I giggle every time I hear the word “vest”. Where I come from a vest is an undergarment, and the thing I’m talking about in this post is called a “waistcoat”. (Of course, this isn’t quite as funny as the time in France when I told my hairdresser that I loved her pants, only to discover after much hilarity in the salon that thanks to my broken French, I had complimented her underwear.)

Waistcoats, or vests, traditionally make up the third piece in a mens three-piece suit and are once again all the rage for women this season. This androgynous trend was rampant in the ‘80’s, popular last year, and is even bigger right now. Waistcoats are absolutely perfect over a white shirt, matched with wide-leg pinstripe slacks and Oxford shoes. But funk things up little and wear a waistcoat over all sorts of Summer blouses, collared shirts and knitted tops. They’ll even work over the odd Summer dress. Think laterally with your outfits and add an eclectic edge to your Summer look with a Winter waistcoat.

Tailored waistcoats or vests with crisp white shirts make for a sassy business casual look. Short sleeved shirts and blouses will work just as well.

Adding a cardigan is one way of layering up Summer dresses, but there are more interesting options if you have the right pieces. Here’s how to create the look:

• Pop a shirt, blouse or better-end knitted T-shirt under a plain-ish dress (sheath, A-line, sack or empire). I’ve used a black sack dress to illustrate below, but you could experiment with a subtle pattern. Jersey dresses will also work if they stand away from the body from the waist down. Dresses that cling will show through the extra layer which is not ideal.
• Add the right jacket. This is a little trickier then you might expect. An ultra cropped jacket (like a bolero) or knee–length trench will work over most dress styles and won’t look frumpy. Anything else you’ll need to test buttoned and unbuttoned and judge whether it works.
• Cinch in your waist with a wide belt for an extra bit of shape and sass.
• Finish it off with leggings and you’ll have an updated look for Autumn.

These versatile layering options are the perfect way of adding a new dimension to your office look if you’re stuck in a pants rut. They can be interpreted in a modern-classic or trendy manner depending on your fashion persona.

A black of-the-moment sack dress and various layering options – blouses, a shirt and a knitted top.

A cardigan (cardi for short) is a piece of knitwear that buttons or ties in the front as opposed to a pullover which is “pulled over” the head. There is more to this item than the traditional V-neck button-through style that forms the outer layer of twinsets (these types of cardis can look shapeless and matronly). Cardis with hip and interesting design details are in abundance this season. They can be smart or casual, classic or funky, plain or patterned, fine or chunky and long or short.

The right shape cardi adds the perfect Autumn dimension to an existing Summer outfit…

• With dresses: Match a cropped cardi with a fit-and-flare dress, and a long A-line cardi with minis and sack dress styles.
• With blouses or shirts: Pop a cardi over a sleeveless or narrow-sleeved romantic blouse or streamlined shirt. Blouses and shirts with billowing sleeves bunch up underneath cardis with fitted sleeves and this looks unsightly. If you have a traditional cardi style in your closet, try cinching it in at the waist with a wide belt for an updated look for the office.
• With knitted tops or camisoles: Layer just about any cardi style over a knitted top or camisole, and enjoy the versatility of this extra layer.

I personally prefer finely knitted styles to chunky versions because they’re the more adaptable choice. Fine knit cardis can be dressed either up and down, or layered underneath jackets. They’re also slimming because they’re not as bulky. Choose your cardigans wisely and they shall give you great joy. My wardrobe does not function without them.

These fine knit cardigans look smarter and are therefore more office appropriate.

Cardigans with Chunkier knit stitches are more casual and super with jeans or casual dresses.

A traditional cardigan style (left) is instantly updated with a wide waist belt. Long A-line cardigan silhouettes are great with A-line dresses or pants.

Summer is “officially” over in the northern hemisphere, and with that comes cooler temperatures. Over the next set of posts I’m going to talk about Autumn bridging pieces. These are pieces that increase the ROI of items already in your closet, thereby making your transition from Summer wardrobe to Autumn wardrobe cost effective. In some instances you will have all of the pieces and it’s just a question of putting them together; in other instances you might need to purchase a piece or two.

Here are some of your options:

• Layering up an existing Summer ensemble with a cardigan, which is available in all shapes, sizes and stitch types and is far from boring or frumpy.
• Layering up a Summer dress can end up becoming the most versatile and interesting option in your wardrobe.
• Adding a vest (or “waistcoat”) is a particularly fashionable choice this season and a trendy twist on office wear.
• Re-inventing a Summer ensemble with the appropriate accessories like hose, tights, scarves, hats, handbags and closed shoes can add the perfect Autumn dimension.

We’ll discuss each of these in more detail over the next few days so that you can get the best bang for your fashion buck as temperatures begin to cool. Particularly if your fashion budget is tight, a thoughtful bridging strategy is the way to go.

