We have all read lists about what classic items you should have in your “carefully curated capsule wardrobe”. But although basics have their place in any closet, they are not what fashion dreams are made of.
It’s those tried-and-true staples, the investment buys you can ream off: a black blazer, a trench, a crisp white shirt and an LBD. But these pieces should stand alongside another crop of clothing: the pieces that are anything but basic.
We are talking about the attention grabbers, the ones that will add spark and flair, the ones that would get the stamp of approval from style icons such as Anna Dello Russo, Iris Apfel and Daphne Guinness. Throw a little whimsy, humour and some colour into what you wear, as these are the pieces that you slip into your roster to make it feel fresh and abundant again.
All wrapped up
More low-key than a pencil skirt and less fluttery than a pleated skirt, the wrap skirt in a new neutral – bottle green, camel or claret – will amp up your basics in an instant. In a nice mid-length with a high waist and a slight A-line, which are flattering for all shapes and sizes, it will lend a utilitarian but feminine edge. Go off-piste and team it with a denim shirt – sleeves rolled up for a luxe-casual attitude.
Wow walkable heels
Double-take-worthy heels don't necessarily have to be hard to walk in. The mule is one of those shoe silhouettes that looks fancy but it is totally walkable and versatile. In a metallic hue they will add a punch and you can wear them with everything from jeans to printed dresses.
Standout dress
A dress is one of the easiest ways to look chic in under 10 seconds, and a graphic dress will hit the sweet spot between smart and attention-grabbing. Slip it on, grab some shoes and you are on your way to meetings, lunch or dinner. It's that simple.
Deft leopard
Whether it's spotted or striped, either the urban jungle with a splashy animal print. No longer confined to too-tight dresses and Bet Lynch vibes, the leopard has truly changed its spots and will add flair while still looking super-chic. Considered a neutral, there isn't a colour that won't work with the transformative print: from khaki to camel, cobalt to cherry and every hue in between. The big cat prowls the runways of Dries Van Noten, Stella McCartney and Givenchy and is one of autumn's most powerful trends.
Colourful cover-up
There's hardly an ensemble that can't be upgraded with the addition of a snappy piece of outerwear. And since it's generally the first item of clothing someone clocks when they meet you, ban the bland in a bright style that is so transformative you will be begging for chiller temperatures.
Reimagined jeans
An easy way to make your wardrobe more interesting is to fill it with classic pieces that have an unexpected twist. This season it's the turn of jeans, which have never been so fun. Fringe and denim is the ultimate dream team, but look for raw, distressed hems to add the fun factor or keep it classic but cool in a cropped flare.
The look-at-me sweater
A quirky knit, far from being a fashion flunk, brings a little joy every time you wear it. It is perfect for unpredictable weather. If you've to wear knitwear in summer, you might as well make it as cheerful as possible in order to make up for that. No matter your budget there's a slogan knit to suit, but if splurging, opt for a fine knit that adds a luxe factor and will work from spring to winter.
Daytime sparkle
Nothing adds a shine factor like a lustrous piece of sequins, but don't just reserve it for Saturday night. If there was any season to peacock in pieces that tap into the new shift to 24-7 finery, this is it. Master the dressed-up/dressed-down mix and wear your sequins during the day. How shiny you want to go is up to you.
