48 retail

Kelly Green and Raina Linden go in search of the most lucrative fashion investments

While most of the nation are tightening their purse-strings and struggling through tough economic

times, guilt-free shopping splurges may seem nothing but distant memory. But the credit crunch doesn’t have to mean that your once fashionable wardrobe needs to suffer. Rather than splashing out on the latest high-fashion trends (which will no doubt fall out of fashion again within a season), go back to basics and invest in timeless pieces that can be re-worn time and time again. By keeping your wardrobe as timeless as possible with quality wardrobe staples to mix and match, you can maintain a stylish and versatile wardrobe while still being wise with your money.

THE ‘LBD’There is a simple reason why the classic little black dress remains so popular season after season –a good-fitting, high quality black dress is one of the most dependable items in any woman’s wardrobe. Investing in a ‘LBD’ means saying goodbye to last minute panics over what to wear for those special occasions; we love the figure-flattering Tank bandage dress from Hervé Léger’s bandage collection, for an investment piece that will keep turning heads, over and over again.

JEANSA pair of flattering jeans is an essential item of any capsule wardrobe. Spending money on a high quality pair of jeans can always be justified, as great-fitting jeans provide endless outfit potential! Go for a boot-cut style to balance the silhouette beautifully, instead of the trendier skinny or boy-style; although they’re not quite so high fashion now, you’ll never be judged for wearing a pair of classic bootcuts. Choose a darker wash of denim, such as the midnight blue Citizens of Humanity Kelly bootcut jeans, as although the faded styles may be popular this summer, they risk falling back out of fashion in seasons to come.

LUXURY T-SHIRTThe t-shirt is one of those fabulously simple pieces that you find yourself wearing repeatedly. However, with lots of wear comes lots of washing, so a high-quality t-shirt is a must. Invest in high quality fabrics and brands, such as the luxury t-shirts from exciting new British brand Oscar London. Oscar London’s luxury t-shirts are perfectly fitted but not tight to the body, and come in a longer than standard length to flatter any figure. They are made from luxurious light-weight cotton which is both soft to touch and durable, so your t-shirt will happily withstand lots of wearing and washing.

Oscar London t-shirts come in two classic neckline styles – the deep V-neck and the scoop neck – which compliment all shapes and sizes. Team your luxury t-shirt with jeans for a more casual look,

or with a blazer or a high-waisted skirt for a more formal ensemble.

THE BLAZERThe blazer is one of those timeless items that transcend the seasons and keep returning to the catwalk. A well-cut blazer, like Paul & Joe’s stylish Black Choroz Tuxedo Jacket, is easily transferable from outfit to outfit – it will look trendy with rolled-up sleeves over a t-shirt and jeans, or is the perfect cover-up worn over a dress.

THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRTA crisp white shirt is an essential investment that will forever look effortless and sophisticated. We like Theory’s Ivy shirt, which is amazingly versatile – perfect as chic officewear, or worn with jeans and chunky accessories for an unfussy summer outfit.

HEELSEvery fashionista should own at least one pair of sensational heels for the perfect finish to any outfit. Stick with classic black, such as Christian Louboutin’s No. Privé 120 slingbacks, to go with

jeans, tailored trousers, or your ‘LBD’ for instant chic, day or night.

INVESTMENT FASHIONTANK BANDAGE DRESS, HERVÉ LÉGER, £543.19 www.net-a-porter.com

KELLY BOOTCUT JEANS, CITIZENS OF HUMANITY,£160www.net-a-porter.com

NO. PRIVÉ 120 SLINGBACKS, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, £495 www.net-a-porter.com

WHITE LONG SLEEVED SHIRT, THEORY, £132www.my-wardrobe.com

BLACK CHOROZ TUXEDO JACKET, PAUL & JOE, £455www.my-wardrobe.com

100% COTTON TEES, OSCAR LONDON, £39.50www.iwearoscar.com