Quirks create signature, not perfection

Unless you live in a nudist colony, chances are you wake up, shower and then open the wardrobe only to say, "ah, I have nothing to wear today". Now, your husband knows all to well that, in fact, you do. You have a wardrobe literally exploding with clothes, but he knows better than to say anything and silently shuffles out of the room leaving you to bask in your own despair. He has escaped, unharmed and you go on to find something, something less than inspiring, something that will just do. Now is the time to take control of your wardrobe and be your own fashion guru.
Your wardrobe should contain only amazing choices, it is much easier to be inspired when you see five remarkable pieces than when you see 25 pieces and most (if not all) of those are unremarkable. Pick key items and get rid of the rest, even if it is the "must-have" item of the season or you spent a week's salary on it in 1999. Start by throwing out anything you no longer wear or that doesn't look good on you. Be ruthless. It's easier said than done, so make yourself a deal: For every 10 items you chuck, you can buy one killer piece. You should wake up in the morning and be inspired by what is in your wardrobe. Twenty black shirts tend to offer little inspiration while one white, beaded, vintage shirt offers plenty.
THE BARE BONESNow you've cleared out your wardrobe, it's time to invest in the essentials, if you don't own them already. These are the staple items that go with almost anything and never go out of style.
The Little Black Dress: Popularised by Coco Chanel, this is the ultimate blank canvas. Slimming and flattering, it's simple enough to make you look effortlessly stylish, yet sophisticated enough to make you look endlessly elegant.
A Classic White Shirt: It has a crisp simplicity that makes it practical and unpretentious. Jackie Onassis paired hers with jeans, Uma Thurman went for black trousers, and Audrey Hepburn teamed hers with a long skirt.
Cashmere Cardigan: Cashmere instantly imbues luxury when worn over anything, but is also incredibly sexy when worn alone, a la Marilyn Monroe.
Denim: Jeans are the most versatile item. Simple and practical, sexy and perfect, rebellious and elegant, they can dress anything down and make even the most uptight items look relaxed.
A Man's Watch: Women's watches tend to change according to trends, but a classic man's watch is timeless and looks great on a woman's wrist. It makes a statement and breaks the rules in an unexpected but subtle way.
Ballet Flats: For driving, mad dashes for flights, the first day of the sales, or any occasion when you have to give your heels the boot in the name of practicality.
A High-Heeled Pump: Sometimes you want outrageous, impractical, bold shoes. But sometimes, a reliable classic black high-heeled pump that won't clash with your dress, or prospective boss, is what's required.
A Great Bag (or three): Statement bags are great, but you also need the classics such as a tote or shoulder bag for day and carrying almost everything; a clutch for night and carrying around almost nothing; a medium-sized handbag, with a chain-link strap, for those times in between.
THE DRAMANow you have your basics, it's time to inject your own sense of style with some truly fantastic pieces - an oversized crystal ring, a vintage dress that fits like a glove, a bright and bold cashmere coat, a funky beaded scarf that highlights your eyes. You get the idea, style can be added easily and affordably when you spend your money on signature pieces rather than wardrobe fillers. Don't go crazy for the trends. If you do happen to fall in love with a trend, buy it now but wait a few years until it is out of style to wear it. These signature pieces are not something you tend to be able to find on a planned shopping trip, they are the amazing pieces that catch your eye when you are late on your way to an appointment. They are the exotic shirts you picked up for next to nothing on your last day in Thailand. My favourite signature vintage dress I hijacked from my mother's wardrobe more than 10 years ago. I still have it, love it and most importantly wear it (did I mention I get comments on it all the time). These pieces are the items in your wardrobe that will inspire you in the morning.
To take your style to the next level, think about some unusual juxtapositions. Try masculine with feminine or leather and pearls. Dressing unpredictably is what is going to make you look different. It takes time and trial to perfect but these "imperfect" mixes are what style is about.
THE FINISHING TOUCHESBasics and drama will take you so far, but accessories maketh the woman. Accessories should be carefully chosen. They pull an outfit together and tell the world how cool, elegant and sophisticated you are. Think Jackie O and her sunglasses or Audrey Hepburn and her scarf. Choose accessories as you would friends, seeking out the ones that complement you, make you feel confident, and stick by you through ups and downs, men, and extra pounds.
Your wardrobe of finishing touches, should also include a good tailor who can make anything look expensive by making it fit you perfectly. So get them to revamp older items, shorten trousers but keep the same finish and turn vintage finds into one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
Finally, remember style is not about being perfect. It's the Kate Moss factor. Something is always a bit off: her hair is messy, her accessories don't match, her shirt is rumpled. Perfection is over-rated. Looking like you're always ready for a photo shoot is not style. Looking like you know how to live, how to have fun and how to let your hair down is.