FOLLOWING ON FROM MY LAST ARTICLE, ‘YOUR IMAGE IS EASY', I THOUGHT IT ONLY APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WARDROBE ESSENTIALS. WHAT CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES DO YOU NEED TO BUILD A WARDROBE THAT WORKS FOR YOU? HOW DO YOU BUILD A WARDROBE THAT ALIGNS WITH YOUR VALUES AND GOALS, THAT GIVES YOU THE ABILITY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE TIME TO LOOK GOOD EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE YOUR FRONT DOOR?

Obviously your wardrobe will depend on your lifestyle and climate you live in. Those who work in corporate will have a different wardrobe to those who work in childcare or those who wear a uniform to work. You will also find that you need to plan for both a winter and a summer wardrobe. Regardless of your profession or location, I believe the following should give you a good guide to the foundation pieces needed to build your wardrobe. Start with these fundamental pieces and buy them in neutral colours. The great thing about these foundation pieces is that you get a lot of wear out of them. They are of styles and colours that don't date, are not easily remembered and they go with many other items in your wardrobe. Add a few pieces each season to stay up to date with new styles and colours, but once purchased you should not have to replace your foundation pieces on a regular basis.

Remember to buy what works for you rather than being caught up in every fashion trend. You want to be a stylish rather than a fashion victim.

I believe the first wardrobe essential is a good quality suit. Buy the best quality you can afford and select good quality fabric. Wool is great trans seasonal fabric and can be worn most of the year. You will always get wear out of a suit and you never know when you will need one. Even if you are not required to wear a suit to work, you can still wear the pants or skirt separately with a shirt or top. Alternatively team your jacket with a pair of jeans for a more casual look.

Several good quality cotton shirts are your next essential wardrobe items. Unlike polyester, cotton is a natural fiber that breaths. Choose colours to match your suit color and check that they are not too tight around the bust.

Knit tops are also a good addition to your wardrobe and can be worn with pants, skirts and jeans alike, which brings me to the next essential item. Jeans are extremely versatile and comfortable to wear. There is a pair out there to suit every body shape.

When it comes to accessories, a good quality closed in shoe or pump is a must. I always prefer leather shoes. They last longer, are more comfortable to wear and look sophisticated and stylish. A pump shoe goes well with both suits and jeans, giving you wear for both business and social occasions. Select a heel height that is right for you and don't forget about your hosiery.

Handbags like shoes are best done in leather. Like shoes, good quality handbags project style and that you mean business. It is better to buy one good bag and wear it often than buy several cheap bags that you get less wear out of. Choose a size appropriate for you and avoid the temptation to over fill it. Finally don't forget to add a pair of earrings. Stud earrings in either gold or silver generally match most outfits.

Once you have built your wardrobe foundation, you can add to it each season. Add another pair of pants, a couple of shirts and skirts in different colours along with shoes and accessories.

Anna Martin is the co-founder of Izziana Image Consultants and is a great believer that personal image is an important part of increasing people's confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing. Izziana Image specializes in assisting individuals to enhance their personal image and confidence through their fashion style. For further information contact Izziana Image on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.izzianaimage.com.au