For many fashion-conscious women the recession has brought about a change in the way they shop. Although fashion remains largely trend driven, a reduction in household budget has meant cutting back on spending on clothes. With this in mind, shopping savvy means buying items that will last from season-to-season with minimal updates. Shopping for basics where and when you need them will save you a significant amount of cash, particularly if you buy from high street retailers such as Bank Fashion rather than buying designer gear.

Basics are also easier to mix and match, and while not necessarily show-stopping in themselves, they can be brightened up with seasonal jewellery. Here are a few examples of items you should always have in your capsule wardrobe: a well-fitted short-sleeved white T-Shirt (repeated in black), a well-fitted long-sleeved white T-Shirt (repeated in black), a crisp white fitted blouse, a black cardigan, black tailored work trousers, a little black dress, a pencil skirt, a trusted pair of jeans, a denim jacket, ballet flats, a comfortable sweater and a blazer. For more ideas, see: http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/wardrobe-basics/wardrobe-basics-checklist-00000000000952/index.html

Shopping in monochrome will of course make these clothes more interchangeable but don’t go all black and white. Bring in colour where you can to intersperse what can otherwise become a look more suited to the winter months.