You are what you eat. Apparently. I hear that you can also apply that to your clothing – you are what you wear. Here’s an analogy: you go to an interview, dressed in thrice worn jeans, a shirt that was last ironed when it was packaged for sale and a pair of loafers that would be better suited to the dogs’ mouth. Are you going to get the job?

So saying that yes, you are what you wear. But that doesn’t also mean that everyday is catwalk day. That every day you need to up and dress yourself in clothing that’s good enough to grace the store windows of Alberta Ferretti or Balenciaga over on Melrose. What it does mean is that you need to look good effortlessly, smart casual, office chic, whatever it is you’re dressing for.

The way that the world of fashion works in society is this: first impressions count. Clothing has a lot to do with that. People see us, what we look like, what we’re wearing, and make certain assumptions, before we’ve gotten to handshaking and opening our mouths. To some degree the world turns on appearances, because the way in which we view each other dictates how we behave with each other.

Accomplishing the right look, something that suits you, your personality, an average day or week in your life, is incredibly easy. First of all you just need to take a step back and work out what shades and hues work best with your coloring. Not everyone can wear poppy red for example, and bright yellow has a tendency to turn a lot of people green.

Color is important because the perfect shirt or tunic may well be perfect in terms of fit and styling – and yet the wrong color will blast the aesthetic right out of the water. So, color first – style second. Here’s a tip … work out what type of body shape you are (not hard, ask people to be honest, or be honest when you look in the mirror) and then look at some ‘bodyshape styling’ articles to get the inspiration you’re looking for.

Now we’re cooking. Next you need to create what’s called ‘wardrobe staples’. Basically these are core pieces, items of clothing that form the backbone of your wardrobe. Again, there are plenty of comprehensive articles that cover this subject, but here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to find on the various lists that are out there:

1. jeans – at least two pairs
2. pumps – flats and heels, classic styles/colors, same with boots
3. polo t shirts
4. blouse/shirts
5. sweaters
6. lightweight jacket
7. winter coat
8. blazer
9. flannel or wool pants
10. an LBD – little black dress!
11. Pencil or tailored skirt
12. printed top – or two
13. you get the picture

If it helps, one or two my my wardrobe staples were expensive, but they’re worn over and again. And then some. One (my absolute favorites) is a leather jacket that I bought when I was over in San Fransisco. Five years ago it cost me over $350, in a sale, and five years later I would happily pay double for the quality, the versatility and of course its wearability factor.

My jacket is one of those staples that’s rolled out for smart casual, evenings out, lunch with friends – it’s even pulled rank over other jackets at a couple of interviews and funerals over the years. It’s black, the leather is beautiful, a soft, full grain quality that looks (and feels) better with age and use. It’s versatile style-wise (not just because of the color), because it’s a single breasted blazer style – which makes it timeless, sharp, casual – depending upon the rest of my outfit.

Enough about my leather jacket, I think we get the picture. Should you buy one? Yes – if you can get your hands on one that’s a classic shape and fit, in either black or brown, waist to hip length and single breasted. Belted is also ok, as this adds another interesting (and versatile) dimension to the cut and overall aesthetic. Bottom line – you can buy a jacket made from leather and create a whole range of looks, with appearing tacky or like you just walked out of the 1970′s.

Back the the staples. If you need help with your choices, talk to store assistants in clothing outlets. Ask friends – surely everyone’s got an aspiring fashionista in their social circle? I know I have more than one, each vying for attention every time someone asks ‘which boots?’ or ‘what do you think, turquoise or taupe?’. Budget wise that’s down to you. A careful (and honest) appraisal of your current wardrobe should throw a few pieces out that can become part of your new clothing collection.

Then sit down and consider what you do need, what needs replacing, and set aside a budget and timescale. Check out who’s running end-of-season sales, who’s closing down, or revamping the store (both online and high street). Check out thrift stores, raid your friends wardrobes – do a clothing swap. Make a party out of it. Basically there are a dozen ways in which to build out the core of your wardrobe. Get to it – time’s a-wasting and clothes are a-waiting.