Wardrobe basics require our attention at least once a year. By basics, I mean underpants, bras, camisoles, shapewear, socks, hosiery, sleepwear, and loungewear. Basics, which we often wear daily, sometimes end up at the bottom of our shopping list because they aren’t all that visible to others. And when budgets are tight, we’d rather skimp on basics so that we can spend money on the fun stuff. 

Edit and review your sock drawer. Make sure you’re wearing the right bra size, especially if your body type and weight have changed since the last time you were professionally fitted for a bra. Replace worn socks, and make sure they fit the way you want them to. Stock up on camisoles, fun hosiery, knee-highs, and thermals. Make sure you’re happy with your sleepwear, loungewear, and robe.

I have a simple shopping strategy for replenishing basics. I renew sleepwear and loungewear straight after Thanksgiving when those types of items are on sale. I replenish tired bras, knickers and camisoles around my birthday in July, and thermal underwear every two to three years. I replenish socks, knee-highs, and hosiery frequently throughout the year because I’m hard on those items, especially socks. 

When did you last replenish your basics, and how often do these wardrobe items make it onto your shopping list?

We recently had a lively forum discussion about the definition of edgy style. The different perspectives on the subject are well worth a read, but here it is in a nutshell: There is no one way to be edgy. 

I don’t believe that lots of black, leather, rugged boots, distressed fabrics, studs, zippers, tattoos, and creating a general “rough around the edges” look is the only way to look edgy. These outfit elements describe one type of edge — a “hard edge”. It’s probably the most popular way to create an edgy style because these items have been trending for years and are easily accessible. Ironically, hard edge has become a lot more mainstream than it used to be. 

To me edge is all about combining clothing, footwear and accessories in unconventional and unexpected ways. And in many cases, creating outfits with proportions that are not conventionally flattering.

Edge isn’t about a specific style persona. Whether your style is bohemian, modern classic, rock ’n’ roll, androgynous, arty eclectic, trendy fashionista, preppy classic, avant-garde, or sporty natural, you can create edge with unusual outfit juxtapositions. More specifically, edge is not incompatible with polish, pastels, lots of white and soft flowing fabrications. Here Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett’s style are good examples.

Edge can be about irregular or unusual pieces that have an edgy effect all on their own. But you can also create an edgy look by combining conventional pieces in unconventional ways, especially when the colours are interesting. This is part of a larger point that I like to shout from the rooftops: it’s HOW you wear an item that makes the difference, and not necessarily the style of the piece itself. 

Edginess is a continuum. You can add a little or a lot of edge to your style depending on which makes you feel best, or is most appropriate for your work environment and lifestyle. It is very common for people to dress with more edge in non-work settings, but sometimes the opposite is also true, particularly for people who work in very creative environments.

Edginess is also relative and subjective. What feels edgy to you might seem very conventional to others. Conversely, an outfit combination that you find tame and expected might be perceived as edgy in your environment. And you can change the edginess in your outfits over time as your own perceptions and goals evolve. 

Footwear, hairstyles and eyewear are powerful vehicles for edge. You can add a significant amount of edge to a fairly classic and conventional outfit just by sporting a more daring and dramatic hairstyle, and/or pair of specs. There is also something about the grounding integrity of footwear that ups the edge factor of an outfit when the style is particularly unique, or remixed in an interesting way. 

Finally, edginess is by no means a prerequisite for, or guarantee of, great style. Some of the greatest examples of personal style are to be found in beautiful, conventionally flattering looks. What is important is how you feel about your outfits. If irregular outfit juxtapositions seem too jarring, unflattering, or inappropriate for your professional or social environmental norm, then they might not be stylish for you. But if you’re comfortable challenging convention, then edginess can be stylish. If you are a little uncomfortable about an edgy combination, but excited by doing something different, then it might be just the tonic your personal style needs.

This is the beauty of style in 2014. There is no one way to be edgy, and no one way to be stylish. Express yourself, be daring if that’s what floats your boat, and above all, have fun with fashion.

Full length boyfriend jeans are hard to find, as are low heeled booties sans the Western cowboy vibe. Here are fab finds that fit the bill. 

