Make fashion work: assembling a work wardrobe

First she taught us how to stay slim with her ‘non-diet' book, 'French Women Don't Get Fat'. Now, top businesswoman Mireille Guiliano is applying her inspirational savoir faire to our working wardrobes. In an extract from her new guide on how to get ahead in style, she outlines the ultimate list of investment buys.

Born and brought up in France, Mireille Guiliano is the former president and CEO of champagne and wine company Clicquot Inc. Married to an American, she divides her time between New York and France. Her new book, 'Women, Work & The Art Of Savoir Faire' (Simon & Schuster), was published recently.

How do you define style? How can a person develop and possess her own style?

For me, style is the whole package: how you dress, talk, move and behave. Can it be taught? To a certain extent, yes, but at the end of the day it has a lot to do with being comfortable in your own skin, or bien dans sa peau. Being bien dans sa peau means being true to your unique outward self, in addition to your inward, emotional self. It means developing a look and manner that feels comfortable and right to you, and that you present to the world.

I am not a fashionista, yet I do love nice clothes. I feel upbeat and prepared to face the world when I look chic and, like all of us, I enjoy being complimented on my choices.

What's wearable is not difficult to judge - the rules are: quality over quantity; simplicity in all things; and less is more (not in the sense of wearing fewer clothes and showing off your skin, but in terms of composition). Opt for understated elegance that is not noticeable but is there.

Classic, never-goes-out-of-style work wardrobe that you can build on over time

Mireille Guiliano believes every woman should start with these essential items as the foundation of her professional wardrobe:

A little black dress. ‘I may appear repetitive on this one, but it is obligatoire.'

Cashmere cardigan in a neutral colour

Crew-neck sweater and contrasting cardigan

Black turtleneck

White blouse with a high collar (‘Great for interviews as the collar equals authority and self-confidence'), a white camisole and a white cotton T-shirt

Shoes. A good-quality pair of pumps, stilettos, loafers or other comfortable walking shoes, ballerina flats and sandals for summer. A pair of boots is optional. ‘If four or five pairs of shoes are not in your current budget or not what you consider basic for business, then buy two good pairs for work. Over time, the quantity takes care of itself, but noticeably cheap quality always looks cheap. And remember, shoes are one of the ‘tells' in a first impression.'

Tailored jacket. ‘Avoid long or double-breasted jackets, which make most of us look dumpy. Pick a bright colour to contrast with dark trousers.'

Pair of trousers in black, navy, grey or tan

Formal but feminine suit with either a pencil skirt or straight/ flared-leg trousers. ‘Non-pleated trousers give you a taller, thinner look.'

Cocktail dress. ‘Avoid big prints, horizontal stripes or flowers, except if you plan to be in Hawaii!'

A casual outfit that's wearable when travelling

A few silk scarves and a pashmina or cashmere wrap (for evenings and/or planes)

Classic winter coat and/or raincoat that can be worn with or without a belt

A couple of small and long necklaces. Keep the short ones for suits, jackets, V-neck tops and wear the long ones over dresses and tunics. ‘Remember, a pearl necklace is the dream accessory as it is timeless. Think mood, too: calm goes with small, energy goes with big... Jewellery says a lot about our unique personalities. Don't be afraid to mix precious stones with costume jewellery.'

Soft leather handbag that is both practical and fashionable. ‘No supersized ones, please - unless you are supermodel-tall, they destroy your overall look, not to mention your posture and possibly your neck or back... I see too many young fashion devotees half-crooked at the age of 25. I love lightweight bags. As for larger handbags, revisit their contents periodically to get rid of the nonessentials... usually half of what you have in there.'

‘Remember that your clothes are your ambassadors, whether formal or casual. And don't forget your smile, the ultimate accessory.

And finally Mireille reminds us:

‘A style is cultivated over time and certainly involves lessons and choices as one matures. It is generally never too late to develop or refine one's unique style.'

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