I KNOW I’m forever going on about them every season, but from a one-man operation in 1991 to a multi-million-pound company in 2003, Boden has taken the world of mail order by its polyester slacks and given it a great big shake-up. This autumn’s highlights include a gorgeously quirky polka-dot coat for £175. On your marks, get set …shop!
Buy now, wear for ever
The secret to making the most of everything in your wardrobe is investing in a few cleverly chosen essentials: here are some of the timeless classics you’ll love and wear for ever.
The Rigby & Peller bra
What is it? Gold standard of ladies’ unmentionables,Rigby and Peller was established in 1939 by Mrs Rigby and Mrs Peller, and the firm has been the Corsetiere to HM Queen Elizabeth II since 1960 (and don’t let that put you off!). How will I look? Ten years younger and four kilos lighter. Why do I need it? Because, scold the ladies at R&P, 85 per cent of the women who visit them are wearing the wrong size bra. And it’s cheaper than a boob job. I want it. Lace bra, £52, Rigby & Peller. (Matching thong £32) www.rigbyandpeller.co.uk
The classic white shirt
What is it? I can never plug this one enough. The classic white shirt movie is Annie Hall, starring a Ralph Lauren wardrobe. But the white shirt finally secured its place in the wardrobe hall of fame thanks to film icons such as Marlene Dietrich and Sharon Stone (who wore her husband’s to the 1998 Oscars). How will I look? Elegant like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday or vampy like Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction. Why do I need it? It’s easy, fresh, sexy (especially ‘his’ shirt, the morning after the night before) strong, flattering …Will that do? I want it. Go to Thomas Pink www.thomaspink.co.uk for their crisp cotton and feminine cut.
The Denim Jacket
What is it? Staple of wannabe cowgirls everywhere since the 1930s, the denim jacket is an enduring symbol of James Dean-style rebellion. How will I look? Think of a wistfully happy, windswept Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits – fragile, but holding herself together in a tough world. Why do I need it? It’s simply the most versatile jacket around. I want it. Denim jackets to look out for: French Connection do the most feminine fitted ones around. Also good to watch out for are the classic Levi’s.
The leather jacket
What is it? Whether it’s a Marianne Faithfull biker number or a long Matrix-style trench, the leather jacket is linked to strength and a maverick attitude. How will I look? Don’t-mess-with-me-sexy. Why do I need it? You can shrug it over jeans for ambling down to the pub, or slip it over a slinky outfit for a dramatic entrance. I want it. The best for tailoring and buttery softness are from Nicole Fahri, D&G and Betty Jackson. Prices starting from £500 at www.yoox.com
The Cartier Tank watch
What is it? First designed in 1917, this famous watch was inspired by the Renault tanks that made their first appearance during WWI. How will I look? It has graced the hands of Rudolph Valentino, Jackie O, Andy Warhol, Elton John, Yves Saint Laurent, Charlotte Rampling; Claudia Schiffer …There’s no such thing as typical Tank wearer. Why do I need it? So you can be fashionably late. I want it. Tank Française, £2,300 from Cartier. (A generous rich boyfriend would help too.)
The Burberry Mac
What is it? Descendant of the WWI trench coat – designed by Thomas Burberry in 1914 – this is a film noir classic. The often-faked trademark check lined its first coat in 1924. How will I look? Like Michelle of ze résistance: androgenous sexy and somewhat mysterious. Why do I need it? Its masculine shape enhances your feminine assets and, though it goes with everything, it’s best worn alone (don’t take it off). I want it. If you are in London, pop into Burberry in Bond Street (we used to have one in Nicosia but it disappeared), or scour the flea markets for a vintage one. Trench coat Burberry £689.
The cashmere pullover
What is it? When Coco Chanel first belted a sweater over a skirt in the 1920s, sporty chic was born. Satisfyingly exclusive (cashmere is painstakingly harvested from the downy underfleece of Mongolian goats), the modern version is a look that murmurs ‘I can’t only afford cashmere, I can also fling it over my tanned and glossy shoulders on an everyday basis’. How will I look? Impeccable, expensive, understated and dressed for anything. Why do I need it? For doing Grace Kelly casual — though it looks just as good on modern-day Euro-aristos on a cool evening in St Tropez or at The Anassa. I want it. The Brora version is simple and deeply flattering. Sweaters from £100. www.brora.co.uk [email protected]
