Written by Wendy Mak

Turns out, I can't count. In today's post I wanted to talk about how you don't need a lot of items to have a lot of outfits, once you know how to mix-and-match (one of my favourite topics!). How cool would it be (I thought) to show you "10 items 10 ways"? So catchy, this stylist thinks...

Until I realised I couldn't count and had created the 10 looks from NINE items not ten!!!!

So - forgive my inability to count up to ten, BUT bonus for you - even less items to buy and more looks from it!

In truth there are lots more outfits that you can create from these 9 items, so don't hold back from creating more and more outfits. You'll also see that with the clever use of some accessories (and the accessories shown in the pictures are not expensive at all) you can easily add some interest and colour to the outfits - fast.

The key is to ensure your 9 items are simple enough to go with lots of things, and don't have a "defined" occasion.

Those of you familiar with my book The Terrific Thirty will know that in the book I describe and ask you to look for very specific details (such as texture, colour, fabric, cut) in all the items to allow you to take that piece (whether it's a skirt, shorts or trousers) and wear it with something casual for daytime, something tailored for work and something elegant for going out. Knowing what to look for is key in ensuring that you can truly make fewer items work in lots of different ways - and reduces fashion mistakes.

So, let's take a look at the 9 items and the 10 looks...

THE 9 ITEMS

1. Tailored shorts 2. Cream / taupe trousers 3. Black trousers 4. Coloured blouse 5. White tank 6. Black tank 7. Casual blazer 8.White / taupe blazer 9. Black blazer

All items featured above are from the book The Terrific Thirty

AND THE 10 LOOKS IN REAL LIFE !! (with BIG thanks to my gallant friend Lil for modelling the outfits for us)

Happy Styling xx