Читать книгу How to Dress: Your Complete Style Guide for Every Occasion - Gok Wan - Страница 6

BASICS

Effortless, essential and eternally elegant

 layering without adding bulk

 how to wear your favourite summer pieces all year round

 sexy looks that don’t flash too much flesh

Gorgeous lady, I was thinking about this chapter the other night and wondered – how does a woman get her wardrobe right if she doesn’t get her basics right? The average woman (although, honey, you are far from average) has a wardrobe made up of four main areas: jeans, jersey, outerwear and knitwear. Sounds simple, right? Wrong! But honey, don’t worry, because Uncle Gok is here to guide you through the Wardrobe Warzone that can be your basic pieces.

The whole point of basics is that they work like a wardrobe undercoat. They are the things that enable you to update your look every season without buying a whole new set of clothes. Some basics – like T-shirts and jeans – are the kind of things you’ll wear every day (or when you don’t have time to think about what to put on), whereas other pieces, like a leather jacket or a classic trench, are things it’s good to invest in, as they’ll work for years to come with that must-have new dress or pair of trousers.

Either way, it makes sense to think about quality when you’re shopping for basics. Gap does the best cotton on the high street, and American Apparel has more sexy jersey pieces than you’ll need in a lifetime. Specialist jeans shops like Levi’s, Lee and Wrangler will have more fits and sizes than high street stores, so it pays to go off the beaten track when you’re doing your basic buying.

Top of most women’s list of Shopping Nightmares is buying jeans. Lady, you are not alone! There’s so much to choose from, so many shapes and washes and fabrics that it’s a style minefield. Well, I’m going to take you through the three key shapes out there at the moment – skinny, boot-cut and wide-legged – so we can find the perfect pair for you to flatter that fabulous figure of yours.

Jersey isn’t much easier than denim when it comes to wardrobe staples. In fact, there’s so much out there on the high street that it would be possible to wear nothing but jersey every day, with shops like Agnès b and Nicole Farhi specializing in it.

The key to jersey basics is to embrace the fabric itself. It’s a great, heavy, slinky fabric that skims rather than clings, and can look super-sexy or dressed-down casual depending on how you wear it. Have a look at my tips in this chapter to see the best ways for you to wear jersey, and the best simple pieces for your basics wardrobe.

Knitwear is another minefield simply because it (totally unfairly!) has a frumpy image. But, my gorgeous, by breaking those old rules and mixing chunky knits and summer dresses, or winter warmers and skinny knits, you can add texture to your outfit and personality to your look.

Finally, with coats and jackets we’ll look at the key shapes and fabrics for you to keep in your wardrobe and update season after season. From a classic bomber jacket to a woollen winter coat, these are pieces it’s good to invest in as they’ll be there to take you through several nights out, a couple of weddings, a handful of day trips and a weekend away! Just like me, girlfriend, they’re on hand to help keep you looking stylish and fabulous whatever the occasion.

Lots of my girls feel nervous about layering their clothes, so I’ve chosen some looks where we’ve mixed those basics up with some funkier pieces, to show you how to give new life to a fabulous summer dress (layer it under a skinny-fit polo) or a classic winter coat by belting it differently.

In fact, layering is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe, and there are just a few simple rules to stick to when you’re trying it at home:

 Keep base layers in a thin fabric so that you don’t overheat; it’s tricky to remove the underneath layer once you’re out and about!

 Keep top layers low cut and short sleeved, so you can see the layer underneath, to make a confident style statement.

 If you’re mixing pattern with plain colours, then keep the pattern on top so it doesn’t get lost.

So, girlfriend, let’s have a bash at those basics!

Jersey

Slinky Minx

Jersey doesn’t have to be casual! It’s super-slinky which means your dress will hang beautifully from the slimmest part of your gorgeous bod. The on-trend tie front has a dual purpose – you can fit the dress perfectly to your waist, and the tie itself will conceal your yummy tummy. Bold bling, like these chunky bangles and necklace, work perfectly against this simple base.

