Now that party season’s over and the dust has settled into the crisp light of a new year and a new decade it’s prime time to inject some fresh colour into your wardrobe with key pieces that will update your look and carry you through the next twelve months in style. Before you do consider the following eight essential guidelines to effective dressing. Make them your bedrock and you won’t go wrong. Or, use some of them and ignore the rest, it’s up to you. True style is about following your instincts and, as Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashion fades, style is eternal”. Just make sure you stick to number two.
1. Wearing anything with confidence exudes style. Conversely, the most carefully orchestrated outfit won’t have an impact if you don’t feel comfortable. So, find clothes you love that fit well and that make you feel good.
2. Throw out any torn or holey items lurking in your drawers or wardrobe. It helps to wear clean clothes too. Wearing fresh smelling, well cared for clothing never goes out of style and will automatically lift your mood.
3. Break the rules. Try mismatched patterns, clashing colours, accessories that aren’t supposed to go together. How about a rustic poncho with impeccably polished shoes like these elegant Arena brogues from Base London ? Or pinstripe trousers with this Japanese print Mish Mash T-shirt?
4. Invest in good quality basics that will last. Once you have the basics you can layer them with statement pieces and accessories. You can’t go wrong with five well cut shirts, a pair of jeans, two pairs of formal trousers that will work from day to night, seven T-shirts, a coat, a fitted jacket, three sweaters, a pair of trainers, a pair of brogues and a casual shoe that can be worn at home or at work. And a suit.
5. Check out current menswear trends for ideas and inspiration. Daniel P. Dykes cites V-necks as a major 2010 Spring and Summer influence. Exaggerated shoulders, military influences and stripes are also big.
Haute couture designer creations don’t always translate into everyday wear but while it may be hard to pull off some of the more extravagant concoctions that unfurl on the catwalks of London, Paris, Milan and New York City, using seasonal details can infuse an outfit with a contemporary twist that makes you stand apart.
Check out this Duck and Cover V-neck cardigan or subtly rock the military look with this Two Stoned shirt with three quarter sleeves and epaulettes.
6. Look at photography and films for inspiration. The internet, your local video rental outlet and bookshop are full of free resource material to spark off your style re-inventions.
How about a combination of cardigan and polo neck a la sixties Michael Caine? All you need are thick rimmed glasses and a splash of crisp after shave to complete the effect. Or try a blazer with a bright scarf thrown over one shoulder for a Left Bank student look that’s always current.
7. Pick a signature item and build an outfit around it. This Nanny State vintage check shirt has a single black cuff that’s quirky in an understated, wearable way.
Also try their seriously elegant double breasted Warsaw sweater that will work with jeans and plimsolls and as the centrepiece of a dressier look. Or how about a pair of socks in electric purple or yellow with black suit?
8. Most of all, have fun!
© Aline Duriaud 2009