For now, fashion isn’t about trends, per se. Words such as minimalism, pared-back and subtle (meaning simple and classic, in non-fashion speak) have dominated the last few seasons, with designers giving women the kind of clothes that feed our pent-up desire for grown-up, flattering, and simple but sexy dressing.
Thankfully, it seems fashion has become more about reinventing your “classic” pieces (or investing in the classics you should own, but don’t), rather than a constant obsession for the latest must-haves.
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When I say classics, I mean the most basic and simple basis of every grown woman’s wardrobe: the white shirt, a pair of chinos, a cashmere cardigan, the blouse and a well-cut trench coat.
When I say reinventing, I just mean trying something a little bit different. Pick-up a red cashmere cardigan instead of the black, cinch your trench coat in at the waist with a colourful leather belt, try a printed instead of a plain blouse, or unbutton your white shirt a little bit and put on a statement necklace. And if wearing too much jewellery or print isn’t your thing, a simple spark of colour can turn the most sober classic into something that is effortlessly chic but still ultimately, you.
Investments, by the way, don’t have to be costly. One of the recession’s positive developments is the emergence of well-made and simply tailored pieces in some of our favourite affordable stores, whether it’s Country Road, Witchery, or something cheaper.
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Other investments? Navy cigarette pants, the unembellished and sensibly-sized bag, a pair of relaxed linen trousers and most importantly, the blazer.
The best advice I ever received on the matter came from The Weekly‘s style director who wisely said, if you have nothing else in your wardrobe (really meaning a whole lot of must-have, trend-driven purchases that equal a pile of nothing in the end), make sure you have one beautiful blazer to throw on. Perfectly put together, polished, and effortlessly stylish will be the words on everyone’s mind.
Your say: What is your favourite go-to outfit? Do you have any tricks for making old clothes look stylish again?
Video: Melbourne Fashion Week
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