Neutral shades like caramel can be accessorized with any shade from cream to bronze to bright pinks and blues.

Off-the-shoulder Seduction

Guess what, saucy? The sexiest looks aren’t always about skin-tight shapes and flashing that flesh. You’ll look fabulously sensual in this loose drapey top and wide trousers. A glimpse of that gorgeous shoulder and that elegant collarbone will always be seductive, at any age, and is very slimming! Slinky jersey skims without being clingy, so it’s a perfect fabric to drape across those beautiful curves.

A long jersey scarf can add drama to a simple ensemble.

Gok’s sneaky style tip

Hoop earrings always add a touch of boho cool to your outfit.

Pretty Preppy

This is your super-cute preppy look, my angel! A flippy jersey skirt is a fun style statement, especially in a bold print like this one! Keep your top half fitted and sleek; a simple wrap-top layers neatly under a tight-cropped jacket. And an eye-catching belt keeps the focus on your amazing teeny waist. Keeping your outfit to one tone adds sophistication to your overall look.

If you’re too thigh shy for long socks, try foxy black opaque tights.

Gok’s sneaky style tip

The double low V-necklines of the top and jacket really elongate that torso.

Bold And Bright

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best, eh honey? Basics can look brilliant in bold colours. This bright sexy blue top is so simple, but the combination of colour, flattering style and minute detail in the twisted straps make this a wow piece. All you need are some classic, neutral wide-legged trousers and low-key flip-flops to really show it off. A really cool confident look!

Buy simple shapes in bold clear colours like this.

Sometimes less is more. A beautiful coloured top doesn’t need to be crowded with accessories.

Gok’s sneaky style tip

Every stylish woman should own a pair of neutral-coloured trousers!

Layering

Big Entrance Elegance

Now that’s what I call an arrival, lady! You can still make a big style statement in outerwear. You will really get noticed en route with a coat that is as flamboyant as a dress. Look for a coat with stylish detailing like the pussy bow necktie and wide sleeves here. Add a brooch to keep the look retro and on-trend.

Add a leather belt to cinch it round your foxy waist.

Three-quarter sleeves are great for styling; let a coloured jumper or long gloves peek out.

Doubly Cool

You will look so cool in this street-style outfit; the short-sleeved baggy tee looks sassy worn over a polo neck, and your arms will look super-slim! Layer cut-off shorts with thick tights or knee-high socks when the weather’s not as hot as you are.

These chunky necklaces keep the emphasis on the cool drapey Tee, not the plain polo neck base.

Sexy Seventies

Cardigans aren’t the only way to layer on a cold day! Keep the focus on your foxy silhouette by wearing a sassy dress over a fitted polo neck. This is your sexy Seventies look – with knee-high boots and a long necklace over the polo neck!

You can wear your favourite summer dress all year round by adding layers underneath!

Gok’s sneaky style tip

Open-toed shoes don’t need to be saved for summer – they look foxy worn with opaque tights or long socks.

Cardi-coat Queen

A big chunky knit is a great alternative to a coat, because it becomes part of your outfit rather than just covering it up! You can still show off your dress by belting a ‘cardi-coat’ open, and revealing just a column of what’s underneath makes your silhouette appear super-slim. All eyes will be on you, my foxy lady!

It’s easier to cinch in the waist of a cardigan with a leather belt than a knitted one, and a contrasting colour will focus eyes on your waist.

Fit Bird

You can pile on those layers without adding bulk to your beautiful booty! With an outfit like this, you can still keep all eyes on your weeny waist. A cardigan jacket with a fitted hem, a wide skirt with a figure-hugging waistband and a bold, cinching belt all show off that awesome hourglass you got going on!

For those days when you’re in between a coat and a jacket, a loose, short-sleeved cardigan makes a fashion-savvy solution.

Jackets & Coats

Biker Babe

The leather biker jacket is another modern design classic you’ll have in your wardrobe for years. But you don’t always have to wear it with denim. It can also give a tough urban edge to your sexy Saturday-night dress, without covering it up. Wear with bright flats for a super-sexy finish.

