Look good by sticking to basics

THE working world has a uniform and it’s called the suit, but after time it looks tatty instead of smart and some of us have a favourite pair of trousers that we wear until they fade or ball-up.

But let’s not get to that point. How about we check our wardrobe to donate to charity or toss out the worn and torn, shall we?

When looking for these staple items please keep in mind that you should be looking for classic cuts in a dark colour so that if you wear them often, no one will know. If they notice then they are not busy enough at work!

If you choose a dark shade, stains will be difficult to spot and the colour can flatter any body type. If you opt for black then they will be timeless and are free to add colour, texture, prints and accessories to.

Now the trick is, when you do spot a good pair of trousers at the right price, pick up two or three at a time.
 
I ran into Jenny Calder, a Year 5 teacher at St Christopher’s School, in Promod, who was looking for a pair of trousers, confirming back-to-school shopping isn’t just for the children.

It dawned on me that I needed to find a few places that sold this staple item for other GulfWeekly readers.
  
Saturday, I set out with my youngest son Kieran to Bahrain City Centre in order to see what Debenhams and Marks & Spencer’s had on offer. I knew well enough I would have to pacify his restlessness with a trip to the toy shop, but these are the sacrifices we need to make for the sake of peace and harmonious shopping.

This is what I found for the ladies in Debenhams.

Debenhams Collection: basic boot-cut trousers in navy in various sizes. BD13.500.

Debenhams Collection: zip pocket, slim cut with a classic straight hem in black in various sizes. BD19.

I did notice some black trousers with the ‘Principles’ label that had a nice cut and a slim belt for under BD20.

Best Find: Marks & Sparks!

Marks & Spencer did not let me down and I was satisfied with both the ladies and men’s selection. Wow! Two full racks of trousers in the ladies section in various styles and colours for great prices. I found ladies trousers in black, dark and light grey with a boot cut or straight leg ranging from BD13 to BD19.

Basically the men’s department is a ‘one-stop-shop’. They carry men’s trousers starting at only BD9 in various sizes in black, dark grey and beige with tailored or regular fit, machine washable, crease resistant and an active waist.

Ties are only BD4 in all modern styles and colours and the suit jackets were a-plenty.

I found socks, shoes, formal cotton shirts that are non-iron for only BD15 and formal slim-fit button shirts for BD19.