The wardrobe staples that can fix a broken outfit
In theory it ought not to be possible to stand in front of a bulging wardrobe and discover you have nothing to wear. However, fashion operates its own internal mathematical logic and the nothing to wear scenario has almost zero to do with quantity.
When I say logic, I mean it. Five tops to every one pair of trousers or skirt. Six hours of comfortable standing duty before a medium to high heel can be classified as useful.
Three millimetres above the ground even for the longest trousers, as all fabrics drop after a while. Two pairs of matching knickers to every bra… and so it goes on.
So much for the micro numbers. When it comes to priming your wardrobe so it always comes up with the goods, there are 10 superglue items you want in there on a constant basis.
These are pieces that refresh the tired or weather inappropriate: the accessory that elevates that perfectly nice black skirt into something Coco-worthy, the jumper that means that trouser suit doesn’t overpower; the boots that make those weary floaty summer dresses look on point again. They’re not necessarily scene stealers, but they join the dots between clothes that never seemed capable of talking to each other before.
It’s easy to neglect the superglues when a silver jumpsuit seems so much more exciting. I’m not saying silver jumpsuits don’t have their place. But too many standouts do not a working wardrobe make. You can probably max out on three supernovas: The rest should be superglues.
The Super Soft Boot
Ankle boots have had their way so long it’s hard to get your head round the idea of wearing something that encases most of your lower leg. Enter the slouchy soft leather or suede boot you can wear all day without feeling constricted. Toes are rounded, heels are mid-to-low and sturdy. They’ll be everywhere come winter, so if you can find a pair now, you’ll maximise your wear and coax those skirts lingering in the recess of your wardrobe. Much chicer and more leg lengthening than an ankle boot with dresses and skirts. If you find sufficiently soft ones, you can wear them under trousers as well.
The Super Pimp
Wisely chosen jewellery rescues tunics or dresses from your minimalist period that now look a bit blah. They don’t have to be huge or blingy or excessive dollops of wackiness – just beautiful and outfit compatible. That means a necklace that works with the neckline, a bangle that sits comfortably with a cuff and earrings that accentuate rather than obliterate cheekbones.
The Super Cardigan
Floppy enough to feel cosy, categorically not shapeless, plus biker jacket proportions, in bobble-proof merino, mean this cardi works with trousers, skirts and dresses. Caveat: it doesn’t cover your bum, but most cardis that do aren’t flattering. It’s better to get a jacket that does that job.
The Super T-shirt
One thing’s for sure, money doesn’t guarantee T-shirt longevity. The super fine ones often ladder. The fit, finish and feel of Arket’s (arket.com, £12), Ninety Percent (organic cotton, fair trade, from ninetypercent.com, £35 for short sleeves), and Michael Stars (amazon.co.uk, fitted, but super-soft with a good amount of give, £50 for long sleeves) garner raves from The
Telegraph’s fashion desk.
The Super Jeans
Jeans have taken a back seat recently, but on days when you want to look more casual, denim will go with all your suit jackets, as well as toning down showier pieces. There’s a bewildering choice, but for your consideration, there’s a high-waister, non-stretchy pair called London from La-based (Brit founded) brand SLVRLAKE that’s pricey but built to last, super flattering on petite women and almost feels like it’s tailored (Selfridges. com, £310). I also love the High Rise Utility Wide Leg Crop (gap.co.uk, £49.95), which look great on curvy and straight bodies, with pockets in all the right places.
The Super Blouse
A plain, button-through, silky blouse will never go out of style, but for fresh impact, the super-blouse has details: a contrasting Seventiesesque collar or print, deep, narrow cuffs, a slightly puff shoulder line perhaps … this anchor piece takes basic trousers, slip dresses and skirts to a better place.
The Super Knit
Good for layering in winter, ideal on its own when it’s warmer – yet so many are too clingy or just bland. The deep cuff and lacy sleeves on this otherwise perfectly plain jumper make for a subtly dramatic silhouette. There’s also a cardigan (that could be worn back to front as a sweater) and a matching viscose knit rib pleated skirt (£185) for a super-chic, super restrained evening look.
The Super Belt
Dress that seems suddenly shapeless?
Skirt that needs definition? Coat, cardi or jacket needs a new lease of life? Find the right belt and all shall be well. Avoid anything too wide. Unless you’re exceptionally long bodied they feel like girdles after half an hour.
The Super Cape Coat
Excellent for layering, the cape coat slides over everything – no more struggling to find the right length
– and adds a utilitarian vibe to classics.
The Super shoes
When I met Louise Edgley, co-founder of SLVRLAKE jeans, she was wearing medium dark denims with classic blackcapped silver Chanel slingbacks and looked beyond glamorous. That’s the ultimate fix-it shoe, not least because it’s truly comfortable without being flat or clumpy, and looks good with all kinds of trousers and skirts. These are the Russell & Bromley version, £195.
Your fix-it shoes could be white patent stilettos or satin mules. They just need to look expensive and well tended.