What is classic fashion?

Learning how to tell fashion from fad can be quite simple. The rule is that fashion never dies and fads barely last long enough to take a few breaths. Before you buy your next shirt, skirt, shoes, or dress, you need to ask yourself the all-important question.

Is this what I want to be seen wearing?

Sometimes it's hard and you get pulled in by a flashy style or outrageous pattern, but keep in mind that the item doesn't exist as a piece of art. You'll need to wear it. For a moment you may actually believe that you want that shirt, or even need it. Is that you speaking or just the fad fairies making you think you want it because you saw something just like it in a magazine?

You need to decide before you are faced with that next tempting fad item that you'll ask these important and telling questions before you pull out your wallet.

Will you wear it? It might seem like a silly question, but you'd be surprised how many outfits I've bought and never worn. Try to be honest with yourself about where and when you think you'll wear that special piece.

If you decide you definitely want to be seen wearing it you can congratulate yourself and move onto the next question.

Will you wear it? Yes, same question, and I'm not trying to be cute. Will you wear the item if no one else is wearing it? If you hesitate even a moment, it's not classic fashion.

Classic fashion is the style that you see and know immediately that you must have. Not because you saw something just like it twenty times on the street, but because it's something that you can picture yourself wearing for many years to come. There's no science to the perfect wardrobe items because we're all so unique in our lifestyles. In the end, you have to trust yourself and your gut feelings, and then you'll never go wrong.

While it's true that there are no perfect styles for every shape, size and personality, there are some basic items that will fill out your closet nicely.

Every man, woman and child needs a good comfortable well-fitting pair of jeans. A must have. You cannot live without.

Black is the key word in color choice for everything else. Everyone looks good in black and it mixes well with all other colors and patterns. You can never go wrong with black. T-shirts. Turtlenecks. Sweaters. Pants. Dresses. Coats. And, of course, shoes.

Once you have these important basics in black you can allow yourself the occasional splurge of color. Greys, browns and blues are best because of their mix and match potential. It's not that you should never buy a purple shirtdress with white stripes -- it's just that you should be able to answer the "Will I wear it?" question with a firm affirmative.

Of course, if a fad item appears on the scene that you feel you must own even if you're only going to wear it twice, then buy it as cheap as possible without sacrificing quality. This way you won't feel bad if next year it ends up at the thrift shop for someone else to enjoy.

Spend your money on the classics. Items you know you'll wear year after year. These are the items that you should buy in high quality. These are your fashion classics -- what you'll base the rest of your wardrobe around. Don't worry, they'll earn their stay. You'll be happy you spent your money on the classics as you watch your friends dumping their fad items and asking how you manage to always look so classy.

 Think smart. Think sharp. And think long lasting, and you'll always be in style.