Georgina Bible reveals the top 10 basics for a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’ and where to find a touch of Paris in Byron Bay and beyond.
Style seems to be a part of the French woman’s DNA – it’s something they know instinctively. It’s my belief it’s because the French build their wardrobe around 10 basic items. It’s all about simplicity – the single piece of clothing and how and what you wear with it. And style is not about being in possession of a black American Express card – the top 10 basics don’t have to break your budget…
- Cashmere sweater. Nothing says casual elegance louder than this wardrobe basic. It is one of the most adaptable pieces, great under a blazer for a classic corporate look or with jeans for instant street sass. Make sure it’s either navy or black and buy a piling comb to keep it in good condition.
Classic. Cashmere. Chic. Say no more.
- Many argue the Little Black Dress takes precedence over everything else on the top 10 basics list. This wardrobe staple should sit just above or on the knee and no higher – you’re going for classic look here. Pay attention to cut and fabric. A good LBD can take you from your desk to drinks with a change of shoes.
Timeless, classic & every wardrobe should have one. The essential LBD.
- Sailor top. The ‘mariniere’ is one of those standby items that can be dressed up or down to suit most occasions. Navy and white stripes are the preference but make sure it’s made of quality cotton. Cut is all important here too – be careful it’s not too tight, nor do you want to swim in it. Gaps should always be avoided.
All the nice girls love a sailor top…simple stripes never go out of fashion.
- Ballet pumps. Ballet pumps go with everything on the top 10 basics list. Choose a pair in black for universal usefulness. The soles of your ballet pumps should be super thin and they should be cut close to the toes for ultimate chic. Repetto are the brand of choice for that extra touch of French flair.
Flat, black, and just a little special. Dress them up or dress them down…
- Leather jacket. The best leather jackets are fitted, sit on the hips and have ultra-thin sleeves to the wrist. This is where a good vintage find is the absolute ideal – as a great leather jacket looks lived-in. Stick to either black or tan for a look that endures for more than one season.
Figure hugging, cool as, must have leather jacket…
- Trench coat. The Burberry trench is the all-time time classic – but if that’s out of your price range there are plenty of other versions with similar lines. However, be sure it is cut in a high quality gabardine or buttery leather. Tan is the only colour to attain that classic finish and versatility to go with all of the top 10 basics. Gabardine was invented by a young draper, Thomas Burberry, who designed a coat to keep soldiers dry and warm in the trenches.
More at home on the catwalk than in a war zone, the trench coat never goes out of style.
- This is one item when quality should be the priority, as a good blazer will last a lifetime. A blazer needs to be fitted and should sit no higher than the hip. Navy, black and charcoal grey are the only colours to consider. Avoid too much detail and avoid anything with branding – once again, simplicity reigns supreme.
A classic blazer never goes astray – until your best friend comes over and pinches it from you.
- No wardrobe is complete without a pair of jeans that make you feel absolutely fabulous. As to choosing between skinny or boyfriend cut, low or high waist? Without doubt, the most timeless cut is straight-leg with a midrise waist. A pair in ink, faded blue and white will see you through anything life throws up.
Jeans mean…well, anything you like really. Jeans go with…well, anything you like really.
- Black tailored pants in 7/8 cut. Think Audrey Hepburn – fitted but slightly tapering off at the ankle. Perfect with ballet pumps or open toed sandals – just make sure your toe nails have had a pedicure. You know when you have found the perfect pair of black tailored pants as you always seem to be wearing them.
Figure hugging black tailored pants.
- Flat-heeled boots. Slipping on the perfect pair of flat-heeled, knee high boots is one of life’s pleasures. Choose a pair in the equestrian style for an enduring look and stick to either black or tan. Again, this is a wardrobe basic that can last a lifetime, so it’s better to spend a bit more on a great pair.
These boots are made for walking…and that’s what they’re going to do.
For Northern Rivers stockists of your fashion essentials, go to:
Bell & Ford Clothing and Interiors: 3/111 Jonson St, Byron Bay. (02) 6685 7095
Driftlab: 40 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. (02) 6680 9869 and16 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar. (02) 6687 0751
Witchery: 28 Johnson Street, Byron Bay. (02) 6685 7177
Tupelo Boutique: 3/33 Jonson St, Byron Bay. (02) 6685 6911
Red Lane Shoes: 185 River St, Ballina. (02) 6681 4714