Tell us about your own bridging strategies in the comments.

Having a sense of style is somehow a mixture of looking both timeless and “of-the-moment”. While choosing to remain classic is stylish, you’ll need to incorporate a certain level of “right-now” into your look to keep it current and fab. So what do you do when you don’t like, or can’t afford, the new trends?

Here’s how to keep it in vogue when you bypass trends:

• Stick to tailored items. The watershed changes in fashion silhouettes over the last year are not for everyone (or at least, not until our eyes have adapted to the changes). Ignore the voluminous look and stick to clothing that skims the contour of your body because chic tailoring is universally flattering and always fashionable.
• Integrate the new fashion colour. If you love cobalt blue, but can’t see yourself wearing trapeze jackets, sack dresses and swing tops, try it as an accessory or in a classic clothing piece instead. Camisoles, button down shirts, layering knit tops and costume jewelry are safe and inexpensive ways of packing the right amount of punch per season.
• Add the “it” style of jeans. This boils down to either skinnies, straight-leg cuts or wide-leg cuts this season. Choose what’s best for your body type and modify your look.
• Invest in a great pair of shoes. You’ll always make a stylish statement with a wonderful pair of peds. Dressing well is about getting the details right and this detail is particularly important.
• Buy the bag of the season. You won’t go wrong with patent and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You can get a perfectly great option for $50 at places like Aldo, Gap, Macy’s and the BP department at Nordstrom.
• Try a new hairstyle. Add an edge with a new cut or spot of colour.
• Change your specs. If you wear glasses, make sure that they are the best pair that you can afford. I can’t stress enough how important this is. The eye is drawn upwards when we speak and nothing is more effective than a pair of perfectly eye-catching specs. Leave the clothes and invest in the most important accessory that you own.
• Try a new shade of lipstick. If you normally go neutral, try a brick red, magenta or bronze instead.

Actress Jennifer Aniston epitomizes the stylish modern classic. While she’s probably never stuck for cash, she’s chosen to keep her look tailored, simple, current and neutral. She’ll update seasonally with the most current pair of jeans, white shirt, black pants, black shoes, new handbag, sunglasses and a variation on the hairstyle. She usually leaves it at that and always looks fab. Sometimes you won’t like the new trend, and sometimes it won’t like you. Either way, it’s possible to look hip by choosing the correct items in a given season.

Jewel toned sapphire patent tote, teal ballet flats and dark straight-leg jeans are an inexpensive and modern classic combo from the Gap that will have you looking hip straight way. These items are also offered in neutral shades if that’s your preference.

Last Spring I popped the revival of the ‘80’s leggings fashion fad into the “teenybopper box”. But this year I can’t seem to get enough of the look. The adapted trend can be worn in a flattering and age-appropriate way. The revival of dresses, minis and tunics this season have given leggings a stylish return. I’ll give you 7 reasons why you should spend $7 and get yourself a pair to experiment:

1. They tone down the “dressy” aspect of wearing a dress. Match leggings with a jersey dress, add some flats and you’re ready for anything.
2. They give you coverage if you are skin-shy about your legs.
3. They are incredibly comfortable. Pairing a sturdy dress with leggings feels like you’re wearing sweats and a top instead of a frock. 
4. They add an interesting layering element to your ensemble. Choose a colour that co-ordinates with your dress or top and be playful with patterns and colours if you dare. If not, stick to black.
5. They keep you warm when the air-conditioning is freezing.
6. They are inexpensive, and an easy way of injecting the right amount of “right now” into your wardrobe.
7. They are a great transitional item for Autumn. Add leggings and a cropped jacket or cardigan to an existing dress and you’re hip for when temperatures start to cool.

Don’t get caught up with the notion that you need to have thin legs to wear leggings. All they do is peek out from under your mid-thigh or knee-length dress or tunic. Make sure that what you wear on top is flattering and the leggings look will fall into place. This dynamic duo is best with knitted dresses and tunics, but certain sturdy woven styles can also work. Last week, I was thrilled to see my ready-to-pop pregnant friend in a gorgeous vintage empire-cut maternity dress that she had matched with black leggings and wedges - she never looked better!

When I’ve introduced this ultra-comfy look to my clients, they haven’t looked back.

Part of me encourages you to have plenty of frocks because there’s nothing quite as feminine as the perfect dress. But dresses aren’t always the most sensible solution. Running after small children, commuting long distances by foot and rushing around on a busy day often demands a practical pair of pants, jeans or walk shorts. Wearing the right shoes with dresses is an added consideration (which might increase your preference for pants when you have finicky feet).

