As featured in
"at home with Gok Wan"

INVEST IN QUALITY Invest in good quality fabrics and tailoaring in trousers, skirts and suit jackets, woollen garments and silks as you need some good stylish wardrobe basics that will last. With the right basics you can then buy key pieces from the season's trends to keep you up to the minute without breaking the bank. This season why not add a purple belt, shoes or bag to a black suit to add a splash of on-trend colour or replace the staple suit jacket with a contemporary cape sleeved jacket instead. Quality needn’t mean a big price tag – you’ll find a wide range of tailored clothing at TK Maxx all year round from a fabulous array of designer and high street labels at amazing value.

If you don’t feel confident with colour yet, stick to monochrome classics – black trousers and white shirts. With the androgyny look big this season you can really make monochrome work by adding masculine influence to a feminine look. To achieve this go for an oversized jacket and roll up the sleeves, or for the more daring add a tie. If you want to introduce colour do it through gorgeous tops (the quintessential pussy-bow blouse), shoes (stunning heeled brogues) and accessories (it’s all about moc-croc and those embellished details), but be bold, jewel colours are a must this season.

Get the basics right Get the basics right with good lingerie as not only will this make you feel great it will also ensure your clothes look great. Get your bust measured and wear the correct size – resist squeezing into a smaller size underwear - this is one silhouette that doesn’t need any more lumps and bumps. Aim for seam free fabric to help avoid the dreaded VPL. Don’t forget there’s loads of great body shaper garments out there to give you a smooth silhouette and make sure you show off your curves in all the right places.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match underwear. A plain nude bra with floral chiffon shorts exudes personality as well as style. Buying separates means more freedom to wear the right underwear to make the best of your outfit and get the look right.

Be a Bargainista Research has shown that finding a bargain can promote a similar feeling to falling in love. With TK Maxx selling designer brands at up to 60% off the RRP you can get the bargainista buzz and be dressed head to toe in the season’s must haves. Now that’s something to get starry eyed over!

Expand your horizons Are you guilty of always visiting the same store every time you go shopping? If you’re open to shopping in unfamiliar places, you’ll be more likely to find that one-off piece that really boosts your style credentials. Get accustomed to rummaging; the best things come to those who put the effort in!

Get brand savvy There are a myriad of designer brands out there - TK Maxx sells thousands of them. The key to wearing brands with style is to mix them up. Never wear one brand head-to-toe as it lacks imagination and doesn’t allow you to create your own unique, personal style. Keep an open mind!

Try wearing a designer jacket over a vintage peasant dress with high street shoes. Or give your favourite jeans a second lease of life by introducing them to a new designer handbag and striking belt! Belts are still big this season whether they are skinny or supersized, colour co-ordinated or adding that bold statement piece to your outfit. Don’t be shy of those studs either, if you feel like giving a nod to the huge gothic revival.