Out with the old
Wouldn't you just love to upgrade your look for the new year? Bin all those dreadful style faux pas of the past 12 months and start afresh? But buying a whole new wardrobe isn't necessarily the answer. By buying new things you're inevitably making your old things obsolete, so conscious decision-making is required when deliberating a new buy. For starters, ask yourelf; 'Do I love this coat enough to delete my existing one?' I'm not going to tell you to throw things out but if it's not being worn at least store it out of sight to make room for the things you do want to wear.
Store or keep?
Going forward, trends are more sophisticated - even the layered look is about luxe fabrics and classy shapes. So retire the faded, shapeless tees, Juicy Couture tracksuits, ripped jeans and anything Britney-esque and trashy. Prom dresses have had a good run for the last few seasons but are in danger of looking frou-frou now. If you love the look, continue to wear it but if you fancy a change give it a sabbatical and try out the new A-line print dresses which are just as forgiving. Jeans-wise, spring's look is about a loosely tailored silhouette (I'm loving Chloé's) but don't chuck out your skinnies just yet, they'll come in handy for tucking in boots in questionable weather. Embrace the new sport-luxe look with expensively drapy grey marl jersey (on the high street at Warehouse) and dark nylon or silk parkas (at M&S). Sleek trenches are here to stay (check out Luella's satin one) as are the Louboutin-alike platform court shoes that continue to work with a zillion looks.
Sales savvy
Who can resist the excitement of a sale - all those designer bags, shoes and jeans just begging to be bought? But try not to get caught up in the drama. Avoid anything that's not-quite-right for whatever reason, no matter how cheap and ditto for obvious must-have designer pieces (you'll go off them faster than you can say 'Coleen McLoughlin). Instead, shop for those annoying gaps in your wardrobe. Quality never goes out of style so make this the time to invest in cashmere - Coco Ribbon's fitted shapes with sweet button details are just right for adding refinement to jeans and boots.
Sales also give you the opportunity to upgrade your underwear drawer with lingerie you couldn't otherwise afford. Underwear trends move at a slower pace so indulge yourself with some La Perla, Dior or Prada frippery –and don't save them for best. Winter boots are the ultimate sensible sale buy.The stack-heeled look is always a winner with jeans and is perfect right now for adding weight to the latest influx of floaty trapeze dresses (which are another buy-now-wear-for-ages sale essential). Everyone needs a quality everyday bag so leather goods are the one purchase that will make your heart beat faster and make a sound sale investment. If you have to have an It bag buy one in a classic colour like tan, cream or navy and stick to classic styles too. Bags like the Emmy by Mulberry were always going to be one-season wonders but the Rive Gauche by YSL or the Ladybird by Stella are set to endure longer than the celebrities often seen touting them. Gold is all very eyecatching but will jar after the first flush of passion wears off. Having said that, muted metallics and brocades are set to continue into spring and summer so snap up a '60s brocade shift and jacket now to wear to all those summer weddings and garden parties.
