 The buzzword in the fashion world right now is the return to Investment Dressing! Even Michelle Obama has said she shops more frugally now. Known for ingeniously mixing low-end pieces with favorite designers Mrs Obama's wardrobe said to the world: I'm a busy, working mother, I shop online. Like her, choose investment pieces that will give you guaranteed returns. Remember, investing in the right bit of little will go a long way.
“Fashion can be bought, style one must possess”
Edna Woolman Chase
- Don’t indulge in every fad on the dress rails.
- Choose versatile items that can be worn season after season, dressed up or dressed down.
- Buy less clothing, but better quality.
- Ensure clothing fits perfectly.
- Choose items that make you feel confident, younger and slimmer (if that is your objective).
- In the words of Valentino “Wear clothes that make you feel alive”.
- Try on everything in your wardrobe that is winter-wearable. Take those items that don’t fit you and have them altered (if possible). Having a pair of pants tailored is far cheaper than buying a new pair, not to mention you don’t have to spend the time shopping for new ones.
- At the same time have your winter boots and shoes re-heeled, re-soled and polished. They will look brand new again.
- Make sure your jerseys, cardigans are closely “shaven” to avoid the “bubble” look.
- Now, evaluate your wardrobe. Buy a few new pieces that will coordinate with what you already have and will also freshen up your existing wardrobe.
 This winter the look is feminine, confident and chic. Dressing well always requires common sense, so adopt these trends in a way that works for your professional and personal lifestyle.
Power dressing - tailored suits, blazers. High waisted flared pants.
Ladylike, pencil skirts. Opt for on the knee or just below lengths.
Ruffled and Tie Neck blouses - adding femininity to the tailored separates.
The white, collared shirt. This is a timeless piece-update it every season to add flavour to your wardrobe.
The Poloneck - a staple for your wardrobe. Use to layer under tailored waistcoats.
 Swing Jackets - Short-cropped or hip length. The collars are very dramatic this season-the simpler you keep them the longer you will be able to wear them. Investment Buy- The classic Jackie O style jacket (resuscitated by Mrs Obama).
Fitted Jackets in either a military or a biker-type style. If you want to buy the latter, select a chocolate brown, charcoal leather rather than black. Make sure it’s also non-shiny.
The Trench coat - Appearing in a cropped length, bold colours and satin fabrics creating an opulent effect. Investment Buy-A classic shaped coat that flatters the waist, and shoulders. Choose a neutral colour that is knee length for ongoing wear.
Animal prints - These always come back. This year try the leopard or zebra print.
Boho Folk - Floral print mixes, paisley, luxury fringing, sheer fabrics. Don’t spend too much on this look.
Colours - Grey is the neutral of the season. Purple-from deep plums to light lavenders. Tomato red. Winter white and black add the perfect contrast. Shades of sea blue-greens and teal.
Fabrics - High-sheen and satin. Garments in lace, fine lace, trims-understated, but sophisticated.
Statement Jewellery - Keep clothing simple and make a statement with big bold jewellery pieces.
Colorful, Oversized Handbags - Pick a hue you love and wear it with everything! The clutch is large. Investment Buy - A neutral colour, soft leather bag is a timeless piece.
Bold Legwear – Inject life into a tired wardrobe with coloured, textured and patterned tights. Black lace tights are a big hit this season. However, remember to tone it down for work.
Statement Shoes - Contrast heels/ multiple straps/buckles/ties, ankle booties. Investment Buy - A well made leather boot-choose a heel high enough to be flattering but low enough to be comfortable.
 Harem pants are back! These trousers are voluminous at the hip and narrow at the leg. So only really suited to women who are very slim and don’t carry weight around the hip area. They also have a very casual/pyjama look about them.
The grunge and the gothic look
The tartan/tweed look - unless introduced in small quantities-a scarf or lining of a jacket. If you love this print only buy one piece-not the suit! Can only really be worn over one season.
 The Two-Buttoned Suit
With single or double vents. Buy it in this season’s colour-charcoal or grey–toned (the darker the better). Pinstripe suits remain a classic.
Striped Shirts
In this season’s colours of lavender, turquoise, red or orange.
Blazer/Sports Jacket
A wool or wool cashmere blazer is a must-have item. Try the corduroy option which will have a more casual look than tweed. Choose neutral tones that can be worn with jeans, suit trousers, business shirts or a t-shirt.
Flat-Front Pants
Great with a turtleneck with a button-down shirt or a sweater.
The Striped Tie
This season’s tie is not the thick stripe of the college look. It is a narrower, fainter stripe. The stripe appears in diverse colours on the tie.
 The Cashmere Cardigan
Not the one your mother knitted for you or the fisherman cable knit. It's a sweater that has a slimmer, modern cut that you can wear at the office or on a date. Try one made out of light weight merino wool or cashmere.
The Square Toed Shoe
Gone are the pointy toed shoes-the square toe is back. Slip-ons and tassles are also making an appearance.
 A black high quality suit. A super 100 wool suit is more expensive, but a true pleasure to wear. It will also last you a lifetime and its versatility is endless. Make sure you choose a classic cut.
A well-made dress shirt is an item to cherish. Make sure it’s a good quality cotton, the buttons are secure and the collar and cuffs retain their shape. If you find one that fulfils these requirements, go back and buy another one… immediately.
Choose neutral colors and fabrics. This way you can wear them year round. If you have a limited budget, select blue or white business shirts. Navy, charcoal or black for a trouser. Keep sweaters and blazers neutral too.
The heavy-soled chunky shoe
Guys-now it’s really time to trade in the tractor for the sedan. Unless you are a construction worker or farmer, opt for shoes with slimmer soles-they are so much more stylish.
Expensive, Bold bright coloured items
Don’t waste a lot of money on bold prints or colours in shirts and ties.
Pleated khaki chinos with turn-ups
Pleats add bulk to your waistline and create unsightly bulges in awkward places. |
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