Building a classic, timeless couture wardrobe
For those of you who want to invest in clothes that work regardless of each season’s trends this blog is for you. As a couture designer, my ethos is to design beautifully fitted, timeless outfits from the finest fabrics that will stand the test of time and take you from weddings to special occasions to the board room.
Clients often ask me ‘What is this season’s colour?’ and my advice is always ‘The colour that suits you best’. The same applies to style and length, as you age you get to know what looks good on you. A nod to a trend is fine but be selective. If you strive for some kind of continuity from year to year you will build your own style and dressing will be much easier.
Some everyday garments like jeans, T-shirts and knitwear of course can be found ready to wear but dresses, jackets, trousers and coats are more difficult to get right. You may find a dress you like but it doesn’t have sleeves or the length is too short. No two people have the same measurements, and ready to wear garments are made for an average size
I advice my couture clients to invest in a well fitted jacket with classic styling that can work across the seasons, navy is a good colour and is more flattering than black for most women. This will instantly dress up any outfit.
A beautiful jacket worn over a dress, skirt or trousers in matching or contrasting colour will boost your confidence. The same principle applies to dresses – one well styled and fitted dress in a beautiful quality fabric is an investment as you will always feel confident wearing it.
My client Sally who is head of marketing, requires a varied wardrobe for her busy work and social life. She loves beautifully made, classically styled clothes in exquisite fabrics.
For the last five years, she has been building a wardrobe of couture garments adding a new item each season.
Sally puts a lot of thought into what she wants her clothes to do and plans how each piece will work with another when choosing fabrics.
I made Sally a beautiful silk crepe silvery grey shift dress with sleeves and a textured ivory wool Chanel style jacket for a family wedding.
The dress has since become a staple in her wardrobe for business meetings.
The Chanel style jacket is worn with a navy and white print summer dress I made her at the start of her couture journey.
This crosses over from her summer work wardrobe to cultural trips with her daughter to Italy and Paris where style is all important.
Recently I made her a soft cotton dress in a quirky olive coloured Liberty fabric. Relaxed enough for warm evenings out but smart enough to wear to exhibitions and the opera which she loves, this dress will see her through as the season changes from spring into summer.
Every garment I make for Sally is gradually building her dream wardrobe of outfits she loves to wear.
If you would like advice on building a capsule wardrobe of couture outfits please email me at [email protected] for a free on obligation consultation.
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