It’s almost impossible not to get affected by the trends coming up each season due to the overload we are fed via magazines, television and retail shops.
We all make mistakes!
Due to my work I sort of have to keep up, but I actually don’t see myself as a ‘fashion slave’. I know what I like and what suits me, and if it doesn’t fall into that category, I don’t pick it up.
Have I ever made fashion mistakes? Oh yes, I just recently saw a picture of myself that I wish could be erased, but it’s now been burnt into my cornea and I’m scarred for life.
It was in 2003 and I was pregnant with my first child, so I could sort of blame it on pregnancy hormones. The ‘80s was enjoying a big revival and I obviously thought it would be a great idea to dress in neon pink all over, and to top it off, I even wore neon pink fishnets.
Barbapapa on steroids would look better, but it’s all in the past and I have moved on (except for that image in my head). Fashionista or not, we all make mistakes and that is part of the learning process to get to know what is really you.
Ten items every woman needs
To make it a little easier, I have put together a list of the ten things every woman should have in her wardrobe, and then you can add one disposable trend each season.
The perfect jeans – which we are always on the hunt for. No woman can live without these wardrobe staples. They can be dressed up or down and they are comfy and sexy.
A white shirt – my absolute favourite item. Have a smart one for work and then maybe a more casual one for the weekends to wear with the perfect jeans. My favourite one would be silk.
The LBD – there will never be a list like this without the little black dress. Find one that suits you and you will cherish it forever.
The basic t-shirt – choose good quality and start with having a white, black and grey and then you can add the fashion colour of the season that suits you.
A good winter coat – choosing a winter coat is a big deal; you’ll be wearing it every day for months, so you need to look good and be warm. Take your time choosing one, try and spend a bit more if you can, and find one you really love.
Shoes – if you’re anything like me, you’ll want dozens of pairs of shoes, but try to have at least a pair of boots, a pair of sandals, a pair of heels, a pair of smart flats and a pair of trainers. That way, you’ll always have something to go with everything.
Handbags – this subject has been covered in this column before, but you should have at least one everyday bag and one going-out bag.
Sunglasses – a great and useful accessory. It’s worth finding a pair that really suits your face.
A nice scarf – this is a good way to add something to an outfit.
A leather jacket – a good leather jacket will take you a long way. Just throw it over those jeans and t-shirt or over the LBD.
