Updating your wardrobe with some one-piece wonders. By Zoe

Each season heralds in new fashion trends and it’s not easy to keep on top of them. Flicking through magazines or perusing online fashion sites often leaves me feeling a outdated and craving fashion oddities, like floral bike shorts. It’s niche pieces such as these that can leave you with a wardrobe full of clothes, but nothing that coordinates. Or it can be tempting to embrace an entire ‘look’ and wind up sporting ‘military chic’ everyday, for an entire season.

Aim for a harmonious and easy wardrobe.

Unless you have masses of funds, time and closet space at your disposal, it’s better to apply some tactical discretion about which ‘in’ fashion choices to indulge in. Adopting a diplomatic attitude towards last season’s fashions, staple wardrobe items and trend pieces will see you retain your individuality – but still look like you learned a thing or two while sitting front row at fashion week.

So what are some instant-update fashions going around now? Lets see…

Instant Updates for Women

The Dapper Lady

Diane Kruger first brought this trend to my attention and now it can be seen sashaying around the streets of Paris and New York. Heading into the colder months, it will be all about the dandy look. For instant update piece, think: neat collars, well tailored shorts, bow ties, above the knee boots and brogue shoes with socks.

Feature Necklace

This has to be one of the best investments. You can wear a feature necklace with an old tee shirt and it will look great. Or with a simple summer dress and black stockings. It basically takes all the pressure of the rest of your outfit because it works overtime to make you stand out.

Nudes

For anyone with short legs (me!) nude flats or high heels are a blessing. It creates the illusion of longer legs and can work with any colour. No longer will you have to match your clutch to your shoes or shun the red shoes in favour of a pink dress. If you are confident to show off your curves, a slim fitting nude dress is alluring yet retains it’s high-end appeal.

Digital Prints

I first fell for a digital print when I was in Paris. It was on a man’s shirt. I bought it anyway. Look for anything bright, with acid or gelato colours and team with a basic grey or white. The effect is slightly startling but looks exactly on trend. Go for a print singlet or bag if feeling a little overwhelmed.

Instant Update for Men

The Duffle Coat

Duffle coats have been adopted by the men of many fashionable cities. They can be seen on grudgey guys in LA, on man-about-town gents in London and on the beatnik poet types in New York. Go for either a grey or navy blue, and make sure it has the traditional toggles and reminds you of Paddington Bear.

Feature Scarf

Now is the time for men to get bold. When buying a scarf, look for bright colours and quality textures for a thrifty and simple transitional piece. Any jumper or collared shirt can be dressed up with this addition. Team with a neat blazer for an extra smooth look. My sources tell me that grape purple is all the rage in Europe for men, so watch for this trend as it will surely migrate our way.

The not-track pants

It’s every man’s dream to wear their comfy trackies at any moment they choose – with no social or professional ramifications. Unfortunately as a society we have deemed this largely unacceptable. Until now. If you can find a pair of grey or black track pants that are loose in the crotch and tight at the ankles, you are not lazy – you are cutting edge!

Wearing shirts buttoned up high

This may seem like an odd fashion update, but shirts have been creeping their buttons steadily skywards for a couple of years. The likes of Jamie T have brought this into fashion and there has never been a better time to embrace this ‘up-tight’ look. And best of all, it’s free! just grab a collared shirt, take it as high as it can go and get ready to swagger.