Credit crunch chic

Sep 7 2009 by Liz Lamb, The Journal

CAN you stay stylish during the credit crunch? Northumberland- based Style consultant Jenny Bersin believes you can, as she explains here.

WELL, here’s a thing – the credit crunch is good for style! We have all seen photographs of before-and-after looks, and price comparisons of different outfits.

Look at the outfits here. Can you tell the difference between designer and high street?

It isn’t about buy, buy, buy. It’s about know, know, know. Fashion is about being a size zero, wearing designer labels, how much money you spend – and perfection.

Style is about knowing what your style personality is, understanding how colour works for you and accepting your body shape. Quite simply, style is in your hands not in your pockets!

Look at those around you and you can see that “Fashion fades and style is forever”. Thank you for that, Coco Chanel.

Look at Victoria Beckham and Michelle Obama, remember Imelda Marcos and Audrey Hepburn. You don’t have to look far to see those that buy and those that know.

With less money in our pockets we, all of us, have the opportunity to go out there and create our own inimitable style.

A style that works for us. A style that, when we wake up in the morning and put our clothes on – we can look in the mirror and think, “Yep! – that’s it. I look good. Bring on the day.”

We have found a way of presenting ourselves that says quite clearly who we are and where we want to be. Quite simply, successful people dress for success – whether it is that all- important interview, finding the partner of your dreams, in the pub with mates or walking the dog.

How? Well, some people know naturally what suits them. They know their style personality, their colours, their body and face shape and they use that knowledge to their advantage.