This global recession has got us all so pinched that getting to the end of the month would be a miracle, and sadly, now just getting to the 15th of the month is the goal. So how can you dress well on limited budget? Having a versatile wardrobe really is the key to having great style on any budget regardless of fashion trends or the economic situation. Almost every piece in your wardrobe will have to do double-duty when it comes to putting together a look. We really can’t afford to have a closet full of singular pieces that cannot be paired up with another piece or be worked into another look. For example, we need to be able to move from work to an evening dinner with only changing or adding one piece.

Many people believe that you have to spend a lot of money to look good. The truth is, yes and no. Where you would need to spend more money would be on good shoes, a nice bag, and a great winter coat and sweater, etc. In other areas of your wardrobe you can get away with spending a bit less, but they must be of good quality. If you have an arsenal of great pieces that are classic and of high quality, then you can mix-and-match them in different ways each day of the week for a new look. Toss in a feature piece to give yourself a distinctive, polished look: a beautiful silk print hijab, one of our Cotton Turban hats, or a bold shoe. That’s all you need for great style! It’s that simple. The important thing about selecting great staple pieces is that you don’t have to go back to the store every month and buy a whole new wardrobe because your trendy pieces are not trendy anymore and they didn’t last for more than 2 wears. It doesn’t seem like it, but buying cheap trendy pieces are more costly in the long run than spending a little bit more once in a while for a classic piece that will last.

When designing for SHUKR, not only am I thinking about you, I’m also thinking about the versitility of the collection: Are there staple pieces? Are there pieces for every occassion? Are there at least a few standout pieces? To have a well-balanced wardrobe and to be well dressed on a budget is to have a foundation of great “versatile” pieces mixed in with a few select standout pieces. So when you go to get dressed in the morning or before heading out on your next shopping trip, look in your closet and check to see if your clothes are versitile. Can some of your pieces go from day to evening? Could that skirt work for the next meeting as well as that wedding you have to attend next week? If not, you’ll need to take stock of what’s in your closet and do some reorganizing and a little bit of shopping.

Here are some versatile picks, and with just a few of your own pieces you can have a week’s worth of style. And remember: there is no need to sacrifice your personal style or downplay your color palette just because we are in a recession. If anything, these elements can serve as mood lifters to help you maintain a positive outlook, feel more confident, and be more effective throughout your day.

Men:

 

*Mojaddadi Kurta (above) (US, UK): A nice basic piece that can work with your own style. With the Mandarin collar, it will give any look, whether casual or semi-formal, a polished touch.

 

* Akbar Shirt (above) (US, UK): This can work as a dress shirt or casual shirt. It is equally as polished, due to the Mandarin collar.

 

* Winter London Jubba (above) (US, UK): A timeless classic coat that mixes well with any man’s personal style.

 

Women:

 

*Super Wide-Leg Rayon Trousers (above) (US, UK): Try this one in Mauve Shadows instead of basic Black to lift up any look. With its flowy drape and comfortable fit, it can be casual-chic or evening-elegant.

  

*Soft Linen Seanta Duster (above) (US, UK): It’s a top and jacket in one. Button it up and pair it with trousers or a skirt, or leave it open for a layered look over dresses, tops, and bottoms.

 

*Sina Blouse (above) (US, UK): Another great base for any look. This minimalist design has a slimming effect and a diginified appearance.

 

~ Tabassum, Head Designer

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 at 5:39 am and is filed under Design, fashion.