Three-quarter sleeves add a laid-back casual look to a leather jacket.

All-weather Chic

Is there anything sexier than a curvy woman in a classic trench coat? This coat will keep you looking cool whatever the weather throws at you. Belt it across your slimmest part to keep you looking super-toned in all weathers, or keep it open and cinched at the back to reveal what’s underneath.

Add foxy confidence to a trench coat by turning up that collar.

Eurotrash Jacket

Honey, it’s time to join the jet set! A smart blazer will instantly give slim jeans and simple flat pumps a ‘grown-up’ European look. A blazer cut shorter and narrower than a suit jacket is the perfect light cover-up for the summer, and looks fabulously sexy. Roll up those sleeves for an even more confident look.

A neck scarf in a pretty colour can soften skinny tailoring.

Disco Cool

High-waisted flares are your chance to be one of Charlie’s Angels! Worn with stacked platform heels your legs will look like they go on for ever! A cropped jacket will show off that higher waist and get the full length of those lovely leggy limbs! Don’t be afraid to go all-out retro by adding timeless classics.

A tan leather bomber like this is one thing that gets better with age!

Denim

Sassy Stripes

The all-time classic, boot-cut jean is every girl’s best friend. This is a wear-with-anything jean for those days when you just want a simple classic style. A cut like this works best in darker denim, and a little faded wear on the thighs will draw the eye in and make those pins seem super-skinny.

A cute stripey vest top and jeans is a timelessly classic combination.

Navy lady

Wide-legged sailor pants look so stylish right now! Cut straight down from your widest point to the floor, these are super-flattering with heels or flats. Make sure the waistband is just tight enough, so that the back is snug around that gorgeous bum of yours.

Wide-legged jeans also look casual cool with little pumps.

Skinny jeans

The vest and skinny jeans combo is your ultimate rock-chick look. Wear with flat footwear like ballet pumps for a casual, sexy finish. Jeans like these have elastic in with the denim so they hug those hips and never get saggy. A crazy, retro pattern top will distract from any midriff issues!

Pinstripe skinnies will elongate and slim your legs even more!

Accessories

Accessories are a great way to alter the look of your wardrobe staples in a matter of moments. In fact, add a basics outfit to the accessories shown here and you’ve got a capsule wardrobe in itself!

1	A great belt is essential for layering, adding definition, and keeping that silhouette tight and trim.
2	A simple ensemble will let oversized jewellery shine.
3	A classic riding boot will keep your feet happy (and stylish) for years. Look for a pair that really fits and flatters your legs.

Gok’s sneaky style tip

Oversized jewellery will add instant glamour to your wardrobe classics.

Gok’s sneaky style tip

A pretty necklace adds a touch of instant glamour to any outfit.

4	Long scarves aren’t just for winter! Wrap one around your neck to add an extra shot of summer colour.
5	Bright accessories and shoes add an edgy pop of colour to classic neutrals like black and grey.
6	A long necklace will soften the contrast of two layered tops.
7	Let jazzy knee-high socks peek out of the top of classic tall boots.

So let’s get back to basics! Short of keeping me in the back of your wardrobe, nothing’s going to be more useful in helping you get a fabulous look together each morning than a selection of brilliant basics.

These basics are your New Best Friends, ready to guide you through season to season and from event to event. A set of wardrobe staples at your fingertips will make you feel like a super-confident dresser, always with something up your sleeve for whatever comes next.

These pieces are going to be the perfect way for you to wear that fabulous new top or skirt without having to wrestle with a whole new outfit. They’ll each give the edgier pieces in your wardrobe an extended life just by sitting next to them. In the future, when you buy a funky new piece, you’ll already have the perfect basic to go with it (which means that everything you buy will be ready-to-wear!).

There’s nothing like a collection of simple pieces in your wardrobe when you’re having a busy day or just want to play it chic. Once you’ve got them sorted, the world of style is yours for the taking!

So my gorgeous, let’s start building you a flattering and fabulous wardrobe of simple, uncomplicated pieces.

© Adam Lawrence