Nina Garcia’s book is a great guide for building your wardrobe – here are the top 100 items a woman must have in her wardrobe.
A is for…
A-LINE DRESS: The flared shape will always flatter. Accessorise with boots in winter and sandals in summer.
ANIMAL PRINT: True fashionistas are daring – show your wild side with animal prints in muted colours, either as accessories or a full outfit.
ANKLE BOOTS: These look great worn with skirts and shorts, or with skinny jeans tucked into them.
AVIATORS: The universally fashionable shades give instant cool factor.
B is for…
BALLET FLATS: Chic, timeless, elegant and comfortable. Try Chanel for high-end, or Gap for inexpensive.
BANGLES: For a bold look, wear big bands beneath your elbow. For glamour, wear an armload of thin, 18-carat gold ones.
BELTS: An under-appreciated accessory that makes you look slimmer and accentuates curves.
BIKINI: The key to wearing them is confidence. Keep them small and in one, solid colour to best flatter.
BLACKBERRY: The modern girl’s weapon which lets her bid on eBay or peruse gossip website Perez Hilton while shopping.
BLACK OPAQUE TIGHTS: These bring an edge to every outfit while making legs look slimmer and sleeker. The higher the denier the better.
BLAZER: Beat the boys by wearing them better than they ever can – either oversized or tight and shrunken.
BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN: Anything that looks as if it’s been stolen out of your man’s closet won’t go out of style. Wear over a T-shirt and belt it.
BROOCHES: Be creative with strange designs and sizes pinned on in unexpected places – such as hats.
C is for…
CABLE-KNIT SWEATER:
Cosy, casual, yet unbelievably stylish. A white version will go with everything you own.
CAMEL COAT: A classic that looks elegant and expensive. The rich colour works well combined with black and white.
CAPE: Adds drama and hides flaws. Keep everything else in the outfit tight and tailored.
CASHMERE SWEATERS: Have as many as possible in as many styles and colours as possible, and invest in quality.
CHAMPAGNE: The drink of celebration, so always have a bottle ready and waiting – preferably Moet.
CHARM BRACELET: Build your own by collecting both new and vintage charms which remind you of your life experiences.
CLUTCH BAG: Add excitement with metallics, bright colours and jewels.
COCKTAIL RING: Make a statement – make them bold, adventurous and very large.
CONVERSE TRAINERS: The ultimate casual footwear. Team with jeans and a white T-shirt for downtown style.
COSMETICS BAG: A good-looking satin or velvet style can double up as a clutch bag.
COWBOY BOOTS: Acceptable with a cocktail dress but safer with Levis. Invest in a good pair, then beat them up a bit.
CUFF JEWELLERY: Forever on the runway, try wood for the bohemian look or platinum for uptown glitz.
D is for…
DENIM JACKET: Be extreme – wear it a size too small, in either really dark or really worn fabric. But never team with more denim.
DIAMOND STUDS: Best when large and real – they work with most outfits.
DRIVING SHOES: Like a fashionable loafer, but with rubber gussets on the sole. Perfect for weekends.
E is for…
An evening gown like this sequinned Roberto Cavalli number will never let you down
ESPADRILLES: Either flat or heeled, these rope and cloth creations are the ultimate summer shoe.
EVENING GOWN: Buy whenever you see one you like – it’s wise to have one waiting in the wings.
EXOTIC SKIN BAG: For instant luxe. The three skins which will never lose appeal are crocodile, ostrich and snakeskin.
F is for…
FISHNETS: Super-sexy, but only when done right: i.e. fine mesh worn with sophisticated clothes.
FRYE ‘HARNESS’ BOOTS: These big clunky boots assert strength and power. Tuck jeans into an old, beaten-up pair.
FUR: Whether fake or real, fur adds the glam factor. There is nothing it doesn’t play well with.
G is for…
GENTLEMAN’S HAT: Can attract and deflect attention. Try a trilby, Panama or gangster-ish fedora.
GLOVES: A glamorous accessory when well-fitting. For an edgy look, try leather or fingerless gloves.
H is for…
HAVAIANAS: Brazil’s national treasure, these flip-flops – put on the runway by Jean Paul Gaultier – are cute.
HOBO BAG: These satchel-like bags are perfect for everyday use – spacious, slouchy and durable.
HOOP EARRINGS: A great standby for day and evening. Stick with silver or gold, and the thinner the better.
I is for…
INVESTMENT BAG: It lasts a lifetime, costs a month’s salary and never goes out of style. Try the Louis Vuitton Speedy or Gucci Jackie O.
iPOD: Its white earplugs are now a ubiquitous accessory and fashion essential.
J is for…
JEANS: Denim snobbery makes choosing stressful, but ignore the brand and buy the best-fitting pair you can find.
JEWELLERY POUCH: Several velvet or silk pouches are vital for carrying jewellery when travelling.
K is for…
KAFTAN: Pair with beads and flat shoes for jet-set chic. Buy from an ethnic shop for the real deal.
KHAKIS: The tan twill fabric forever associated with polo is a perfect notch up from jeans.
KNEE-HIGH BOOTS: Sexual and powerful, these boots make men weak with desire. Wear with a knee-length skirt.
L is for…
LEATHER TROUSERS: Primal rock and roll. Try a size down, as leather will stretch – and keep it
LINGERIE …of the sexy variety. Far more than just a bra, every woman should own a camisole, silk slip, negligee and silk stockings.
LITTLE BLACK DRESS: Price is immaterial; the perfect LBD is priceless. Choose the best material and accessorise.
