Verge Riot shirt now $144 from Wendy's Boutique. Photo/supplied
There are just some clothing items every girl needs. Why? Well, they make life a lot easier when it comes to dressing.
Some people call it the capsule wardrobe - those pieces that act like the cogs in the mechanism that bring all the parts together and make the whole thing tick. But, in fact, with these simple items, you can create virtually every look you'll ever need, and come out looking chic and polished every time.
THE WHITE T-SHIRT
A crisp white tee just talks of French Parisian chic: cool, calm, collected style that transcends time and space and says "I'm stylish without trying too hard". The versatility of this piece knows no ends: wear with jeans, a blazer and a brogue or ballet flat for an office look that's seriously cosmopolitan. For a more formal take, team with a black pant.
In the weekend opt for a denim jacket over the top and sneakers. This little wardrobe wonder will never put you wrong.
THE BLAZER
Find the perfect fitting blazer for your shape and you'll find yourself reaching for it on a daily basis. Look for the one that hits you right in the waist and provides the right length for your body. Then you're good to go - over dresses long and short, with jeans and sneakers, or with shirts or tees and smart pants for the office. A blazer makes you stand tall and feel like you can take on the world.
A GREAT WHITE SHIRT
A white shirt will never fail you. When you don't know what to wear to that all-important meeting, interview or work occasion, reach for the white shirt. Wear with black pants and brogues for a manstyle feel, or add heels when you're needing extra confidence. Pair with a calf length skirt and knee-high boots in winter. The options are endless.
THE LBD
The Little Black Dress really is a girl's best friend. Once you have one, those mad panics about what to wear to a party will vaporise. Accessorise to suit the occasion - flats for more informal daytime affairs, stilettos and big earrings for cocktail hour and beyond.
THE BLACK SKIVVY
Think Audrey Hepburn. The skivvy can be worn alone with skirts or pants, or can be worn under a jumper when it's cold. Wearing it under jumpers, or shirts brings a real sophistication to your look when the temperature drops.
GOOD PAIR OF JEANS
There is a reason jeans continue to push through the ages of fashion fads and phases as a perennial fashion essential. They reinvent themselves, with slightly different cuts, washes and fits. When you find a pair that does your figure justice, they will make you feel comfortable in your own skin. Wear them to the park with the children, or add heels and a sparkly top for a night out.
NICE BLACK PANTS
When you find well fitting, flattering black pants, it's amazing the places they'll take you.
They'll add polish to a big jumper and scarf with ballet flats in the weekend, while being the ideal partner to shirts and blouses for work. From elasticated waist styles to button-up front, there are many variations out there, but opt for a classic style where less is more.
AN ANKLE BOOT The right ankle boot, which flatters the leg, can we worn with almost all outfits - from a LBD to jeans, black pants and skirts, an ankle boot brings stylish comfort and versatility.
KILLER HEELS
You can't underestimate the power of high heels to give you a boost of confidence, to make you stand tall and put a stride in your step. When you add a heel to an outfit, the dynamics instantly change. Just think about when you're wearing jeans and a tee, for example, add heels and voila! You're ready for after-5 fun.
