Like every one else, we love sprucing up our wardrobe from season to season but now that we’re all a little more conscious the effect fast fashion is having on our planet, we’re shopping smarter. We’re investing in pieces that will see us through the seasons, that we can mix and match with everything else in our wardrobe.
To find out what essentials we should be buying, we turned to none other than our Fashion Director, Amanda Marcantonio. She revealed to us her wardrobe heroes, the five items she just can’t live without from basics to statement pieces – here are Amanda’s absolute must-haves.
“My friends and colleagues know I’m slightly cashmere-obsessed!” Amanda admitted.
“Nothing makes me happier than a super soft crewneck cashmere jumper. It’s a crucial part of my year-round wardrobe, but I have to say my navy and grey sweaters gets more outings than any other shade,” she revealed.
Describing them as “effortlessly chic and luxe,” Amanda highlighted that a grey or navy cashmere jumper is both versatile and always on trend.
“Somehow it always looks smart and pulled together and I never tire of wearing it.”
Her favourite is a stylish, grey round neck jumper from Marks & Spencer. With a ribbed trim and available in more than 10 colours.
“A classic long sleeve white T-shirt is often considered to be a wardrobe basic but, to me, it’s an unsung hero,” Amanda said.
“It’s become the hardest working piece I own, great for layering under my jumpers, hoodies and dresses,” she added.
Revealing that she uses a long sleeve white tee from Uniqlo to take her outfit to the next level, Amanda said: “I let the band of white cuff peek out beneath the sleeves on top to give my outfit a whole new look.”
Amanda’s top tip: Avoid extra bulk by keeping the long sleeve T-shirt fitted for a super flattering silhouette.
“I’m not a jeans girl – never have been, never will. I have hips, a bum and I love comfort, so roomy trousers are much more flattering and forgiving on my figure,” Amanda explained.
Trousers are a great wardrobe staple and can take you from work-to-bar just by switching up your shoes. Amanda says she lives in these chic ones from Reiss.
“Heels, trainers, brogues, ankle boots, flats and sandals… there isn’t a shoe they don’t work with. When the weather’s chilly I slip black opaques underneath and I’m snug as a bug in a rug.”
“As a casual glamourpuss myself, I’m a huge fan of using a combination of day and eveningwear separates to create an outfit with go-anywhere appeal.”
“I’m slightly late to the backpack phenomena, but I honestly don’t know how I survived my commute to the office without one,” Amanda said.
“Practical and super-stylish, I even wear my sleek and chic black leather backpack from Fossil at the weekends when I’m out and about with my daughter,” she added.
Amanda’s top tip: I’d recommend a simple elegant design that will look just as good with trousers as it does with dresses.
For Amanda, leopard print or subtle sparkle trainers are a wardrobe must-have, adding a twist to her look.
“On days when my tailored trousers need jazzing up, I always turn to these snazzy black and gold glitter trainers from Air & Grace,” she revealed.
The white trainers feature a black and gold glitter detailing.
Amanda added: “If you don’t already own a pair, then your wardrobe simply isn’t complete. Far more versatile than you might think, they’ll always feel fresh and can instantly kick a simple look up a notch.
“You can’t go wrong with a sequin long sleeve top, T-shirt or bomber jacket, silk or satin shirts – tucked into your favourite jeans, embellished knits and not forgetting a classic wide-leg trouser suit. You’ll always looks exquisite.”
Well there we have it, our Fashion Director’s wardrobe must-haves for all year round. Do you own any of her hero buys?