If you open your wardrobe and find you have nothing to wear — except perhaps printed leggings, harem pants, jump suits or gladiator sandals — now is definitely the time to invest in some classic pieces that will outperform the latest trends year after year.

“Fashions Fade, Style is Eternal”

Yves Saint-Laurent’s famous quote is as true today as ever before. Fashion cycles are now shorter than ever before, meaning the latest hot new look will become yesterday’s all too quickly. While teenagers and twenty-somethings are happy to buy cheap and cheerful fast fashions, women in their forties and over are less enamoured with disposable fashions that only last a couple of washes before hems become undone, buttons fall off or zips stick. 

If, like me, you have cultivated an appreciation of the finer things in life, you’ll undoubtedly prefer to spend your money on higher quality clothing. Invest wisely in a few key classic styles and you can ensure you’ll always have the perfect outfit for every occasion.

Guilty Secrets:

If you have made fashion mistakes in the past, don’t waste time lamenting them or feeling guilty: you’re not alone. Surveys reveal that each of us has on average 22 garments in our wardrobe that we will never wear. When I realised I would be a lot happier if I didn’t keep seeing the peplum dress that did nothing for my figure or any of the other fashion mistakes I had made over the years, I decided to sell my clothes that I no longer wanted and put the money I raised towards four timeless essentials:

● The Trench Coat

If you only own one coat, it should be a trench coat. Burberry’s gabardine twill version of Charles Mackintosh’s rubbery design has been a hit since its launch over 150 years ago. Elegant and easily dressed up or down – and best worn tied rather than belted – the trench coat is a classic that should be in every woman’s wardrobe.

● Little Black Dress

The little black dress — or LBD as it has become known — was created by Coco Chanel in the 1920s and took the world by storm after being featured in Vogue magazine. Think Audrey Hepburn when shopping for your perfect LBD and steer clear of anything with embellishments or short hems: the perfect LBD is simple, elegant and timeless.

● Court Shoes

Court shoes are flattering to feet and ankles while denoting style and sophistication. Wear skin-tone courts with knee-length dresses to make your legs look longer and team black trousers with black courts for effortless chic.

● A Cashmere Cardigan

Nothing combines luxury and understatement more than a cashmere cardigan in your favourite colour. Team it with your LBD for a sophisticated evening look or master smart-casual by pairing a cashmere cardigan with wide-legged trousers.

With these and other classic styles in your wardrobe, you’ll never again say, “I have nothing to wear!”