This is a list designed to remind us of the top 10 items that we should all have in our wardrobe to ensure that we can do anything, go anywhere and still look stylish. Only this one is updated and is designed specifically for ladies living in South Africa.

The 10 basic pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe are:

• A dark, well-fitting trouser suit
  The two pieces can, and should, be worn separately. A black suit jacket with a pair of jeans is a great smart casual look and a pair of suit trousers worn with a t-shirt and converse trainers is über-chic. We are not a nation of stiff suits, so soft draping suit pieces are often a more appropriate approach for our environment. It's important that this is an investment suit where the jacket is tailored to fit you and every detail is perfect for your shape. I believe that it's simply not worth investing in a suit that doesn't fit and feel beautiful...
• A pencil skirt
  Nothing is as sexy as a dark, figure-flattering skirt that emphasises generous curves and speaks simultaneously of professionalism and femininity — as long as it's worn with confidence and killer heels of course! For those pear-shaped among you, a slight A-line in your skirt is more flattering and achieves the same result.
• A crisp white shirt
  Clean, ironed and in a fabric that flatters the bust, a white shirt will never go out of fashion and can be dressed up or down. For the flat-chested ladies, a classic cotton business shirt is a complete no-brainer. In fact, buy two. Wear them with everything. For the more busty ladies, it's a more delicate selection and is important that the fabric is slightly softer and includes some stretch. The shirt must also have darts and plenty of construction so that it does not gape over the bust as this is really not a good look. Wear a white cotton camisole underneath if you are worried about this.
• A pair of jeans or denim trousers
  Jeans should flatter your figure so a classic selection for ladies is a boot cut that balances the hips out and can lengthen the leg beautifully when worn with heels. A darker wash is more flattering. And as you get older, dark wash denim is a much more appropriate way to wear denim. For very slim ladies, jeans are your signature wardrobe item, but for most of us with bodies grown in Africa, we have to work a bit harder with our jeans selection. I find that a pair of denims cut in a trouser shape is more flattering on my figure than the classic five-pocket jeans. However, when I do wear jeans, they are always wider in the leg and include stretch. Going up a size is a very flattering way to wear denim if you are over a size 10.
• Wide leg trousers
  These are an absolute staple in every wardrobe, no matter what you size. A pair of wide-leg, floppy trousers are super comfortable, yet can be dressed up and can be worn with a top/shirt or with a tunic dress over it. Fabric choice is important — linen is fabulous for the slim ladies, and brush cotton or crepe is fantastic for the curvy ladies. Wool works for everyone. This is a look that requires flat shoes — jeweled flip flops, quilted ballet pumps or masculine lace up brogues are all current hot looks and available at most of our chain stores.
• Little black dress
  The LBD has been in fashion internationally since the '50s and has never dated. You can choose one in a style that suits your figure brilliantly and that stands the test of time. I have one in my wardrobe that cost me next to nothing from Woolies that I bought seven years ago and have worn so often that it is practically worn out! A simple, classic LBD will never let you down or be inappropriate, no matter who you are or where you come from — as long as it is not worn to a wedding or a ball.
• A wrap dress
  Diane von Furstenberg, my favourite designer for real women, launched the classic wrap dress in the 1970s. The dress was instantly both a fashion phenomenon and an immediate classic. Sexy, comfortable and modern, the wrap dress allows for the perfect female silhouette. As DVF says: "No buttons, no zippers. Slip in and out without a sound." Say what you like, but every woman looks great in a cotton or jersey wrap and they are available from most of the local designers, in plains and great patterns.
• Vests or camisoles
  To wear under everything. From jackets to dresses, a matching or contrasting underlay can provide just the right finish for an outfit. It's also an absolute essential when you are trying on clothes in the unforgiving lights of our changing rooms, as it can give you a real idea of what you are trying on will look like and you can slip into and out of clothes without having to get completely stripped down!
• The trench coat
  Even in South Africa we all need a classic, well-wearing trench coat that takes us through season after season. As we don't wear this item for as much of the year as our northern hemisphere cousins, South Africans need to purchase this item as an investment piece. Of course a classic beige trench that finishes just above the knee is a perfect and timeless option. A black version is also a good choice, and bright colours are great, but will only last a season or two. Just remember that a coat is the first and last thing that people will see during the winter months, so invest wisely and make sure your selection is flattering. A belted trench is a fantastic fit for the classic ladies' shape as it emphasises the waist and drapes over the bust and bottom.
• T-shirts
  Basic black or white tees are a key part of your wardrobe. Good-quality tees in normal or organic cotton, can be worn under a suit just as easily as with your jeans, so don't compromise on this basic. Neckline is key to ensuring a flattering choice, so make sure you know whether a round neck or v-neck is better for your shape.
• And possibly one more thing... a pair of killer heels
  They don't need to be expensive or 100mm high, but it is better if they are. Invest in one pair of super comfortable but stunning Jimmy Choos, now available on our shores, that can go with your jeans or with your LBD in black, red, gold or silver. It may seem like a massive investment, but if you wear them all the time, your cost per wear can work out lower than those cheaper heels you bought three years ago and have only worn once. Invest in a pair of 'party feet' pads for the soles of your feet if you are going to be standing or walking in them for more than a couple of hours.

For more information contact Robyn at www.robyncooke-styleguide.co.za