10 pieces to buy now that you'll still wear in ten year's time
IN THE world of fashion, trends change more frequently than the weather. Few things are more annoying than snapping up a pricey pyjama-style silk printed shirt, only to find it’s passé after one wear. Bargain buys are not the answer — in this ethical, environmental and economic climate, throwaway fashion is, well, unfashionable. So, what’s the solution? My advice is to ignore flash-in-thepan ‘key looks’ and buy classics with longevity. To do this, follow my four rules: buy 100 per cent cotton, cashmere, leather and silk; go for classic cuts; avoid jazzy prints and shades; and pick your colour palette carefully. Here are my top ten buys that will last you a decade.
1 THE PERFECT PAIR OF JEANS
Le High Straight Jeans, £200, Frame at irisfashion.co.uk THERE’S a long list of things to avoid if you want to be wearing the same pair of jeans in ten years: frays, rips, embroidery, bright colours, kicks and, sadly, cheap denim. If you want a pair that keep their shape and last, it’s worth paying more for them. You can’t beat a classic straight leg in blue. And I’ve yet to find a person who doesn’t worship at the altar of U.S. brand Frame after a single try.
2 THE STAPLE CASHMERE JUMPER
Cashmere Roll-Neck Sweater, £185, whistles.com EVEN the most unremarkable shapes and colours become luxurious in cashmere — it’s as soft as it is hard-wearing. Roll-necks may not always be trendy, but they’re practical and flattering. Go for a dark colour in a timeless shape. Don’t panic at the price — this’ll cost you only £18.50 a year over ten years.
3 THE VERY VERSATILE VEST TOP
Peek A Boo Top, £35, hush-uk.com INVEST in a vest that works as outerwear as well as underwear. This lightweight V-neck design from Hush has a delicate lace trim, which looks gorgeous sneaking out of the top or bottom of chunky knits.
4 THE DAWN TO DUSK PRINT DRESS
Jina Dress, £445, Isabel Marant Etoile at irisfashion.co.uk A PRINT on a black background is versatile — avoid anything bolder. You need something that can take you from the office to a fancy restaurant via the school gates. This design does just that — dress it up with heels or boots, or down with trainers or sandals.
5 THE OH-SO CLASSY WINTER COAT
Masculine Double-Breasted Coat, £119, zara.com BOLD colours and garish prints are great fun, but we soon become sick of the sight of them, so a classic coat shape in a smooth colour is what you should be looking for: camel, caramel, or stone — soft, natural hues that are permanently in fashion. Double-breasted is fine, but avoid frills and flounce.
6 THE ULTIMATE COTTON TEE
Pure Cotton T-shirt, £12.50, Marks & Spencer stores FINDING the perfect T-shirt is no mean feat but, after an exhaustive search, I found this fabulous, loose-fitting, soft crew-neck tee. It can be dressed up or down and worn through all seasons.
7 THE EASY HIGH-LOW SKIRT
Midi Skirt, £39.50, marksandspencer.com THE midi is having a moment and it’s difficult to imagine a time when we won’t be wearing them, even ten years from now. Treat yourself to something that stops below the knee. Avoid too much detail and go for a block colour or basic stripe.
8 THE EDGY CROPPED BIKER JACKET
Dalby Leather Biker Jacket, £298, allsaints.com A LEATHER biker should be a fixture in wardrobes for all ages. Choosing the right cut is key to its longevity. Long-line versions, popularised by the designer label Acne, were stylish, but they dated quickly. Look for a more classic cut — slightly cropped, no bells and no whistles. This winter, layer yours under a tailored coat.
9 THE TRULY TIMELESS WHITE SHIRT
Oversized Cotton Shirt, £49.99, hm.com IT’S A cliché, but it’s true: no wardrobe is complete without a white shirt. Don’t go for something too tailored or you’ll limit what you can wear it with. An oversized design such as this works as well with heels and suit trousers as with jeans and trainers. Throw it on over a swimsuit on holiday and under your cashmere knit at Christmas. Go for 100 per cent cotton to ensure it washes and wears well. Turn up the cuffs, roll the sleeves, tuck it in, tie it at the front — the possibilities are endless.
10 THE COOL BUT COMFY TRACKSUIT TROUSERS
Tailored Crepe Track Pant, £189, meandem.com THE humble tracksuit trouser, with its oh-socomfortable elasticated waistband, will be a fashion staple for many years to come. Classic red won’t date and a side stripe can elongate your legs. Wear with heels for an elegant smart/casual look, or trainers for weekend walks and pub lunches.