A wardrobe full of dresses isn’t necessary unless you love them. But it’s a good idea to have at least the following two that make you feel great and can be whipped out of your wardrobe at a moment’s notice: 

1. Formal dress – formal occasions creep up unexpectedly and it’s frustrating to scramble about at the last minute because you have nothing to wear. You therefore need something that serves as a Little Black Dress in your closet. It doesn’t need to be black, plain or long. You’ll have filled the gap as long as the frock is dressy, flattering and versatile.
2. Day dress – wearing a casual frock instead of jeans, pants or walk shorts on a glorious summer day always makes a lovely change. Day dresses can be worn absolutely anywhere. Don’t feel that you need an occasion to wear a dress. Make a statement with a  flirty frock whilst you work or play and watch those heads turn.

Check you wardrobe and make sure that you have at least two dresses that fit the bill. It’ll make you feel fabulous and fabulously prepared when the need arises. 

Injecting the right amount of “right now” is important because being stylish is somehow a mixture of looking both timeless and “of-the-moment”.

Here is my list of Spring and Summer “must haves”:

• Day dress – it’s a “dress season” ladies. Get out of those jeans and wear casual dresses during the day for a more of-the-moment look. Dresses don’t need to be “dressy” items saved for weddings and formal occasions. Sport the right type of dress during the day and feel fabulously feminine.
• Cropped jacket – keep them unlined, lightweight, fitted and shorter in length and you’ll add that sophisticated element to an ensemble.
• Polka dots – there is a size and mood of polka dot for everyone. Think dresses, skirts, blousy tops and shoes when it comes to spots.
• Walk shorts – sport knee-length cropped pants as a more flattering option to leg-shortening capris. 
• Patent shoes – you won’t go wrong buying patent. It’s going to be around for at least another season.
• Something bright – whether it’s yellow, cobalt, green, coral, orange, purple or pink, make sure you have an item of clothing in a cheerful hue to brighten up your day. If you’re more of a neutral type of gal, accessorize with a bright instead.
• Anything red – the colour is in a class of it’s own. Red is forever beautiful and worth the investment.
• Silver shoes – it’s the metal of the moment because it’s versatile, futuristic and a good summer neutral.
• Wedges – it’s possible to feel fashionable and grounded in this season’s wedge sandals.

For the more adventurous fashionista, there’s Lucite, a day clutch, voluminous blouses, trapeze jackets, wide–legged pants, waist belts, head bands, platform shoes and lots of hippie chic. Remember to purchase white items when you shop because summer is all about white (not black). And don’t be afraid to try something new. You might be pleasantly surprised once you’ve adapted a current trend to suit your age, body type, lifestyle and budget.

It’s not too late to shop for Spring, and you’ll hit bargains along the way. Two months left to purchase warm weather clothing. Ready, set, shop, shop, shop!

Patent yellow tote (Nordstrom), red canvas carry all (Anthropologie), floral flats (Bakers) and silver wedges (Bakers).

Can your wardrobe function in style with fewer than 50 pairs of shoes? Absolutely. Excluding utility shoes (slippers, work-out sneakers, wellington boots, ski boots and gardening clogs), the 6-shoe-complement is my suggestion for women who are only interested in the essentials:

• Knee high boots – in a neutral colour with some sort of heel so that they can double up for smarter occasions.
• Fashion sneakers – as your stylish walking shoe.
• Fashion flats – as a comfortable and smarter alternative to  sneakers.
• Summer sandals – for skirts and dresses.
• Pumps – to dress up anything from a suit to jeans.
• Dressy heels – to match formal attire for special occasions.

You’ll be covered if you choose these 6 pairs of shoes with care. Matching them up meticulously with your wardrobe and choosing a quality shoe is imperative if the complement is to yield a high return.

But if you are like most women and you absolutely love shoes, it is less about what you need and more about what you want. To some extent this is justified – fabulous shoes are one of the fastest ways to accomplish a stylish appearance. Enjoy shopping for shoes ladies – who’s counting?

While you don’t need to have a bag for every outfit, using one handbag for all occasions simply does not work. Women often ask me to recommend a handbag that they can use 24/7. I disappoint them by replying that there is no such thing as “one bag fits all”. It’s easy to ruin an outfit with the wrong handbag. Heavy dark bags look super in autumn and winter with a coat or jacket, but will overwhelm a soft pretty dress. You’ll also want a change from your everyday work bag to something smaller and smarter when you go out at night or attend a fancy occasion.

For those of you that want to have style with the fewest number of bags in your wardrobe, my suggestion would be to invest in a timeless “3-bag-complement”:

• Black or brown bag for colder weather
• Metallic, white or coloured bag for warmer weather
• Small evening clutch for smarter occasions

If your lifestyle also demands a briefcase then you’ll need to add that as a fourth bag. And if bags are your very favourite thing like they are for me, you can never have enough. The right bag can pop the most mundane outfit into the next season – the only thing you’ll want to consider is your budget!

You could go more funky or designer, but these handbags from Kenneth Cole are a safe choice if you don’t want to think about handbags again for a while.