It's Not What You Wear It's is How You Wear It

There is a French phrase that I adore: bien dans sa peau, or "happy in her own skin." When I see a woman who looks like that, I know she is fashion savvy. She's dressed just right and she knows it. There's no fussing, no checking every nanosecond to make sure a seam's not crooked that her hem's straight. She looks as if she could rule the world. On days like that, she probably could.

In these uncertain times, she might just have to, which is perhaps why designers have introduced three major trends for spring 2008, that play on the idea of dressing for empowerment.

So what are the high-fashion equivalents of the proverbial security blanket, the piece that won't ever let you down? With just one of these pieces in my wardrobe, I could kiss bad days goodbye forever. And let's face it - we all have bad days.

My great looks are a lean, single-breasted jacket and hip-cut pants, beautifully plain but just edgy enough to get noticed. I team them with a white sleeveless shell, strappy heels, gold hoops and a great pair of shades.

It took me a while to find this look. Like years. Years and years of fashion mistakes and regrets. I'd go shopping and think I was someone else. I'd get home look in the mirror and think, who is that sad sack? I'm not that, I'm a good pair of dark blue indigo jeans and an ultra smart looking blouse.