Women’s Wardrobe Basics From Very

Every wardrobe needs some basic, classic pieces. These are the pieces that integrate with everything else you have in your wardrobe, working year after year, being dressed up or dressed down to suit any occasion. These pieces are not necessarily ‘fashion’ pieces, but instead fit the label ‘style’. Fashion can be seasonal, and can be fleeting, but these basic classics are the pieces you always need, the ones that you can always turn too. They are fail safes.

So what sort of pieces fit the mantra? Very has a wide range of pieces that fit the bill this season, ranging from High Street favourite brands like New Look and Monsoon, to their own ranges that have been curated by the likes of Michelle Keegan and Judi Love. They have complete outfit solutions, with head to toe looks that range from casual and loungewear, to the sort of dressy looks that would take you to any special occasion.

I have been putting together some outfits using the classic pieces from the current Very ranges. My first features an animal print midi dress from the New Look collection. This is such a classic look, with a pretty plise style print skirt, an empire style bustline, and a midi length and long sleeves. Animal print is now so popular that it is considered a neutral, this is partly because it works when teamed with other neutrals like black, brown and beige, but can also work so well teamed with colours like red, green and hot pink.

I teamed my look with a pair of chocolate, wide fit boots that are also from Very, and are super comfortable and very wearable. I also added my own accessories, a cross body leather bag from Mango (another brand available at Very), and some pearl jewellery. This dress would also be great with a denim jacket thrown over it and flat ballerina pumps for a more daytime look, showing the versatility of this dress.

Look 2

When it comes to classic looks, a white shirt or blouse, and a blue, heritage style tweed blazer, teamed with skinny jeans, just can’t be beaten. This is the Kate Middleton look, the sort of style that the hunting and shooting set have worn for years, a high gloss casual look that works just as well teamed with boots, or with trainers or flat shoes.

The blouse I chose had a Victoriana feel, with a high neck and buttons on the back. It was from the Monsoon range that Very carries, and has a super elegant, crisp feel. The blazer is a Very own brand and combines boucle and military styling for a super smart look, but this could easily be worn over a simple white t-shirt for a more casual look.

I have accessorised this look in two different ways that incorporate different colours. I used the boots again, and a leather Barbour, cross body bag for one look. This looks feels very 1980s Sloane, which I love. The second look was for a trip to Old Trafford, so I instead opted for a grey bag, which I love against the blue, and flat, French Sole striped shoes.