Key pieces to wear right now ( & right into next season!)

Back from holidays? Itching to buy something?
Just remember the most important questions to ask yourself when shopping right now:
Can I wear this next season?
Does it go back to with the rest of my wardrobe?
Can I wear it on my OS trip to France in summer? ( Yes, please !)
Will I get good cost per wear?
Please don’t waste your money buying silly things in the sales because they are cheap. And look pretty and shiny on the hanger but don’t work with any else you own. No. No. NO .
Think before you buy!

Here’s a reminder of the FiFi philosophies to keep in mind when shopping any time of the year:

• Think expensive colours – black, grey, navy, beige, camel and white. Don’t have to be expensive but will look it. Totally versatile. All those colours work effortlessly together. Hot pink? Never looks expensive unless it is. Which is why I have chosen lots of black and white below. Plus black looks best in summer when you have bare arms and legs to freshen it up.
• Update! Update! Update the classics. Because wardrobe basics actually date. Blazer. Trench. LBD. White shirt. Black pants. Sweater. white tee. You can’t wear them forever. They need to be updated into new shapes. That’s where you get the fashion vava voom. That’s if you want to look modern and chic. Which I guess you do because you are reading this!
• Think table top dressing: Keep the focus and the fashion on the top where everyone is looking ( print skirts and pants will be hiding under the table!)( they are trouble)
• Think three colours on the body: two colours can be too matchy match. More than three? Way too difficult to get dressed. You need hours to style up lots of different colours. Good luck if you can.
• Keep an eye on the trends and invest early so you get mileage and great cost per wear. Don’t know the trends? Don’t worry I do. It’s my super power ( you gotta have one don’t you!).
  What’s still going strong for next season? Oversized for sure. It’s peaking and plateauing. Looks almost normal. It’s imperceptible. Wide leg pants. Flares. High waist ( I’m ignoring waist baring as I will never do it). Maxi lengths. Cargoes pants. Bombers jackets. Shackets. Shoulder pads. Long pants. Khaki. Dark brown. Flats. Sneakers.

Your checklist:
A maxi dress:
It might be khaki, black. It might be in rust. Or navy. White is good. Go for a fit and flare shape or a dropped waist flounce. Maxi length is here to stay. I love the coverage it gives. It looks chic. Love the modern asymmetrical straps on this dress.

A shoulder pad tee:
A white tee on steroids. Been living in these all summer. And I know I will definitely wearing. In fact you won’t even notice the shoulders pads next year. The thing is they add edge. Give structure. The illusion of thinner arms! Plus white next to your face takes off 10 years. Fresh. Minimal. Low key. They will instantly update any old pants or jeans lurking in your wardrobe.

A beige/brown/black skirt.
I have lived in my uniqlo lemaire maxi skirts in beige and black for the last two summers. Will wear with boots in winter. You want a fit and flare shape. Flattering. Modern. Casual. Should be mid shin or longer. Wear with flats.Wear with a white tee /tank.

A blue shirt:
There’s a reason I’m always including a blue shirt here on The FiFi Report? It adds a colour (!) Works with blue jeans. Looks fabulous with camel pants. Looks chic under a beige blazer. Loves black and loves white. It’s table top dressing ! Wear summer into winter.

A sleeveless vest
This is a great trans seasonal piece. Wear right now with a white tank under it. Wear in Autumn over a long sleeve knit. It gives the structure of a blazer ( covers up ‘the situatio’n) ads sophistication without looking too jooshed up. Wear with pants or skirts. Jeans. Leather pants.

Cargo pants:
You need cargo pants. I’ve been living in my COS khaki cargo pants.Not jeans. But just as casual. Not classic pants but just as chic. I like the fashion edge. Because if you update one key piece suddenly everything else looks modern. You should buy denim or beige like this.
BTW I never like shorts but I do like these knee length shorts with heels. A nicer alternative to pants and a skirt.

Cream sweater:
Invest in a cream sweater. So right on chilly nights in summer. Wear with jeans. White chinos. Beige pants. Then wear into winter. Love my Arket sweaters. Did you know can actually buy Arket from Yoox. Do you know Yoox? It’s the best. It’s new designer pieces that are few seasons old. At great prices. I bought my Acne blazer from YOOX plus coats, shoes and bags. Pieces that sell out at Arket ( and so many other brands like Tibi) can be available here !

Accessories:
You need a hat. A chic bucket hat like this. Adore the Gucci hat.
Invest in tan flats or white strappy sandals to  lighten the look and add a third colour. A tan bucket bag will do the same thing. Love a straw basket to wear for everyday. You need brown sunglasses. They will work with all your neutrals. And white sneakers. But make sure they have a tan sole ( not black which can be limiting).

Get shopping on the links below !
More on SHOP and pinterest pages.

1. Wide Brim Hat// 2. Stripe Shirt// 3. Sunglasses// 4. Padded Tank Tops// 5. Swimsuit// 6. Sleeveless Jacket// 7. Shorts// 8. Crossover Dress// 9. Belt// 10. Skirt// 11. Bucket Bag// 12. Sneakers// 13. Cargo Jeans// 14. Glada Sandals//