How do you put together a basic wardrobe in Cyprus?

The problem of ‘having nothing to wear’ is one that every woman is probably familiar with, both in Russia and abroad. And whilst we might want to keep adding to our collection of festive outfits and holiday wear indefinitely, looking fresh every season, we’d prefer to put together our everyday outfits in such a way that we don’t have to waste precious morning minutes every day choosing the right outfit.

That is precisely why, in recent years, many stylists have been strongly recommending that you build a basic wardrobe. What exactly is this? In this case, the opinions of fashion trendsetters differ.

Some believe that a core wardrobe consists of a selection of the season’s trendiest items, which allow you to look stylish and eye-catching and which need to be updated every new season.

Others take the view that a basic wardrobe is a sort of compromise between items that will last you a long time and the ultra-trendy clothes of the new season. We’ll be taking this same view too.

What should you include in a basic wardrobe?

The main idea behind a basic wardrobe is that all its components should go well together.

As a rule, a basic wardrobe can consist of a set of 7–8 items and accessories, which can be combined in any way to create a successful look.

Two colours should dominate your wardrobe, in line with your favourite colour palette, whilst a third colour should serve as a striking accent. This additional colour should harmonise with the main ones.

We’ve included the following in our core wardrobe:

1. A leather ‘pencil skirt’ by Bottega Veneta
2. A Burberry jumper in this season’s on-trend red
3. RtA Denim jeans in a trendy metallic shade
4. A classic white shirt by Marc Jacobs
5. A denim shirt by Ralph Lauren
6. A vibrant Vivienne Westwood jacket
7. Max Mara fur gilet
8. Bvlgari necklace
9. Givenchy handbag
10. Saint Laurent ankle boots

How to mix and match pieces from your wardrobe essentials?

The key piece in the first look is a leather skirt.

As the latest fashion trends show, a leather skirt fits perfectly into a business dress code when paired with a classic white shirt and a stylish red blazer. A combination of a white blouse, skirt and necklace would also look great as a business outfit. This option is also suitable for an evening business dinner.

In cooler weather, you could throw on a fur jacket. This ensemble will look good even without the red blazer.

For the second look, we suggest using on-trend metallic-coloured jeans as the basis.

We suggest wearing these jeans with a classic white shirt. If you have a meeting coming up (for example, a trip to the cinema, a restaurant or an exhibition), you can complete the look with a necklace and a jacket.

For an ‘everyday’ look, it’s worth considering the smart casual style and opting for a combination of jeans and a long, brightly coloured jumper.

We’ve based the third outfit around a denim shirt.

For several seasons now, stylists have been suggesting mixing fabrics with different textures. So we can pair a denim shirt with a leather skirt. Again, when heading out, you can add a necklace to complete the stylish look. If you’re going to a party, it would be appropriate to wear a denim shirt with a fur gilet and jeans.

What else is worth including in your wardrobe essentials?

1. Beige shoes. This wardrobe staple is ideal for anyone who wants to make their legs look longer. What’s more, beige shoes go with any outfit you choose and look elegant and stylish. Opt for matt or suede leather.
2. A little black dress. As the saying goes, ‘it’s never too late to invest in a classic’. By accessorising it in various ways, you can create the most luxurious outfits. We recommend choosing dresses with a simple, clean cut that fit your figure perfectly (for example, a ‘sheath dress’).
3. Classic black trousers. This item can tie your entire wardrobe together. Using them as a base, you can put together numerous outfits, both for work and leisure. They’ll look particularly striking if you pair them with high-heeled shoes and eye-catching accessories.
4. An elegant raincoat. During the cooler spring and autumn seasons, it’s definitely worth considering classic styles. It’s this particular wardrobe staple that will allow those around you to appreciate your sense of style. A classic trench coat is a sure-fire choice; it goes with any outfit and, just as importantly, rarely goes out of fashion.
5. Comfortable boots. Classic high black boots with a comfortable fit and a stable heel will suit most outfits. But steer clear of patent leather and imitation leather. Footwear for a core wardrobe must, without fail, be of good quality.

In conclusion, it’s worth noting that your core wardrobe is shaped by your line of work, your values and your outlook on life. It should include items you’ll need throughout the year, as your core wardrobe forms the foundation of your clothing collection.

It is also worth mentioning that the more thoughtfully you put together your core wardrobe – and the more you incorporate bold details and accessories into it each season – the more interesting your look will be. Stylists say that 70 per cent of such a wardrobe should consist of simple basics, with only 30 per cent made up of eye-catching additions that you’ll choose each season.