THE downturn may be affecting fashionistas worldwide but, this month, use the Great Singapore Sale to splurge – guilt-free.

After all, fashion is all about empowerment and taking charge of your own personal style. And, when bargains abound, what self-respecting fashionista wouldn’t take advantage and spend a little hard-earned cash to do just that?

Here’s the good news: Though the term “recession chic” – coined by fashion editors and stylists the world over in publications like The Times of London and The Washington Post – is being bandied about, it
doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with it.

Beyond reflecting the austere attitudes fashionistas have adopted in response to the downturn, “recession chic” is perhaps best defined as shopping smart.

That means picking key items, coupled with clever accessorising, to maximise your dollars in these lean times, stylists tell my paper. Stylist Vik Lim, 42, sums it up like this: “Recession chic is all about mileage dressing – making the most out of each piece cleverly.”

Both women and men should pick “evergreen” items – from pencil skirts and tank tops for women, to classic shirts and tailored trousers for men.

These styles are not determined by trend, ensuring that they will last through the seasons, said Lim, who is also a Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts lecturer.

Colour-wise, Lim advises sticking to neutral shades – black, white, grey, navy, khaki and brown. Co- lours like these can be paired with virtually anything.

Also, choose items that can go through the long haul of day to night, stylists say.
 
Examples include sheath dresses that can be worn under a jacket at the office, and still look spiffy on its own in the evenings, said freelance fashion stylist Steven Kong, 34, who has worked on a variety of projects including StarHub advertisements.

The same goes for accessories.

Lim suggested handbags with a sheen that can be carried into boardrooms and cocktail parties.

He said: “Use earrings, necklaces and bangles to on-trend and restyle
your neutral classics. Oversized earrings are really fashionable now.”

Kong added: “Invest in chunky, statement necklaces to spice up your outfits. Go to shops like Topshop, Diva and shops in Far East Plaza like Black Clover and Closet Affair for affordable and trendy accessories.”

my paper combed through the sales to bring you the best looks for the office, for evenings and for play.

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