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Where to start and what to buy.

If You Hate Everything You Own

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Start here: It’s time to go shopping. First, figure out your look. Are you a Scandi minimalist, a Gucci maximalist or somewhere in between? Then split
your buying into three categories—
essentials, timeless basics and trend pieces—and hit every category so
your finds feel inspiring and current
but reliably wearable.  

The buys: Grammar’s white blouses are anything but boring and feature decorative ties and billowy sleeves. ($350, grammarnyc.com)

Oh, and! Restrict yourself to a minimal colour palette. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule here, but start with a shade you look good in and work with three or four complementary tones. This way, everything will always match.

If You Want to Amp Up Your Look

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Start here: Small tweaks can make the biggest difference. Celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger, who counts Lupita Nyong’o and Diane Kruger as clients, recommends starting with accessories. “You’re trying a new style in a smaller dose. The easiest way to make something feel new again is by swapping out your bag and adding a colourful shoe.”

The buys: Look for conversation-starting accessories, like drop earrings, a structured mini bucket bag in a standout hue or a pair of white pointy-toed booties. They’ll instantly elevate anything you pair them with. ($160, naturalizer.ca)

Oh, and! Think of at least four outfits to wear with each piece before buying to minimize cost per wear.

If You Want to Dress to Impress at Work

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Start here: Follow the advice of Julie Yoo, owner of Toronto designer consignment shop I Miss You. “I treat dressing for work like an occasion.” 

The buys: Invest in blazers—they’re more versatile than you think. “You can belt it for a more feminine look, wear a T-shirt and necklace for a sportier vibe or tuck in a shirt and add earrings for a boy-meets-girl look,” says Gaelle Drevet, owner of chic online boutique The Frankie Shop. You can’t go wrong with a piece by Blazé Milano. (Blazers are the brand’s specialty, after all; $2,750, NET-A-PORTER.com)

Oh, and! Make a list and stick to it to prevent the purchase of yet another pair of workout leggings from derailing your officewear budget. 

This article first appeared in the February 2019 issue of ELLE Canada.