape, don't wash them. Keep them in the freezer. The freezer will kill bacteria. He only washes his jeans about twice a year. That may work for guys but I don't see it working for us gals.
As for finding your own personal style?
Who do you admire? Find someone you think looks nice. You are not copying, you are being inspired. Then create a mood board that has the vibe you are going for. According to Tan, you don't need to wear designer clothes to have style. In fact, just because you wear designer clothes doesn't mean you have style. Style is how you put things together. Fashion is fussy; style is fun.
He then goes on to show how to get the right fit (it's all about balance and he is really into tailoring), how to shop in person and online (I didn't need any help with that!), how to stay current (he's not into hoarding clothes - oops!), and he warns that you will make mistakes on your journey to find your style and that's okay, it happens. It's the way you learn what works for you.
And the final takeaway is this: your wardrobe should make you feel wonderful so stand tall with confidence in clothes you love. Make an effort to make every day a special occasion day.
Yes, sir!
So, was it worth it?
Sure. Spending a couple of hours with Tan France was fun. He is a charming guy who will give you confidence in finding your style. However, I will say that this is aimed more at the fashion beginner, not someone like me who has been shopping her head off for most of her life and hoards, er, has lots of clothes.
And beyond!
But he did his job. If you are into fashion or just want to look good and need or want some inspiration, this is for you.
As for me, he was right. Finding my personal style has made me feel wonderful!