Introspections
BY S U Z A N N E P O L L A K
IT’S CHIC TO WEAR A FANTASTIC “SOMETHING” OVER AND OVER TO MAKE IT YOUR SIGNATURE. JUST AS SMART HOSTS COOK THEIR FAVORITE RECIPE AGAIN AND AGAIN-NO MATTER WHO COMES TO DINNER-BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR GUESTS LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR CULINARY SPECIALTY, THE CHICEST WOMEN THROUGHOUT HISTORY KNOW THE STYLE REPETITION SECRET.
134 | M A Y 2018
That something can be an accessory, a dress, a shoe. I learned from native and expatriate ladies swanning into my parents’ 1960s cocktail parties all over Africa. Women wore cigarette pants for casual affairs and jewel-toned satin mini cocktail dresses at fancier parties. Along with real hairdos (coifs, updos), eyeliner flaring out just like Cleopatra’s, brilliant lips inhaling pearl or golden cigarette holders, and perhaps even a huge cocktail ring or elaborate earrings, none of these beauties boasted an expansive wardrobe with unlimited choices, but they had a cocktail uniform that took them anywhere. Once these vital decisions are made, brains are free to tackle life’s thornier problems: whom to invite to your party; which stranger to talk to first at someone else’s; how to grab attention, connect, ignite a fire, or tactfully end a conversation that’s headed nowhere. As a teenager, I appropriated the tip immediately and forever. Deciding and simplifying what to wear is cheaper and quicker once you know what suits you. Dressing becomes a snap, so be loyal and stick with your style. Adding that something extra or taking it off can make the outfit appropriate for the particular party and place.
