How to Dress: Your Complete Style Guide for Every Occasion

I love clothes and putting them together, so this is going to be fun!

One last thing. What are you wearing right now?

Girlfriend, I want you to go and get your highest stilettos. Put ’em on, and turn the page, cos here’s where we start the styling …

BASICS (#ulink_101db478-d187-5eed-95d8-3e3e39de2718)

Effortless, essential and eternally elegant

layering without adding bulk

how to wear your favourite summer pieces all year round

sexy looks that don’t flash too much flesh

Gorgeous lady, I was thinking about this chapter the other night and wondered – how does a woman get her wardrobe right if she doesn’t get her basics right? The average woman (although, honey, you are far from average) has a wardrobe made up of four main areas: jeans, jersey, outerwear and knitwear. Sounds simple, right? Wrong! But honey, don’t worry, because Uncle Gok is here to guide you through the Wardrobe Warzone that can be your basic pieces.

The whole point of basics is that they work like a wardrobe undercoat. They are the things that enable you to update your look every season without buying a whole new set of clothes. Some basics – like T-shirts and jeans – are the kind of things you’ll wear every day (or when you don’t have time to think about what to put on), whereas other pieces, like a leather jacket or a classic trench, are things it’s good to invest in, as they’ll work for years to come with that must-have new dress or pair of trousers.

Either way, it makes sense to think about quality when you’re shopping for basics. Gap does the best cotton on the high street, and American Apparel has more sexy jersey pieces than you’ll need in a lifetime. Specialist jeans shops like Levi’s, Lee and Wrangler will have more fits and sizes than high street stores, so it pays to go off the beaten track when you’re doing your basic buying.

Top of most women’s list of Shopping Nightmares is buying jeans. Lady, you are not alone! There’s so much to choose from, so many shapes and washes and fabrics that it’s a style minefield. Well, I’m going to take you through the three key shapes out there at the moment – skinny, boot-cut and wide-legged – so we can find the perfect pair for you to flatter that fabulous figure of yours.

Jersey isn’t much easier than denim when it comes to wardrobe staples. In fact, there’s so much out there on the high street that it would be possible to wear nothing but jersey every day, with shops like Agnès b and Nicole Farhi specializing in it.

The key to jersey basics is to embrace the fabric itself. It’s a great, heavy, slinky fabric that skims rather than clings, and can look super-sexy or dressed-down casual depending on how you wear it. Have a look at my tips in this chapter to see the best ways for you to wear jersey, and the best simple pieces for your basics wardrobe.

Knitwear is another minefield simply because it (totally unfairly!) has a frumpy image. But, my gorgeous, by breaking those old rules and mixing chunky knits and summer dresses, or winter warmers and skinny knits, you can add texture to your outfit and personality to your look.

Finally, with coats and jackets we’ll look at the key shapes and fabrics for you to keep in your wardrobe and update season after season. From a classic bomber jacket to a woollen winter coat, these are pieces it’s good to invest in as they’ll be there to take you through several nights out, a couple of weddings, a handful of day trips and a weekend away! Just like me, girlfriend, they’re on hand to help keep you looking stylish and fabulous whatever the occasion.

Lots of my girls feel nervous about layering their clothes, so I’ve chosen some looks where we’ve mixed those basics up with some funkier pieces, to show you how to give new life to a fabulous summer dress (layer it under a skinny-fit polo) or a classic winter coat by belting it differently.

In fact, layering is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe, and there are just a few simple rules to stick to when you’re trying it at home:

Keep base layers in a thin fabric so that you don’t overheat; it’s tricky to remove the underneath layer once you’re out and about!

Keep top layers low cut and short sleeved, so you can see the layer underneath, to make a confident style statement.

If you’re mixing pattern with plain colours, then keep the pattern on top so it doesn’t get lost.

So, girlfriend, let’s have a bash at those basics!

Jersey

Slinky Minx

Jersey doesn’t have to be casual! It’s super-slinky which means your dress will hang beautifully from the slimmest part of your gorgeous bod. The on-trend tie front has a dual purpose – you can fit the dress perfectly to your waist, and the tie itself will conceal your yummy tummy. Bold bling, like these chunky bangles and necklace, work perfectly against this simple base.

Neutral shades like caramel can be accessorized with any shade from cream to bronze to bright pinks and blues.

Off-the-shoulder Seduction

Guess what, saucy? The sexiest looks aren’t always about skin-tight shapes and flashing that flesh. You’ll look fabulously sensual in this loose drapey top and wide trousers. A glimpse of that gorgeous shoulder and that elegant collarbone will always be seductive, at any age, and is very slimming! Slinky jersey skims without being clingy, so it’s a perfect fabric to drape across those beautiful curves.

A long jersey scarf can add drama to a simple ensemble.

Gok’s sneaky style tip

Hoop earrings always add a touch of boho cool to your outfit.

Pretty Preppy

This is your super-cute preppy look, my angel! A flippy jersey skirt is a fun style statement, especially in a bold print like this one! Keep your top half fitted and sleek; a simple wrap-top layers neatly under a tight-cropped jacket. And an eye-catching belt keeps the focus on your amazing teeny waist. Keeping your outfit to one tone adds sophistication to your overall look.

If you’re too thigh shy for long socks, try foxy black opaque tights.

Gok’s sneaky style tip

The double low V-necklines of the top and jacket really elongate that torso.

Bold And Bright

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best, eh honey? Basics can look brilliant in bold colours. This bright sexy blue top is so simple, but the combination of colour, flattering style and minute detail in the twisted straps make this a wow piece. All you need are some classic, neutral wide-legged trousers and low-key flip-flops to really show it off. A really cool confident look!

Buy simple shapes in bold clear colours like this.

Sometimes less is more. A beautiful coloured top doesn’t need to be crowded with accessories.

Gok’s sneaky style tip

Every stylish woman should own a pair of neutral-coloured trousers!

Layering

Big Entrance Elegance

Now that’s what I call an arrival, lady! You can still make a big style statement in outerwear. You will really get noticed en route with a coat that is as flamboyant as a dress. Look for a coat with stylish detailing like the pussy bow necktie and wide sleeves here. Add a brooch to keep the look retro and on-trend.

Add a leather belt to cinch it round your foxy waist.

Three-quarter sleeves are great for styling; let a coloured jumper or long gloves peek out.

Doubly Cool

You will look so cool in this street-style outfit; the short-sleeved baggy tee looks sassy worn over a polo neck, and your arms will look super-slim! Layer cut-off shorts with thick tights or knee-high socks when the weather’s not as hot as you are.

These chunky necklaces keep the emphasis on the cool drapey Tee, not the plain polo neck base.