In fashion terms, January is a strange time of year. While high-street shops are packed full of scrunched-up sale stock, minds (and magazines) are already turning to the new spring/summer collections.
In fashion terms, January is a strange time of year. While high-street shops are packed full of scrunched-up sale stock, minds (and magazines) are already turning to the new spring/summer collections.
For the consumer, especially in this economic climate, it can be confusing stuff. Those who want to follow fashion will be torn between searching out a bargain and saving their pennies to buy a new look from the new collections.
Fortunately, whatever you decide to do, there are plenty of ways to update your look this year with a few basics.
A classic wardrobe-staple-turned-fashion-item such as the smart blazer is a great way to bring you right up to date.
The key to spring/summer 2009 won't actually be what you buy. Instead it'll be how you wear something - which makes recycling old pieces a great option. To give your look a fresh new twist, roll up the sleeves of your blazer to expose the lining, and avoid wearing it with anything too suit-like. Instead, wear it loose over a simple dress or brightly coloured top to create a zesty spring style. If you want to look smart, pair the blazer with a pair of cropped trousers.
For more ideas, have a look at our three outfits below.
Wearing a simple blazer this season is an easy way to instantly update your look. With a few clever styling tricks, you can transform a simple outfit into something a little more fashion-forward. If you don't have something suitable hanging around your wardrobe, this grey blazer from Topshop (£60) would be a great option. With pre-rolled-up sleeves, it helps you out in the style stakes as well. To create a simple office-ready outfit, pair the blazer with this simple blue dress from Topshop (£35) and these smart wooden and metal bangles from Oasis (£14).
Topshop: 0845 121 4519; Oasis: 0131 556 4854/0141 248 8661.
There's no doubt that fashion will change in 2009. With the economic forecast as bleak as ever, the focus will have to move from following trends to cultivating your own personal style. Simple, classic garments such as the blazer will help you here. Using the same Topshop grey blazer, take inspiration from the catwalks and put together a bright outfit for spring. This orange bat-wing top from Topshop (£32) is a great find and will look good underneath the jacket, while the floral skirt with orange detail from Untold at House of Fraser (£45) will finish off the whole outfit perfectly.
Topshop: 0845 121 4519; House of Fraser: 0870 160 7243.
Of course, fashion isn't going to disappear completely. As Karl Lagerfeld put it recently, people need to have things to desire - and if you're a fashionista lucky enough to have some spare cash to play with, there are suitably seasonal delights to be found. Cropped trousers, such as this black pair from Oasis (£45), would be the perfect accompaniment to the grey Topshop blazer. Spotted on many catwalks for spring, cropped trousers are a daring and directional piece. Add a little warmth to the outfit with this leopard-print cardigan from Topshop (£30).
Oasis: 0131 556 4854/0141 248 8661; Topshop: 0845 121 4519.
