Dear Inez,

I know we’re in the middle of winter, but I was wondering if it would be possible to do an overall “You Need This In Your Wardrobe” post?

I’m a working mother and spend half of my week doing the school run and the other half as a doctor in a public hospital.

I’m in the Country Road/ Witchery/ Saba price range and would rather invest in handbags and shoes unless it’s an investment piece like a trench or a coat.

I’m all for fashion economics. I find in ‘Doctor’ half of the week I need to dress reasonably conservatively but on my ‘School Run’ half I like Bassike and the like. But I adore all things fashion/style.

I find I get completely overwhelmed by all the new bright and shiny things and need a bit more of a strategy for my overall wardrobe – and then to actually put it all together and know what to wear each morning is the next problem. Mix and match is good.

I hope that makes sense. Is there some sort of course I can do to learn this stuff?

Many thanks!

Katie.

For my response to Katie’s ‘Ask INEZ’, follow the link below…

 

Hi Katie,

I totally understand your dilemma. There are SO many options out there. It can all get really overwhelming.

My solution to this is to regularly and ruthlessly edit my personal wardrobe.

Time has taught me that the less I have in my wardrobe, the easier it is to get dressed – the best wardrobes have core building blocks that when chosen well, should seamlessly mix and match with each other.

To make the grade, these ‘building blocks’ should be in neutral shades, made with quality fabric and above all be really flattering, such that you can imagine yourself still wanting to wear them in 10 years time.

If you get this mix right, you’ll then be able to supplement every now and then with seasonal prints, colours, shapes and accessories (which you will of course be able to find at INEZ Daily!)

“But where to start??” I hear you ask.

Keep reading for my…

“THE 21 PIECES THAT EVERY STYLISH WOMAN NEEDS IN HER WARDROBE”

1.   The Stripe Tee:
Stripe tees have a lifetime membership to the ‘Classic Club’. Whilst a very selective club, their admission has never been contested.
Bassike ‘Stripe Heritage Neck’ t-shirt, $100

2.   The Stylish Track Pant
No, this is NOT an oxymoron. But they are hard to find. In fact the only label that always gets it right is  Bassike. Every. Single. Time.
Bassike ‘Stretch Cuffed Pull On Pant’, $295

3.   The Designer Handbag
No explanation needed.
Balenciaga Medium Cable Shopper, $1995

4.  The LBD
There’s a very good reason why the LBD makes every ‘must have’ list – when you find the right one, it will be your everything!
Country Road dress, $179

5.  The Bracelet Watch
Let’s be honest, since the rise of and subsequent attachment to our smart phones, we don’t actually need watches anymore. But we still really like to wear them – I put it down to one-part-habit, one-part-nostalgia and a big dash of they-just-look-really-cool.
Cartier ‘Tank Française’ 18K yellow gold and steel watch, $10 500

6.  The Classic Shirt
Their style may change from season to season – sometimes oversized, long and loose, worn with the cuffs rolled up and a pair of tailored shorts, or else slim, sharp and cropped at the waist to complement your favourite midi skirt. However you like to wear it, a few classic shirts are a must in every wardrobe.
Country Road blouse, $99.95

7. The Sweatshirt
The sweatshirt has undergone quite the transformation – for so long it was relegated to your ‘comfy-night-at-home’ wardrobe, rarely seen beyond a 50m radius of your sofa. But all this has changed.  Thanks to that wonderful new fashion-genre ‘sports-luxe’, sweatshirts have hit the big time.
AG Alexa Chung ‘Scarlet’ sweatshirt, $288.20

8.  The Sun Hat
Because we’re not getting any younger and could all do with a little more (stylish) sun protection.
Helen Kaminski ‘Tasi’ woven rafia visor, $145

9.  The Statement Necklace
An instant game changer.
Amber Sceats ‘Cara’ necklace, $299

10. The Perfect Face Framing Sunglasses
Essential for those days when you need a little extra help!
Celine ‘Lucy’ sunglasses, $339

11. The Essential Black Pant
The Black Pant needs no introduction – we all have a pair or two. It’s that fallback piece that we always reach for when we can’t decide what to wear, right?
But not all pants are made equal. The ‘essential’ black pant needs to be tailored, versatile, wear well and most of all be really flattering.
When looking for ‘the one’, opt for a slightly cropped style that will work well with both a heel and flat shoes.
Boden ‘Chelsea Turn-Up’, $94

12. The Canvas Sneaker
There is very few occasions where I feel the white canvas Spring Court would not be appropriate. In fact, I have a small library of these handsome specimens in various states ranging from ‘Box Fresh’ through to ’Loved, Worn in and a Little Bit Frayed Around the Edges’ to cover all such occasions.
Spring Court G2 sneakers, $120

13. The Blazer
The right blazer will work with pretty much everything in your wardrobe… Tailored pants? Of course. A print dress? Perfect. But it also looks really great with the sleeves pushed back, teamed with your favourite jeans and sneakers.
Weiss ‘Avray’ single-breasted wool blazer, $425

14. The Loafer
…because loafers NEVER go out of style.
Toga leather loafers, $542

15. The Trench
The trench is your perfect ‘plus 1’ coat… this stylish, tailored classic looks great layered up with sweaters and scarves in winter, but equally good with a colourful sundress and sandals in the warmer months.
ASOS trench coat, $152

16. The Midi Skirt
Equal parts flirty and fun!
Rumour London ‘Amalfi’ striped midi skirt, $267

17. The Cashmere Sweater
The perfect mix of classic style and ‘I-Just-Threw-This-Together’ nonchalance.
Uniqlo cashmere v-neck sweater, $79.90

18. The Black Leather Belt
A great black belt can make all the difference.
Country Road ‘Roller’ leather belt, $49.95

19. The Heeled Sandal
The simple, black heeled sandal is your best ally. Classic, stylish and comfortable, it always compliments what you’re wearing without ever overpowering or ‘stealing the show’. Team it with a suit for the office, a printed pencil skirt and denim jacket for a brunch date and or else a plain blouse and printed silk pant for the perfect ‘smart casual’.
Whistles ‘Luma’ ankle strap sandal, £175

20. The Two-Timing Wallet
A stylish staple that can also double as a clutch purse for evening.
Comme des Garçons wallet, $200

21. The Perfect Tee
There’s a reason why some people spend so much time selecting their tees – because once you get it right, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it… and then promptly order it in every colour!
Bassike tee shirt, $100