It’s all very well getting high ideas about your ‘new season wardrobe’ now that’s all the fashion press are talking about. But let’s face it, unless you’re willing to drop several big ones on a load of new swag, you’re going to be looking at pieces that you can wear and and re-wear. You need £100 (or thereabouts) worth of outfit-makers that will buy you a million dollars worth of fashion kudos.
Step forward Baukjen, a London-based label built on affordable investment pieces such as boyfriend jeans, blazers, and silk shirts, that thinks throwaway trends can go to hell. Instead, founder Baukjen de Swaan Arons, who tellingly counts timelessly chic Kate Moss and Sophia Coppola as her outfit heroes, considers how her designs can be styled, so just one or two of her pieces will make your wardrobe work harder.
Which is why we’ve picked her brains on how to look thoroughly refreshed every season, even if you mostly re-style the same old thing...
Nail your good-quality basics
The key to a wardrobe staple is pieces can be dressed up and dressed down. I literally couldn’t live without boyfriend jeans and a tailored blazer.
Boyfriend jeans can be dressed up
Here’s how:
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Team with a bold knit that’s layered over a printed shirt to pare-back a daring clash.
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Roll the hems, add a skater shoe or pump and finish with a textured top or fine layering knits.
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Work an evening look with a bandeau top and spike heel.
A tailored blazer doesn’t have to only be smart.
Here’s three ways to wear it:
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With tailored shorts and a relaxed shirt for a modern office look.
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With boyfriend jeans and a slogan tee – it’s a classic but its appeal can’t be denied!
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With a buttoned up white shirt, crew neck jumper and a 7/8 cropped trouser.
Signature styles exist because they’re successful for that person.
Skinny jeans, a tux jacket and jersey is definitely Kate Moss’s look. It’s effortless yet chic which means she’ll look and feel good when she’s wearing it. Confidence plays a big part in successful dressing.
If you work in an office with a strict dress code, focus on accessories.
Use belts for adding pops of colour or creating new definition – try cinching over a jacket to give a tried and tested outfit a new look. You can have fun with your bag and think about your jewellery. You can’t be too outlandish, but a statement ring or some fine layered necklaces of different lengths will add a subtle twist to more classic looks.
READ MORE: How To Look Expensive When You're on A Red Stripe Kinda Budget
To make an otherwise simple outfit stand out easily, think details.
Maybe it’s rolling the hem of your jeans or the sleeves on a shirt. Maybe it’s tucking in one side of a T-shirt. A slick of red lipstick has unlimited style appeal and always choose a great shoe – heel or flat. The little things do make a big difference.
When in doubt, take inspriation from Miranda Kerr
When it comes to celebrities, Miranda Kerr has the ability to look relaxed and polished at the same time. I love the confident ease of Jessica Alba and Diane Kruger never seems to put a foot wrong, even make-up free and running around town.
If you’ve not got much to spend on clothes, then a great relaxed shirt and a skinny trouser will take you anywhere.
Simply add a heel, bag and jewellery of your choosing.
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Pictures: Getty
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.