LITTLE WHITE DRESS: Wear this tan-enhancer with edgy accessories and gold or silver shoes.
LUGGAGE: Buy one piece at a time until you have a matching carry-on, roller-wheel bag, large suitcase and duffle.
L.L BEAN TOTE: The toughest bag you can buy is perfect for carrying wine and weekly shopping.
M is for…
MAD MONEY: An emergency spare note stashed in a secret purse pocket. Once spent, always replace.
MAN’S WHITE SHIRT: Quietly suggestive of the-morning-after-the-night-before dressing, an untailored crisp cotton shirt sizzles on a woman.
MARY-JANES: Best in patent leather with thin straps, try sky-high heels, pointed toes or studs.
MOCCASINS: Sneakily stylish, these old-school casual classics look incredible with cut-off denim shorts.
MISSONI KNIT: Missoni knit dresses are unmistakable, unrivalled and unforgettable.
MONOGRAMMED STATIONERY: In the age of emails and texts, a handwritten monogrammed note is incredibly stylish.
MOTORCYCLE JACKET: Central to the cool kid uniform. Avoid cheap, shiny or double-breasted versions – vintage is great.
N is for…
NAIL POLISH: Never dip into the middle-ground palette; go vamp red, light pink, black or clear.
O is for…
OLD CONCERT T-SHIRT: Nothing is cooler than an old concert T-shirt.
ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT: The bikini can’t always cut it; New Year holidays demand cover-up. Choose a belted, all-black version.
P is for…
PYJAMAS: A comfortable must-have. Try Chinese-silk or bold-coloured cotton.
PEA COAT: The low-key, low-maintenance look is perfected by stiff-wool naval coats from the Army Navy store.
PEARL NECKLACE: Don’t wear them too seriously or they lose their cool. Add real or fake pearls to a tank top and killer heels.
PENCIL SKIRT: Asserting femininity and power, this should be snug not tight, and worn with super-high heels.
PERFUME: A powerful weapon. Find your signature scent and stick to it.
PERFECT WHITE T-SHIRT: The right white tee should indicate calm and casual ease – effortlessness is essential.
PUSH-UP BRA: One of the 20th century’s best inventions. But remember, cleavage should be mostly concealed.
PUCCI: Even a small bit of Pucci – perhaps a scarf in your hair – gives Sixties jetset glamour.
POLO SHIRT: Wear a size smaller than normal with jeans and an of-the-moment jacket.
R is for…
Red lipstick equals ultimate Hollywood glamour
RED LIPSTICK: Nothing says Hollywood glamour like red lips. Spend time finding your perfect shade.
ROBE: Essential for after baths or morning-afters, the best robe is simple and silk.
S is for…
SAFARI JACKET: Even if it skips a season, this style will always return.
SANDALS: Every woman should own at least two pairs: casual daytime and dressy nightwear. A pedicure is mandatory.
SARONG: This essential beachside accessory has endless options: knot round your neck, waist or head.
SIGNET RING: Show your individuality by choosing an engraving, or search antique stores for old, intricate designs.
SILK SCARF: Parisians wear scarves as belts, handbag decorations, headbands, tops or tied around the neck. Invaluable.
SLIPPERS: Feet which endure high heels deserve pampering.
SPANX: These life-altering control-top tights make you look a size smaller.
STATEMENT NECKLACE: Sometimes it’s best to let an accessory take centre stage. Be bold, on a plain backdrop.
STILLETOS: You can never have too many. Stilettos give confidence, height and sassiness. Invest, then practise your walking.
STRIPED SAILOR SHIRT: The embodiment of French chic which explodes the myth that horizontal stripes aren’t flattering.
SUIT: Wear a lacy camisole or plain T-shirt under the jacket then play up make-up, jewellery and hair.
SUNHAT: A floppy sunhat shades you from the sun and hides beach-worn hair.
T is for…
TRENCH COAT: An object of mystique, perfect for when you’re feeling enigmatic. Add a pair of shades for greater effect.
TURQUOISE AND CORAL JEWELLERY: These chic colours always draw compliments, especially in the middle of dreary winter.
TUXEDO JACKET: Androgyny is for ever avant garde. The tux should be slender and fitted, with a brooch on the lapel.
U is for…
UMBRELLA: A stylish woman is never caught off guard – always keep a mini umbrella in your handbag.
UNDERWEAR …of the functional variety. What you wear beneath your clothes matters; a bad panty line can ruin an outfit so don’t skimp.
V is for…
VALID PASSPORT: Never let yours expire. Designer passport cases are affordable and glamorous.
VANS: The ultimate California girl look. These trainers can be customised for your own unique look.
VINTAGE: Set yourself apart from the pack. Only choose items in good condition which fit well.
W is for…
WATCHES: The advent of time-telling mobile phones means they’re statement pieces, not time-telling-pieces.
WAYFARERS: In these distinctive sturdy sunglasses you’ll never look like a fashion victim. Stick with black.
WELLINGTON BOOTS: The only option for festivals, wear these with dresses, skirts or skinny jeans, come rain or shine.
WIDE-LEG TROUSERS: A rare combination of movement and charisma. Try black, white or pinstripe.
WRAP DRESSES: Hugging and draping in all the right places, the wrap is beautifully flattering. Buy it in jersey.
Y is for…
YOGA GEAR: Inner peace can be achieved only in nice clothes. But never wear sweatsuits outside the gym.
Z is for…
ZIP-FRONT HOODIES: Now core fashion territory, the best hoodie is fitted and comes in cashmere.
life as it should be 