Make your wardrobe basics work harder with our guide to dressing one look two ways
Words Joy Montgomery
As the line between casual and formal dressing becomes blurred and the art of tidying encourages shoppers to be more mindful (thank you Marie Kondo), picking hard-working fashion items is more important than ever. Why spend your hard-earned cash on a one-hit-wonder when you can choose versatile pieces that will carry you through every event, mood or season.
We’ve done all the hard work for you and selected three wardrobe staples that can be styled two ways. Whether it’s dressing up or dressing down, for day or for night – simply simply scroll down and be inspired by our fave fashion looks.
DRESS DOWN: WHITE TEE

From top left: MSGM Women’s Blue Sleeveless Ruffle-trimmed Cotton-gingham Dress, £335; matchesfashion.com // WOMEN Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, £7.90; uniqlo.com // M.I.H JEANS Lou high-rise flared cropped jeans, £225; matchesfashion.com // SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Ginny woven-leather shoulder bag, £1,150; matchesfashion.com // Ness Patent Mid Heel Mary Jane, £45; whistles.com
DRESS UP: WHITE TEE

From top left: FRED LEIGHTON 1950s 18-karat gold, rose gold and diamond necklace, £7,310; net-a-porter.com // WOMEN Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, £7.90; uniqlo.com // Appliqué cross-body bag, £19.99; mango.com // TOM FORD Lily TF430, £149; ocoglasses.com // Carven Deer Print Split Skirt, £399.32; shopbop.com
DRESS DOWN: SIDE STRIPE TROUSERS

From top left: DORATEYMUR ‘Saloon’ boots, £365; farfetch.com // Gucci Diamond Intarsia Jumper, £510; brownsfashion.com // Burgundy Sateen Bomber Jacket, £9; newlook.com // ELLERY Reality side-striped trousers, £690; matchesfashion.com
DRESS UP: SIDE STRIPE TROUSERS

From top left: Circular Flounce Satin Top, £65; stories.com // T BY ALEXANDER WANG marled knitted top, £193; farfetch.com // FENDI Embellished printed textured-leather wallet, £530; net-a-porter.com // GIANVITO ROSSI Gianvito 105 leather pumps, £445; net-a-porter.com // ELLERY Reality side-striped trousers, £690; matchesfashion.com
DRESS DOWN: RUFFLE SHIRT

From top left: TOME Ruffled striped cotton-poplin shirt, £385; net-a-porter.com // KAREN WALKER Super Duper Strength square-frame acetate sunglasses, £180; net-a-porter.com // MOTO Dark Blue Mom Jeans, £40; topshop.com // SOPHIE HULME Milner Double suede and leather clutch, £255; matchesfashion.com // MARTINIANO High Glove metallic leather pumps, £150; net-a-porter.com
DRESS UP: RUFFLE SHIRT

From top left: TOME Ruffled striped cotton-poplin shirt, £385; net-a-porter.com // HILLIER BARTLEY navy bunny clutch, £297; matchesfashion.com // TARO HORIUCHI layered wrap skirt, £404; farfetch.com // IBB 18ct White Gold Rectangular Tube Creole Earrings, White Gold, £220; johnlewis.com // DORATEYMUR ‘Double Delta’ boots, £380; farfetch.com