Loin Cloth & Ashes’ Anisa Mpungwe shone at local fashion weeks and designed a collection for Mr Price. So who better to advise on getting the best of both.
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1. BUY BASICS AT CHAINSTORES
Look for black or white tank tops to wear with prints, and bright tank tops to add colour to neutral outfits, like a chiffon blouse and black pencil skirt.
Buy jeans at chainstores, too. If you’re lean, try a boyfriend cut. If you have a fuller figure, go for skinnies or straight-leg cuts and pair with a loose sweater or a pretty blouse.
Another hot chainstore buy: cardigans. Try a black one with interesting details– like leather sleeves – to wear with jeans, a shirt and hi-tops.
2. MIX IT UP FOR NIGHT
We all want to look like a million bucks without breaking the bank, and mixing chainstore and luxe items is a brilliant way to do that. Invest in a figure-hugging, designer LBD (little black dress) and accessorise with chainstore heels, colourful jewellery and a denim jacket.
Alternatively, go for designer shoes and add a chainstore print dress. I love some designer shine, like my Ralph Lauren gold, sequined dress.
I wear it with a black, faux-leather, cropped jacket from Mr Price and stilettoes. Accessories aren’t always needed when your dress is the statement item.
3. INVEST IN A BLAZER
A fitted blazer is the easiest way to smarten up any outfit. It doesn’t have to be pricey, but it must be well made and tailored. I love wearing navy, as it’s softer than black and less predictable. Wear your blazer with slim-cut jeans, a white tee and flats, or over a black or white dress, with heels.
4. SPLURGE ON THESE
Make sure you own a good bag – big, small or sling. You could be wearing something as simple as a tank top, jeans and nude heels, but a gorgeous bag will add that touch of luxe. As for shoes, try smart courts for a comfortable but chic look.
5. APPLY THE RULE OF THREE
Fit, comfort and longevity are crucial. But choose items that you can wear in at least three ways.
Your LBD can be worn to brunch with a blazer, to lunch with an embellished cardigan, or to drinks with glitzy heels.
Also think of maintenance: an evening gown with plenty of detail may be dry-clean only; a garment that can be hand-washed may be better for your budget.
6. HAVE A STRATEGY
Shop with a plan. Doing a general shopping trip? Browse, take note of what you want, then go back. It’s time-saving and less stressful in a store filled with options. And check items carefully: consider the stitching and buttons, and be sure to look for snags.
7. PICK YOUR TRENDS
Chainstores get the trends fast, but you don’t have to try them all. Avoid fads you’ll regret later – like slogan tees (do you really want to walk around with ‘I broke the internet’ emblazoned across your chest in a few months?).
Don’t be seduced by things just because you’ve seen them on TV or in a magazine.
We all have our own style and shape, so show off what you have!
This article is from the February issue of Glamour magazine, on sale now