Wardrobe Must Haves

How many times do you look in the wardrobe and you just don’t have anything to wear?  Most of us wear a mere 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time, which is pretty shocking really. Have you also discovered that when your budget is non existent you find clothes that are a “must have” but a special occasion outfit is never forthcoming when you’re actively looking?

Some of us crave a different outfit every day, so there is nothing I can say to help you pare down to essentials, but for those of you that wants clothes that really work, here are my tips for essentials  that make up the staple backbone of your wardrobe.  Choose colours that coordinate so they can be mixed and matched to create a number of outfits to suit all occasions.  Use belts, jewellery, hats, hosiery and sunglasses to create a myriad of looks.

Must Haves:

1. A great pair of jeans.  Whatever your age and weight, jeans are a must as they can be dressed up or down according to the occasion.  If you have hips, choose a wider leg (boyfriend style) as they will be more flattering.  Petite ladies need to wear them long and a straight leg will suit you the most.  Tall and slim?  You can wear most styles and you are the only shape that suit skinny jeans.  Boot cut flatter everyone as they balance out the hip and lengthen the leg.  As with all trousers, remember to wear them the correct length.  Check the hem - it should reach the crease of the toes.  Choose a higher waisted style if you have muffin top and lycra if you’re curvy.
2. A white shirt is a staple that NEVER dates but you must make sure it’s perfect for you.  Cotton will only look great on women with a small chest and few curves.  The fabric is too stiff to accommodate a large bust without pulling and will also hide a small waist unless it’s cut really well.  Choose material with some lycra if you’re curvy and you’ll find the stretchiness provides much needed comfort.  Team with your jeans, a belt or a great long necklace to jazz up a casual look or with a jacket and trousers to give a more classic feel.
3.  A fabulous T-Shirt.  Choose a good quality fabric that will stand multiple washes.  White is great but other colours may suit you more.
4. LBD – Chanel made it famous and it will always stand the test of time.  Ring the changes by good use of accessories, shoes and tights or a wrap so it looks different on every occasion.
5. Black trousers – well cut and flattering.  As with your jeans, you can smarten them up or pare them down.  There are so many on the market, it’s essential to buy only the pair you love or they’ll end up at the back of the closet.
6. Tuxedo style jacket.  Single breasted, with a medium lapel and a hem that just covers your bottom.  This style flatters everyone so how can you not have one in your wardrobe?  Change the buttons to revamp.
7. A cashmere sweater.  Every woman’s luxurious ‘must have’.
8. An A line skirt.  As with the jacket, this style suits everyone.  Choose a pencil skirt if you want a sexier look.  Your hemline depends on the shape of your legs, your age and the occasion to which you’re wearing it.
9. A Tote Bag.  A large bag doubles up as a laptop case, an organiser and a fashion accessory.  The added bonus is it will also slim you down by making you look smaller.  A bold or metallic leather will add some zing to your outfits.
10. Shoes – the basics are a plain court with 1-11/2 heel and a pair of knee high boots.  These will take you anywhere.  A wedge sandal for the summer is also a great buy.
11. Well fitted underwear.  What’s the point in carefully selecting your clothes if they look like a sack of spuds once you’re in them?  If you haven’t been fitted recently, make an appointment soon.