‘Think about the best buys you ever made. The clothes that work hardest because they double up and go with lots of other things. The basics you grab most often because they look right and feel good
and you can’t get along without them!’
‘Step 1: Start with a skivvy set, a soft little T-shirt with U neck and long sleeves plus matching side-slit shorts. Step 2: Wear that shirt with a new cast of characters. This year’s pants are supercomfortable painter’s pants in muslin. Step 3: The apron does an encore. Put it on over a skirt and see the mood go a dash dressier.’ ‘Step 4: If the blouse looks familiar, that’s because it’s doubling up with something else… Step 5: Enter this year’s basic T-shirt! It’s tucked into the overall and ready to roll along…’
‘Step 6: The basic T-shirt comes out from under the overall to start a new life! Step 7: Shaping up with the shorts, an environmentalist’s dream of a jacket. Step 8: Return of the painter’s pants — or, you can’t keep a good basic in the closet for long. Step 9: Where have you seen those pants before? Yes, they’re the same $10 wonders. Step 10: What’s more basic than a blazer? This year’s blazer in beggar’s cloth — natural cotton, natural color… Step 11: Little things go a long way. Our girl slips her vest over a marvelous mechanic’s overall in dark blue Indian cotton.’
‘Step 12: A new layer is added to the basic coverall– the tie-strap jumper in gray cotton… Step 13: From jumper to apron in one fell swoop, topping a beautifully basic French cotton workdress. Step 14: This year’s bigdress is getting smaller– the shape is nice and easy but fullness is controlled. Step 15: The dress becomes a tunic to wear with pants. Step 16: Try another version of the apron idea. This one’s a cotton tunic jumper with cutaway sides and a big pocket in front. Step 17: Almost at the finish line! The last double-up is a cool combo of misty blues and gray…’
Photographed by Ron Colby