Learn how to balance textures in your outfits. Here's a cheat-sheet: if you're wearing a silk blouse, wear a heavier fabric like wool, leather or crepe on the bottom. Likewise, if you're wearing a thicker fabric on top like wool, wear a thinner fabric, like jersey or silk, on the bottom.
1. Pay attention to the little things. I like to make sure that the leather of my shoes, bag and belt are all the same shade (e.g. tan or black) and that the metals of my jewellery, the hardware on my bag and belt and the buttons on my jacket are all the same tone (e.g. all rose gold or all silver). He might not notice explicitly but he'll subconsciously reflect on how put-together you are.
2. Buy in neutral colours. White, black, grey, beige, navy, Carolina blue - the simpler your colour palette, the easier and quicker it is to put together items that coordinate well with each other.
3. Build a capsule wardrobe. Save up and select a few key pieces that you can mix and match. It's better to have a smaller wardrobe with quality items than a vast wardrobe that falls apart after a few washes.
4. Look on Ebay. Don't be afraid to buy secondhand designer clothes but avoid trendy 'It' items from previous that will make you look dated.
5. Buy classic pieces and timeless silhouettes: pencils skirts, turtlenecks, etc. A classic cut in a solid shade will bring attention to the craftsmanship of the garment.
6. Get it in black. Especially when you're buying from 'affordable' stores; it's harder to see detail on black clothing which will help hide poor craftsmanship.
7. Emphasize one attribute at a time, except on special occasions. For example, if you're planning on showing off your cleavage, consider looking for a knee-length dress that shows off your bust.
8. Experiment with cuts until you find what is most flattering for you. Do you look best in tapered pants or straight leg? Pencil skirts or A-line? Know the difference between these cuts.
9. If your dress is knee-length, heels are no longer optional.
10. Consider investing in a garment steamer. Particularly if you can't afford to have items dry cleaned regularly or you're too lazy to drop things off at the drycleaner and pick them up.
11. When you can afford it, have your clothing tailored to you. I guarantee that nothing will make you look as expensive as a wardrobe of carefully tailored jeans, blouses, skirts and dresses. I would tailor my underwear if I could.
12. Become a tactile shopper. Feel things, touch, assess the breathability of the fabric. Look at the material listed on the garment you're buying and try to buy natural fabrics more often than not - merino wool, cashmere, silk, 100% cotton jeans and Ts. This will make a world of difference.
13. For special occasions, wear red. The colour red has been scientifically proven to increase the appetite and make the heart beat faster. You will stand out.
14. Be properly fitted for your bras and underwear.
15. Invest in your underwear. Think La Perla, not Victoria's Secret. You should have: a number of sets of lingerie (complete with suspenders, tights, corsets, etc.); a few negligees for the bedroom; a silk robe; a few teddies; a few sets of good quality T-shirt bras (one for each day of the week, at least) with matching underwear; and a few pairs of good quality seamless panties. You might also want to consider nipple covers (for strapless dresses) and the like. Your SD might not mind purchasing any of this for you - after all, you could be modeling it all for him later.
16. Accessories are key. Spend money on your bags and handbags; keep them maintained, cleaned and polished. If your jewellery needs re-plating, have it re-plated and make sure it is polished and shiny. Don't wear branded jewellery but pick items that demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and are clearly expensive. And let me say this - if your SD ever takes you to a horse racing event: ✓ to a fascinator with a veil, ✗ to wearing stilettos on the grass.
17. Get a lint roller. Use it. You might also want to purchase waterproofing spray and Static Guard.
18. Understand which colours suit gold jewellery and which suit silver. Warm colours, like red and burgundy, suit gold best. Likewise, cool colours like blue and grey, suit silver best.
19. You're in charge - don't be afraid to dress like the boss. Men are visual creatures so feel free to let your attire drive home the impression that a) you are a hustler, first and foremost and b) you don't need him. I work in a corporate environment so for coffee/lunch dates I'll meet a POT or SD wearing a dressier version of my usual work attire - figure-hugging knee-length dress or skirt suit with take-no-shit pumps and a structured designer handbag. BONUS: This will make negotiating your allowance easier because you have an equal platform to work from - it's not a one-sided negotiation where you're wearing a mini skirt and he's wearing a three-piece suit.
** Research the location thoroughly beforehand. Dress for the venue, environment and atmosphere. ✩✩✩+ restaurants usually have a dress code, which you should look into beforehand. Likewise, you shouldn't show up to a ✩✩ restaurant wearing a Tom Ford dress and Louboutins. Are you going to a fine dining restaurant? A trendy new restaurant? These are all factors that will affect your attire. You want your SD to know that you are a companion suitable to any and all environments; he should always feel like he is dining with the most beautiful, elegant woman in the room.
20. Buy a good wool coat. I live in a cold climate so I spend a good portion of my day in a coat; a good wool coat is warm but stylish. Try a cocoon or kimono cut from brands like Scanlan Theodore or Lover - you'll look modern and stylish while remaining deliciously warm.
21. Don't be afraid to break the rules.
