Work that wardrobe!
Don’t spend a fortune on a dress for a party or family gathering only to leave it wasting away in the wardrobe afterwards. Instead, use these five rules to shop wisely and get twice the wear from clothes you love.
1. Know what suits you
It’s fun to experiment, but when you want value from your outfits, finding something you know will look good and you’ll feel confident in is key. Go through your wardrobe and focus on which cuts of skirt, what shape necklines and what length dresses and trousers really work for you. Take photos of yourself in front of a mirror so you can get an objective view.
2. Stick to simple, classy colours or prints
You can always add a splash of daytime colour or nighttime wow-factor with accessories, but dresses and separates need to be flexible, so plain colours or subtle patterns are best. And stick to trusted shades – a quirky blue can be fun, but navy is going to be far more versatile to match or contrast with tights or leggings and accessories.
3. Don’t rule out trousers
If you have a cut of trouser that works for you, trust your judgement and go for it in a range of colours. A black pair that work for your shape can cover off smart daywear with a freshly pressed white blouse and also look stunning at night by simply swapping your top for a cotton short sleeve sweater.
4. Trust a versatile cardigan
Many people think knitwear is dowdy, but a short bolero style cardi can work as a jacket by day and the perfect shoulder cover for arriving at a party that evening. Whatever shape or size you are, a smart cardigan should be cut on or above your waist or it’ll interrupt the lines of your figure. Sleeves to the elbow will also add a chic touch, and if you’re worried about a short cardigan hugging your chest too much, go for a waterfall front.
5. Scarves – your secret weapon!
Two or three pretty scarves can transform an outfit whether you need a smarten-up quick-fix to dash to the post office or you’re dressing up to meet friends. Try a colourful scarf with a pretty detail for daytime or go classy with a scarf in the same or just-off the colour of your clothes, and for evening choose one in the same colour as your dress but in silk or velvet. The key is to pick scarves that are light and easy to wrap in different ways, not thick knitted ones.
SAVVY TIP Twice the wear and twice the freshness, too
Make the most of your clothes by ensuring they smell as good as they look. When you use new Bold 2in1 Liquid, one dose gives you freshness that lasts longer than two doses of the best selling bio detergent*, so you can get even more pleasure from wearing the clothes you love.
*based on value share of IRI data 52 w/e 18th August 2013
"Washed clothes really well even at 30 degrees and made them smell and feel fresh. Would buy again and recommend." - Amy White