Most of us don’t need to wear suits to work nowadays, but there are situations where one is appropriate (interviews, board meetings and court appearances, for example). Most stylists recommend that you have a black suit waiting in your wardrobe for such an occasion, but this is not what I advocate. Buy a suit if and when you need it. It’s a rather large expense and you’ll want one that’s current and best for you at that point in time.

When you realize that you need a suit (and only one suit) – buy a black one with a lined jacket that’s matched with either pants or a skirt. Make sure that it’s in a lightweight triacetate or another non-crease fabric so that it travels and cleans well. Wools and wool blends tend to be seasonal.

The black suit is the most versatile, sophisticated, timeless and ageless choice. It can be dressed up or down, made funky or classic, and will see you through all sorts of weather depending on how you layer. Choose a suit with a subtle pinstripe for a younger look.

Here are a few ways you might like to wear your suit:

• On it’s own if the jacket is “high buttoning”
• With a collared shirt that can either be tucked and matched with a skinny animal belt, or left un-tucked so that it peaks out from under your jacket
• With a silky camisole that’s left un-tucked
• With a dressy knit or girly top
• Buttoned and belted at the natural waist
• Layered with a wool coat or trench for chilly days

When it comes to accessorizing – pearls, a big black tote and black heels become the most obvious choice. But there are more playful options as well. Matching your black suit up with red patent shoes, a leopard printed bag and bright yellow camisole is a funkier ensemble. All it takes is the right suit and a bit of imagination.

Department stores like Nordstrom and chain stores like Ann Taylor are super places to shop for suiting.

I’ve come across many people who do not actually wear the wonderful clothes and accessories that they have in their closet. For many reasons, they think it best to “leave them for later”. Clothes are there for you to wear and enjoy as soon and as frequently as possible. They are useless when left to decorate the inside of your closet waiting for the so called best occasion.

By all means, save that recently purchased cocktail dress for a party, or a new winter coat for when it’s cold. But everyday clothes for work and play should not be saved. Before you know it, the items you’ve bought will either be dated, or they won’t be right for you (or the weather). You might find yourself passing on your purchases before you’ve even worn them once.

So rip off those tags and start breaking in those new items. It makes sense to maximize your return on investment.

Spring welcomed the resurgence of longer length knitted tops and T’s, and Autumn and Winter welcomes them again. Knitwear and shirting have also followed suit, making almost a decades’ worth of hipbone length tops and collared shirts look dated. While it’s a super idea to buy longer length tops, it doesn’t mean that you have to disregard the hip bone length tops and shirts in your closet. You can update them by popping a longer length camisole or t-shirt underneath, thereby adding the length and the interest of an extra layer.

Longer length tops are most flattering scrunched up to just above your crotch point, or extra long to cover your thighs (but still above your knees). Pretty pear body types need to stay clear of longer lengths that fall in-between the 2 lengths described above.

Whether it’s casual or smart casual clothing that you wear everyday – be sure to update the length of your tops. It’s current, elegant and practical – an absolute must for those of you who work from home.

Nordstrom has an excellent selection of longer length tops in at the moment. You’ll find a good section of longer length camisoles at Express for $26.

Jailbird stripe: an equidistant two-tone stripe that’s anything from half an inch to 4 inches wide.

Horizontal and diagonal jailbird-striped knitted tops started coming through in Spring. The look has filtered down into Autumn and is bigger then ever. They are my number one “must have item” to update your look this season. There are lots of jailbird striped items to choose from – knit tops, pullovers, cardigans, T’s and girly tops are all super options.  It’s untrue that horizontal stripes make you look bigger then you are.  By selecting the correct width of stripe, garment shape and neckline – this very ’80’s look can be worn by all body types.  Have a look at the guidelines below:

• Well endowed ladies need to select narrower stripe widths with V or scooped shaped necklines.
• Less endowed ladies need to select broader stripe widths with either higher necklines, or wear camisoles underneath striped tops with scooped neck styles.
• Select tops with shape that are either cinched in at the waist or welted at the bottom. Horizontal striped tops that are boxy are unflattering.
• Select tops with length that cover at least half of your bottom (and going longer is also a good idea). If your striped tops are shorter then that, pop a longer length T underneath to lengthen your line.

It’s simple to add a jailbird-striped knitted top or “T” to your wardrobe. Pop over a cropped jacket for when it’s cooler and you’ve updated your look. It’s perfect for both casual and smart casual dressing.

Mango and Gap have particularly nice jailbird-striped knitted tops in at the moment – all with good length and shape.