FASHIONABLE RECESSION

Even though we have to watch every penny we spend in this economy, that doesn’t mean our style has to look like it’s also going through a recession.
Here are some tips on how to survive the recession, fashionably.

1. Mix the unexpected with the familiar – We all have a top that we think goes great with a particular bottom and we always wear them together. Make a switch, mix and match is the name of the game and it will look like a brand new outfit.

2. Go for suits – This way you can mix and match and get more looks out of what is technically one outfit.

3. Check your basics – Before buying new pieces, look in your closet for staples that ground them: white jeans, fitted pencil skirts, a pair of tailored black pants (Michael Kors actually gave this one in last month’s issue of InStyle)

4. Beware of sales – I know we get very excited when there is a sale on but we need to constrain ourselves. Not because it’s cheap, does not  mean we should grab it up. Take your time and make sure it makes sense to buy that piece ensuring you have what to go with it. Treat it like you’re spending a million bucks.

5. Rethink your base colour -We all love black. It’s easy to accessorise and packs well. But try navy, or a rich dark brown; both do everything black does but are potentially more flattering. Remember, you don’t have to wear fuchsia to get noticed.

6. Make the outfit work for the money – If you are going to spend a lot of money on a piece, make sure you can get your money’s worth out of it. Make sure it can go from day to night, formal or casual.

7. Quality over quantity – Instead of buying a number of outfits because they are cheap, think of the quality. It’s best to have few things that flatter you and are versatile than a whole host of mediocre pieces.