subject: Sir Paul Smith: How To Recession-proof Your Wardrobe [print this page] At 62, I'm old enough to have been through a few other recessions, but nothing on this scale. I've always stuck to my guns, though, and the answer is to not compromise on quality. The other key thing for designers to remember is who really pays their wages: the man and woman on the street.
Unfortunately, a lot of designers are quite self-indulgent about their work and don't always try to work out that a piece of clothing should have a design that not only represents their way of thinking but is also beautifully made, at the correct price and, most of all, wearable. It would be advisable for the more attention-seeking designers to add a bit of simplicity to what they do, because consumers are more wary of risk-taking. People are playing it a lot safer right now.
There's always an enormous growth in accessories during a recession, because if you haven't got much money, you're more likely to cheer yourself up with a scarf or a sock, a tie or a belt rather like buying a DVD or a book at the weekend. It's adding to your existing look, rather than changing your entire wardrobe.
People still want to look smart and feel good about themselves, though. For consumers, I offer the following advice. Buy quality pieces, especially when it comes to shoes and suits, because they will last you.
Think of a suit as a picture frame, and then think of what's in the picture frame. So you buy a great navy blue or black suit that will work for lots of occasions. Then, you can wear the jacket with a pair of chinos, wear the tailored jacket with trainers or with shoes, and you can wear a brightly coloured shirt or a classic white shirt and tie.
For women, the obsession with black continues. Black with black always works. If you're buying a black dress, coat or suit, I bet if you dug into your wardrobe, you could find dozens of things that you've not worn for ages to brighten up an outfit. So you could add lovely fun scarves, or if you're on holiday, buy a scarf or some jewellery from a market.
You can add all ethnic accessories to a black outfit a little beaded scarf or a long necklace. The next day it could it be a cashmere scarf or pashmina for a more classic look, so it's all there, and most people have got it in their wardrobe.
If you're going for a job interview, your posture is often far more important than the clothes you are wearing. If you sit or stand upright, clothes look so much better.
Clothes do a job if you want them to and you should try to choose those that fit your character and lifestyle and that work for you.
Fashion in a recession is there if you want it. But it's like television: if you don't like it, switch it off.
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by: paul smith
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