It can be hard to find good wardrobe staples. You can spend a lifetime searching and still not find what exactly suits your needs.
What constitutes a wardrobe staple is as individual as the woman who wears it, however there are a few pieces that most would have in their wardrobes.
Your staple pieces are the backbone of your style, and the hardest-working garments you own. You will wear these items more often than any other in your wardrobe, so you should spend as much on them as you possibly can (in the same way men should on a suit).
But as we all know, money can be tight these days so finding pieces that are affordable is key.
Black pants
Most women have a preference when it comes to black pants. I used to be a die-hard fan of black jeans (you can take the girl out of the Hutt ...) but have recently found that as I wear more long tops and tunics, I need pants that don't have bulk around the waist. I'm also averse to leggings (because of the number of people who insist on wearing them as pants) so I was stoked when a friend suggested Kick Pants by Kilt. With a wide, elastic waistband and the perfect skinny fit through the leg, these are my dream black pants.
T-shirts
Most women I know wear a T-shirt at least once a week - either with a blazer or jacket, as a layering piece or just with jeans and flats. Finding a tee that goes the distance can be hard. I recently discovered Kowtow's fair-trade, organic T-shirts and will never buy another brand again. They are long in the body with a scooped back hem, and are the most delicious, soft cotton. At $90, they're not cheap for a tee but if you thrash them like I do, they work out cheap in the long run.
High heels
Neutral heels are a must. I wear all black, so black heels are my go-to. If you wear colour, nude is a great option as they'll go with everything. These are easily found every season, so the key is finding whatever is most comfortable for you. Make sure the heels are a comfortable height for walking - teetering is not acceptable.
Flats
Everyone needs a good pair of flats. Many opt for ballet flats, but mine are usually sneakers or jandals. There are reasonably cheap options - lo-top canvas Converse are about $100. Havaianas may seem expensive at $32, but my last pair survived seven years. Again, comfort is key, so find what works for you.
Tunic/Dress
Everyone needs a dress that can be thrown on at a moment's notice and make you feel like a million bucks. For me this is a simple, T-shirt-style tunic dress in a silky fabric. Wear over pants (or leggings) in winter or with bare legs in summer.
Blazer
Every woman needs a black blazer or tailored jacket in their wardrobe. These are a solution for any slightly formal occasion, or times when the only clean item you have to work with is a T-shirt. The Max blazer pictured is a smidge over $150, but blazers are always around so shop the sales.
Big opportunity for tomorrow's designers
Calling all fashion students. The Westpac Young Fashion Designer Competition is here again with a prize worth fighting for.
In its fourth year, the competition champions New Zealand's most promising student fashion designers.
At stake is a career-changing prize package that includes $5000, an internship at leading New Zealand fashion house Zambesi, plus dedicated Westpac business banking advice.
Also, three young designers will show their collections during New Zealand Fashion Week.
The competition is open to students who are completing the final year of a New Zealand fashion-based tertiary course, or have graduated from one within the past four years.
A panel of industry experts will select 10 semi-finalists, whose mini-collections will then be uploaded to the Westpac Young Fashion Designer Competition Facebook page, where the public will vote for their favourite.
Last year, 21-year-old Jack Hill, a bachelor of design student at Massey University in Wellington, came out on top after two rounds of judging and almost 10,000 public votes. He says entering the competition gave him a confidence boost and encouraged him to work harder.
"Obviously, my long-term goal is to be a New Zealand designer but at the moment I want to gain more industry experience.
"I don't think I'm ready to start my own label straight out of uni, as I'm still learning heaps. I will one day though."
Aspiring designers have until 8pm on Wednesday, August 7 to enter a portfolio of three looks, plus a brief biography, with a paragraph on how they would make the prize package work for their future.
See the Westpac Young Fashion Designer Competition official Facebook page for more information.