Smart Shopping

You wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time! 

Classic styling means you can wear much of your wardrobe year in, year out and never feel out of style. If you're building a wardrobe it's best to start out by investing in classic pieces - buy the best you can afford and don't be afraid to splurge on these items as they will stand the test of time and save you money in the long run. Alison says...

"Update your look or inject new life into an existing classic wardrobe but only buy a few pieces of the latest HOT trend. Invest most of your budget on quality investment items like a  new jacket, trench, great jeans or that bag you've been drooling over for months but didn't think you could afford. Better to invest in these items than to buy lots of cheap "feel good" trend items. If you do, you will quickly find yourself looking like yesterday's news with no money left to board next season's trend train!"

Trend Tip

Most trends hang about for a year - some a little longer - and fashion cycles about every 20 years. This is why we're seeing so many 80's looks around - be careful! If you've already done the 80's my advice is to relive it with the one-hit wonders and a nice drink with friends - not via the fashions, second time around!

Make Quality (or at least the LOOK of quality) your priority

But beware, price or label doesn't guarantee quality OR style! Just make sure it looks great on you, you LOVE it on you, and it's the best quality you can afford. Train your eye for style! Buying simply because it's a bargain or you can have two for the price of one may just mean it looks twice as cheap! And it's not a deal at all if it doesn't coordinate with items in your existing wardrobe and just takes up more space. Ask yourself, would I have looked at/wanted this item at full price? Does it go with at least 3 other items, and does it make you FEEL fabulous the minute you put it on? If the answer is yes to all these questions, then go ahead and buy it!

The Right Fit

Pants that are too tight make you look bigger. High waisted pants can make your bum look big. Clothes that are too big can make your silhouette appear larger, or if you're skinny, make you look like you can't fill your clothes. The right fit is just that! The RIGHT fit. It's not too tight or too loose. Don't confuse fitted with too tight. Few of us can find the perfect fit off the rack, so resign yourself to finding a good tailor who will make your clothes look just like they were made for YOU!

Alison Triffett - Style Counsel gives permission for you to use the materials in this zone for your personal use only. All material and images are Copyright 2006. Unauthorised transmission, reproduction or dissemination of any text and images from this site is not permitted.