Wise fashion buys for 2012

Safari chic: Amanda trench dress, £155,
from the SS12 collection at LK Bennett

OUT with the old and in with the new is the rallying cry at this time of year.

As 2011 bows out there’s a tendency to want to wipe the slate clean and start anew.

Many of us will plan to redecorate or declutter – and begin an early spring clean.

The same applies to our wardrobes. The clothes we have been wearing all year may look past their sell-by date or just plain old uninspiring.

Reason enough to go shopping.

 

The sales are in full swing, but new lines for 2012 will be pushing up roots too.

The key to successful shopping at this time of year is to think before you buy.

Impulse shopping, or snatching an item just because it’s under a fiver, is the reason your wardrobe is full of clothes you don’t want to wear.

When sales shopping, focus on key items that will form the backbone of your wardrobe. Now is the time to snap-up classic and quality clothing, such as suits, coats, expensive cashmere, leather boots – you’ll get them for a song and if you buy time-less styles they will last for years.

The other strategy when shopping at this time of year is to be mindful of the upcoming trends for 2012.

There’s no point splashing out on looks that are dropping on the fashion-o-meter. Instead, pick designs with staying power.

Here are my top five trends for the Olympic year - to make sure your fashion buys go the distance.
Styles coming your way…

1 Pretty in print : Flower power will be blooming again, with big blossoms bursting forth for spring and summer. Team with colourful accessories for maximum impact

2 Pastel times: Softer shades are set to return; think champagne sorbet and Italian ices and prepare to melt into summer

Tribal bag, £17.99,
 from New Look

3 Safari chic: Desert fashions return; look for sandy tones and mix with ethnic accessories



4 Tribal pursuit: Be a wardrobe warrior with clashing prints



5 Olympic spirit: The great sporting occasion is making its presence felt in fashion that is fun and funky; look out for trousers in the shape of jogging pants and jackets with zips, ties and hoods – and even trainers with platform wedges!