The flop-proof outfit
February 15th, 2007This timeless and “of the moment” outfit can take you almost everywhere. It’s forever-fashionable, casually comfortable, effortlessly chic, unfussy and safe. It cuts across age, fashion persona and body type because it’s adaptable. It’s what I call the “flop-proof outfit” and it is based on a simple formula:
smart denim + shirt or girly top + jacket + heels + statement bag
You can adapt these components a little further to suit your style and the season:
- Keep it classic with simpler silhouettes if you are a little older
- Add the “it” a-line jacket if you are a trendy fashionista
- Match up a boho babydoll if you like hippy chic
- Sport the collegiate look with argyles and pinstripes
- Stay avant guard if you prefer to dress in designer brands
T-shirts and sneakers are not the right items to add to this particular mix, because they take way the sophisticated element that you want to convey. This flop-proof way of dressing will take you to dinner parties, school functions, date nights, luncheons, smart casual events, less formal work days and most evenings out. Use accessories to dress the items up or down.
Now that smarter denim and trouser jeans have become an acceptable part of most dress codes, it’s wise to take advantage of this versatile way of dressing. Start introducing this tried and tested formula into your wardrobe and you won’t go wrong.
 Trendy |
 Classic |
 Bohemian |
 Sporty  Avant Guard |
Different variations on the “flop-proof” outfit theme.
February 15th, 2007 at 11:56 am
This is my favorite site for fashion tips! Thanks!
February 15th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Love this and use it often. Any suggestions for using this during the summer–i.e., what would you do in place of the jacket? I’m in the south!
February 15th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Absolutely. Substitute tailored walk shorts for jeans, open strappy sandals for closed shoes, and add a short-sleeved unlined cotton or linen jacket. This should keep you cool enough in air conditioning.
If the unlined cotton jacket is still too hot - substitute a pretty breezy girly blouse with cotton camisole instead. As long as you keep your shoes and bag smart and elegant - you’ll retain the sophisticated element that you are looking for.
February 15th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
This is been my fashion standby for years - Altho I prefer flashier ethnic jackets - the cotton ones are great for summer! And I also have grades of denim - lighter ones for warmer weather and heavier ones for the colder….
February 15th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
This is a great “formula” that I am definitely working on building in my wardrobe. Could you please expand on “heels”–the closest I have would be Dansko clogs! Any ideas for comfortable, but smart, heels? Do clogs fit the bill there? I’d prefer 2″ or less in heel height. Thanks!
February 15th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
I’m afraid that Dansko clogs won’t quite do the trick. Albeit comfortable, they’re too casual for this look. You’ll need a sophisticated shoe to complete the flop-proof outfit.
There is lots that you can do to doctor an elegant shoe into becoming something that you can actually walk in. Insoles and super feet can work wonders for a start. Consider a dressy kitten heel or one inch ballet flat form brands like Tarryn Rose, Paul Green, Kenneth Cole and Cole Haan. You might want to read some of my entries in the footwear category where I discuss these points in more detail.
March 2nd, 2007 at 9:17 am
[…] Jackets are a vital component to the flop-proof outfit and versatile in every sense. They “make a statement without trying to hard”. Find one with stretch and it will also be very comfortable. […]
December 5th, 2007 at 7:44 am
[…] (turtle neck) is a great alternative to a shirt when it’s cold. This is the masculine version of the flop-proof outfit and will serve men well for almost any smart casual […]
January 30th, 2008 at 5:48 am
[…] an update to refresh your memory on this flop-proof outfit. At a high level, this is the simple […]