The Triple Threat

THE TRIPLE THREAT:

An Outfit for Any Occasion

                The key to personal style is versatility.  Luckily for us, fashion includes a few classic pieces that will forever be stylish AND that every woman, yes I said it, EVERY woman can pull off.  Style staples include but are not limited to: pencil skirts, cardigans, and wedges.  It is my personal belief that every woman can confidently wear the very same outfit in their own individual way.  The question of the perfect ensemble is answered in the form of wedge shoes, a cardigan, and a pencil skirt.  The fact is that when paired with accessories, the outfit is therefore personalized, creating individuality and personal style.  Wait! Before you run to your fave store ladies, let’s first examine each piece’s role in fashion before I advise you on how to make your own pencil skirt outfit POP.

In Jack Lemmon’s famous line, “Look at that, look how she moves” from the movie Some Like It Hot, he describes seductress Marilyn Monroe dashing through the station wearing an impeccably tailored black pencil skirt in the year of 1959.  The pencil skirt is a product of World War II.  In 1940, the fabulous designer Christian Dior shortened the fabric of its predecessor, the “hobble skirt” of the early 1900s.  As we all know, fashion is history and history does indeed repeat itself.  Dressed up or down, the pencil skirt has been a fashion mainstay since its debut.  The pencil skirt can be found in the fashion industry today despite a slight decline in the 1970s.  Chic as ever, the pencil skirt remains a fashion must-have.

The next article of clothing I would like to examine is the cardigan.  We can thank the 7^th Earl of Cardigan from the late 1800s for introducing the cardigan sweater into the mainstream population.  Harvard also deserves kudos for their introduction of the smart yet casual “lettered” cardigan.  The cardigan then gets another update circa 1920 from beloved Coco Chanel with chains and classic lines.  Paired with the poodle skirt form the 1950s, the cardigan was worn by the majority of the female population.  The cardigan can be worn fully buttoned or partially buttoned and it can even look complete when worn fully open, depending on the look the wearer is trying to achieve.

The wedge heel originates in the 1930s.  This delightful heel is a combination of a platform and a traditional high heel.  Iconic designer Salvatore Ferragamo is responsible for the wedge’s creation.  Simply put, the wedge shoe is classic.  Wedges can be THE perfect shoe for EVERY woman.  Wedges can be found in various forms: a sandal, a pump, bootie, boots, the oh-so-popular sneaker, clogs, Mary Janes, T-straps, and oxfords.  Wedges fit the lifestyles of the entire female species.  Take the woman who is not afraid to get down and dirty, she does many activities that ultra-femme dames would consider a nightmare.  This woman would rather sport a chic sneaker rather than a heel.  The sneaker wedge can replace her flat sneaks andor add flare to her wardrobe.  Not difficult to maneuver in, the wedge shoe accommodates her style without compromising her comfort level.  Tolerable for many hours and also considered to be beachpoolside appropriate, the wedge is acceptable in ANY social setting.  Wedge shoes are undoubtedly a wonderful addition to the bombshell style as well.  The wedge shoe can go anywhere from black-tie affairs to your local library.  These shoes are adaptable by everyone no matter their style, so always remember that wedges are a complement.  Armed with a pair of wedges, a woman can feel reassured that even after non-stop partying/walking/dancing/strolling, she will never end up in that dreadful situation where she ends up barefoot hopelessly toting heels in hand…tisk tisk (yes, I am judging you as will the next person to see the bottom of your feet-if that is you, take a sigh of relief, judge yourself, and clean up chica; if that’s not you, tighten up and hide your feet as best you can…no one wants to see how that looks beyond the party lights, trust me).

Now having an overall history of these three key pieces, we can understand how they can all be put together.  No matter if you find that you are conservative or if you consider yourself to be edgy, the pencil skirt/cardigan/wedge shoe combo WILL work for you.  The trick to making this combination work in your favor is accessorizing.  Accessories are what makes you stand out and makes your outfit complete.  Your accessories make your outfit “YOU.”  Accessories make all the difference between what is on the mannequin and what is on you.  A conservative belle may consider the following outfit:

• A solid color pencil skirt
• A buttoned up cardigan (collar undershirt optional)
• A classic colored closed-toe wedge pumps
• A set of pearl or diamond stud earrings
• A headband
• A tennis bracelet
• Perhaps a dainty anklet
• Perfectly manicured nails, of course!

The funkier dame may opt for the following option:

• A vibrant colored pencil skirt
• An animal print cardigan partially buttoned
• A solid complementing colored bustier
• Wedge booties or edgy wedge pumps
• A cocktail ring
• A statement necklace or statement earrings (NOT both)
• A flashy manicure to go with that awesome ring!

The “No Fuss” Gal might like try the following option:

• A sweat-suit material pencil skirt
• A fitted cotton t-shirt (crisp and white is my personal favorite aesthetically)
• An open or closed solid or print cardigan
• Wedge sneakers
• Minimal jewelry
• Natural, well manicured nails

Whether you prefer to channel Jacky O or you’re more of a Marilyn Monroe type of lady, this trio belongs in your closet!  Every fearless woman can feel their best in the pencil/cardigan/wedge outfit,the trio is essential for everyday fashion.  To sum it all up, the triple threat is HAUTE!