| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | don't like black or just want something more |
| Want to know the secret to creating a foolproof | | | | interesting, pick a dress in one of your best |
| wardrobe? It's all about "buying less and spending | | | | non-neutral colours. |
| more." | | | | 4. A white shirt - a well cut white shirt with crisp |
| The ultimate goal is to build a wardrobe of clothes | | | | collar and cuffs is always a great addition to any |
| that suit you perfectly and that will mix and match | | | | wardrobe. It is perfect for weekend and work wear. |
| easily to create innumerable outfits. It may take you | | | | 5. A great pair of jeans - look for either a bootcut or |
| several years to get there, but the result is | | | | straight leg style in a dark, even denim. Definitely no |
| absolutely worth it. | | | | fading, embroidery or hemline detail. Always fit your |
| A perfect wardrobe should be made up of 60% | | | | widest area first, then it can just be a simple |
| Classic pieces 20% Basics and 20% Trend. | | | | alteration to nip in the waist if it is too large. |
| You probably already have a few classic pieces in | | | | 6. An A-line skirt - A simple A-line skirt is very easy |
| your wardrobe. These are the items you paid more | | | | to wear and flattering on most body shapes. |
| for but are made of high quality natural fibres and | | | | 7. Man-style pants - A great cut that skims over the |
| have seen you through several seasons. By | | | | hip area and creates a long leg line. Get a pair in black |
| purchasing classic pieces over a longer period of time, | | | | and beige. |
| pairing them with good quality basics and keeping | | | | 8. Knee high boots - perfect for Autumn/Winter |
| current with a few trend items, you will always look | | | | weather. Look for a soft chocolate leather in |
| elegant and put together. | | | | whatever heel height you are comfortable with. |
| Begin by separating your clothing into piles of classics, | | | | 9. A beige leather tote - always gorgeous, this will go |
| basics and trend (If you notice anything that is worn, | | | | with practically everything. |
| dirty or needs mending, place these in a separate | | | | 10. Anything else that suits your own personal style |
| pile). | | | | Now that you have your wardrobe of classics, you |
| Classics - The classics are good quality items like | | | | can start to create 'clothing clusters.' This is a clever |
| jackets, skirts and pants that fit you well, that look | | | | and easy way to build a versatile wardrobe of |
| great and are still in great condition. | | | | clothes. Once you get the idea of how clusters work, |
| Basics - The basics are good quality t-shirts, stockings | | | | you'll be able to plan your wardrobe around them and |
| and lingerie etc. These are items that get a lot of | | | | give yourself lots of options. |
| wear and should be replaced every season or so. | | | | A clothing cluster is a group of 5-12 pieces (classics |
| The more careful you are when washing and storing | | | | and basics) that work in combination with each other. |
| your basics, the longer they will last. | | | | The basic guidelines are: |
| Trend - Finally you should be left with a pile of trend | | | | * Solids mix more easily than prints but prints can |
| clothing. These could be current trends or those long | | | | bridge the gap two completely different solids |
| since passed. While you may want to hang on to a | | | | * Choose classic styles with clean, simple lines |
| few favourites, once the trend is over do you really | | | | * Choose colours from your most flattering colour |
| have any need to keep them? Anything you decide | | | | palette |
| to keep should be stored separately from the rest | | | | * Choose styles that suit your shape and your |
| of your wardrobe. | | | | clothing personality |
| Once this is done you can create a list of what | | | | * Invest in quality pieces that will last for many years |
| classic items you need to complete your perfect | | | | Go through your wardrobe and note down all the |
| wardrobe. Here are the top 10 staples of a classic | | | | possible combinations you own and then try them on |
| wardrobe: | | | | to make sure they really work. Maybe you could |
| 1. A good trench coat - this is a wardrobe essential. | | | | have a friend or your partner take a photo of you in |
| As with all your classic pieces, choose a neutral colour | | | | each outfit you create so you can remember all the |
| like black, chocolate, navy or beige. | | | | combinations you came up with. |
| 2. Good quality knitwear - Go for natural fibre like | | | | Teaming classic pieces with good quality basics in |
| 100% wool or cashmere. These are more expensive | | | | your best colours will ensure you always look elegant |
| but much better quality and will last a lot longer. A | | | | and put together. Then simply adding a splash of the |
| classic V-neck style in a thin knit will get you through | | | | latest colour or trendy handbag will bring you right up |
| several seasons. | | | | to the minute. |
| 3. A cocktail dress - Look for classic style that | | | | Best of all, taking the time to plan your wardrobe |
| flatters your body shape, for example a wrap dress | | | | means you'll no longer be tempted to waste money |
| which suits most figures. Remember, it doesn't | | | | on impulse items that don't go with anything you |
| necessarily have to be a "little black dress." If you | | | | own. |