The Complete Closet Makeover
If you want to totally overhaul your wardrobe, aside from the stay-at-home stuff, here it is, the 12 items you need to consolidate your wardrobe makeover. They don’t all have to be new – if the items already in your cupboard, fantastic. This is base upon which to build.
The basics:
1. A White Shirt
Make sure there are no yellowing bits. Chuck it out and buy another if you need. The shirt should be fitted, but not at all pulling on any buttons when you do it up. It should finish around your hips so you can tuck it in comfortably without fear of it coming out the back when you bend over.
Left to right: Forever 21, Moschino, Equipment
2. A Pair Of Flattering Jeans
I still prefer skinny jeans on every body shape, from short to tall, curvy to skinny, and the creative director of J Brand, Jeff Rudes agree with me. “Skinny jeans look best on all figures,” he said when I interviewed him.
They taper and fit the leg better and are more flattering than a bootleg or flare. Plus you can wear them with flats or heels while boot-legs really do need a heel to look great. Buy a dark blue so you can wear them day or night, work or weekend.
I recommend a mid-rise cut as opposed to a low-rise. Or even a high rise! You may be pleasantly surprised when you try a pair of high-rise or mid-rise jeans on. They tuck in love handles, eliminating the dreaded muffin top.
Left to right: Acne, J Brand, Paige
3. Neutral ballet flats
They can be nude, metallic, animal print or taupe, because all of these are neutral and will go with anything. A light shoe is more flattering on a shorter leg. If you’re blessed with long legs, feel free to buy black – and black is always a great second pair.
Left to right: Sam Edelman, Yosi Samra, Michael Kors
4. A well-cut black blazer
Invest in this. Don’t buy a cheap one from H&M. If you invest a few hundred bucks in a blazer now, you will still be wearing it in ten years time. Key: Don’t buy one that is too short. It should sit at least four inches below your pelvic bones. My favourite blazer is a Zimmermann one I got literally a decade ago. It’s kept its shape and colour and still looks fresh and modern. I might have gone through five cheapies in the meanwhile which would have cost me more money in the long run! It dresses up any outfit, for example, I am working from home today in jeans, a t-shirt and ballet flats. For an appointment, I quickly threw a blazer on top. Voila! Polished.
Left to right: Dion Lee, Theory, T by Alexander Wang
5. A structured handbag
This is key to your look. It can have as much crap as you like on the inside, but if the outside is structured, and will keep its shape no matter how much you cram in there – nappies, bottles, toys – you will look polished. Miranda Kerr is poster child for this look – she lugs around huge bags that must be stuffed with toys and baby wipes, but always looks “put together”. This is our aim – we’re creating an illusion that we’ve got it together.
Left to right: Rachael Ruddick, ASOS, Ted Baker
6. Black heels
Comfortably high, not excessively massive. No platform. They can be patent if you want a bit more sparkle. Either a rounded or a pointy toe, depending on your pain tolerance levels. I go for round, personally, purely for comfort. These will be your go-to heel for most outfits.
Left to right: Charlotte Olympia, Jimmy Choo, TopShop
Now add some flair:
7. A printed shirt
Sleeveless, short sleeved or long sleeved. Anything from floral to polkadot will be a go-to piece all year round and you can team it back with the skinny jeans and a black skirt – either pencil or a-line. On weekends, wear it out over a pair of shorts or 3/4 pants.
Left to right: Balenciaga, Equipment, Kenzo
8. A coloured blazer
Something in red, or even white will give you instant slick and make you feel like you belong on Planet Fashion. A white shirt, denim skinnies and red blazer will look fantastic teamed with ballet flats and a structured bag. Instant outfit.
Left to right: BCBG Max Azria, Carven, Joseph
9. A feature skirt
Printed, this means. You can team this with basic black or white singlets on weekends, or with a shirt and blazer for work. Depending on the length, it will work with nude ankle boots, ballet flats or open flats. Give its name credit, and really go for a stand out piece to make a difference in your wardrobe.
Left to right: Chicnova, MSGM, Peter Pilotto
10. Something sequinned
For the ra-ra in you. Whether it’s a skirt, dress, cardigan or top, you can team it back with any of the above pieces and it will tzsuj up your look, guaranteed. I’d wear the navy top with tapered, grey-marle pants; the silver top with black skinny pants; and put a pair of denim shorts under the black jacket.
Left to right: Whistles, Ashish, Alice+Olivia
11. A printed shift dress
One that is awesomely comfortable yet super stylish. You can throw it on to go to the shops and people will think you’ve made an effort, but really, it’s just your go-to dress. It should fit quite loosely because right now, your body is still getting into shape so you don’t particularly need (or want, or are ready for) a fitted dress. Wear with flats for day, or belt and wear with heels to go out. Throw a blazer on to make it polished and team with opaques in winter.
L-R Michael Kors, Forever 21, Balenciaga
12. A hands-free, small bag