Save or Splurge?
Want to make your clothes budget stretch a little bit further? The secret is knowing which bits of your wardrobe are worth spending money on, and where you can safely snap up a bargain. So if you’re starting to think about new clothes for summer, commit these rules to memory, and you won’t go far wrong.
When to splurge
Jacket: Even with global warming, it’s rare that you can rely on day-long T-shirt weather during the British summer, so it’s worth spending a bit on a well-cut jacket, in a neutral colour. A really good one will make every outfit look fantastic.
Trousers: If you can find cheap trousers that flatter you, you’re a very lucky woman. Most of the cheaper High Street stores seem to cut for 12 year olds with no hips, and if trousers don’t fit and hang well, they’re not worth buying. So unless you happen to have the figure of a 12 year old with no hips, better to invest in one beautifully cut pair, in a good quality fabric, than six cheap ones you’ll never really feel comfortable in.
Jeans: Again, fit and cut are everything, and jeans are so versatile that it’s worth splashing out on a really fabulous pair that you’ll want to wear all the time.
Swimwear: If you’re going to be wearing something every day of your holiday, it deserves to be something fabulous. Paying a bit extra also means you’re less likely to find yourself in a row of 20 identical bikinis on the beach.
Bras: Lighter, skimpier clothes mean your shape’s more on show during the summer, so invest in a good, professionally fitted bra or two. With the right bra, you can look 5-10lbs lighter, and it’ll make even the cheapest T-shirt or sundress look ten times better.
When to save
Mac: A light mac is a great standby for drizzly days. You could splash out a couple of hundred pounds on a classic design that’ll last for ever, but though they’ll never date, they won’t exactly update your look either. Head for the High Street, and you can pick up a great mac with this season’s details for about £60. It’ll give your summer wardrobe an instant update, and at that price, it doesn’t have to last forever.
T-shirts: Every summer, magazines run ‘tried and tested features on the classic white T-shirt, and I’ve never yet seen one where the most expensive brands came out on top, especially after washing. The most important thing is to get a good fit for your shape, and you’re as likely to find that for £5 as for £50.
Sandals: Winter boots and shoes are worth splashing out on, because they’re usually styles that last from year to year, but sandals should be a fun, frivolous, one-season wonder. Try Primark and New Look for designer-inspired styles that are so cheap, you’ll want to buy one in every colour.
Bags: When it comes to leather, quality talks, but once the weather warms up, it’s nice to swap to light, summery straw and fabric bags, and that means you can get away with paying a lot less. Accessorize has a great selection, or check out the local markets when you go on holiday.