• Big Star Joey Slouchy Jeans: With a 34 inch inseam and tapered hem width, this length works for tall ladies with a little length to spare. You might need to size down if you prefer a less baggy and slouchy style. The hems and lower leg are wider so consider yourself warned if you prefer a streamlined fit. On the other hand, the fit is ideal for larger calves. 
• True Religion Brianna Tumbleweed Boyfriend Jeans: This boyfriend jeans style is very streamlined. In fact, they look more like roomy straight legs than boyfriend jeans. They run true to size, but size up if you prefer a roomier fit. They are 100% cotton so no stretch and lots of authentic denim crunch. 
• Cheap Monday Cube Heeled Ankle Boots: The refined-chunky appearance here is unique. A pointy toe with a cubed heel looks really fresh for Spring. The streamlined ankle fit is a plus and they are pretty comfortable after the addition of a cushioning insole. I found that the tops cut into my shins as I walked, which is why they didn’t work for me. But remember that I am Queen Fussy Feet, and will not compromise because I walk a lot and need to be comfortable. They might work for you. 
• Jeffrey Campbell Oriley Ankle Boot: A forum member recommended these because they’re comfortable, edgy, and look great. The top flap folds down as an extra design feature, and you can tuck the front part of your skinnies into them for an interesting effect. A great cut-out style for Spring. 

Jeans worn with booties, in all sorts of combinations, has become one of the most popular casual bottoms combinations for my clients. It’s rivaling the oh-so-practical combination of jeggings tucked into tall boots.

A poncho is an unstructured and loose outer garment that draws its inspiration from the authentic South American poncho. It’s usually made of a knit or a woven wool, and was originally designed to keep you warm. 

Ponchos were fashionable about ten years ago, but those looked different to the ones that are trending now. Those ponchos were often plaid, had fringe, sometimes a hood, and resembled some sort of blanket. Current ponchos tend to look more like knitwear or capes and are available in lots of variations. Neutrals or colours. Short or long sleeves. High or low necklines. Long or cropped lengths. Functional or faux sleeves. Fine gauge or chunky knits. Patterns or solids. Light or heavyweights. They usually showcase a high-low and/or asymmetrical hemline, and are oversized in the extreme, which creates excessive fabric drape.

My clients run the gamut when it comes to wearing ponchos because the look has its pros and cons.

Pros

• Dramatic: The excessive drape, asymmetrical hemline and volume creates a theatrical effect. You’ll probably like the look if you have an arty eclectic or avant-garde streak to your style. 
• Forgiving: It covers the body with loose, unstructured layers that do not cling. 
• Easy: It’s a throw-on-and-go piece that creates an interesting effect with a simple pair of bottoms. 
• Comfortable: Its unstructured design and soft fabrication makes for a cozy piece. 
• Practical: It’s an excellent topper for mild Winter weather. Leave off the coat, and wear a poncho with slim fit jeans or trousers and boots. 

Cons

• Unflattering: The sack-like silhouette and voluminous nature looks unflattering to those who prefer wearing structured pieces.
• Uncomfortable: Ponchos can be drafty and “lots of fabric”, which can cause discomfort. Some prefer the comfort and warmth of closely fitting pieces. 
• Too Bohemian: Too casual, frivolous and dramatic.
• Impractical: It’s hard to layer a jacket or coat over a poncho, which makes it hard to wear outdoors unless the temperature is just right. 

Petites can wear ponchos when they aren’t too long or overly voluminous, so don’t think that you have to be tall to pull off the silhouette. Furthermore, a solid colour, tailored sleeves, or shorter sleeves do wonders to streamline the unstructured style on a smaller and/or shorter height. 

Although I love unstructured pieces, the drapey and swingy integrity of the poncho is too arty, whimsical, boho, and avant-garde for my personal style preferences. That said, I like the pink style below because it’s more streamlined on the hips. I like the look on others, and encourage my casually eclectic, artistic, and bohemian clients to give the poncho a go.

Over to you. What’s your take on the modern poncho?