I wish I could wear...

...a hat
But I'm scared of looking silly.
Not everyone has the ability or the chutzpah to pull of a trendy trilby or fashionable fedora but a chic beret works for most. It's less sporty than a beanie but casual enough not to attract stares. For a sophisticated and classy look, opt for a neutral colour in a luxurious knit.
TO BUY: Beret R95, Lulu Belle. Shirt R349, Urban Degree. Necklace R547, Cigar.

I wish I could wear...

...high heels
But they hurt.
Heels have plenty of highs, but the lows – pain and suffering – keep many women in sensible shoes. Thankfully the latest fashions of sturdy platforms, wedges and stacks allow for a lot more comfort than the spiky stiletto. Slingbacks and closed toes also help shoes fit securely and comfortably.
TO BUY: Slingbacks R699, Nine West. Flared skirt R699, Oaktree at Stuttafords. Blouse R590, Jo Borkett.

I wish I could wear...

...a pinafore
But it reminds me of my school uniform.
Don't let unpleasant memories put you off this versatile buy that easily straddles different seasons and does corporate chic as well as it does yummy mummy. Ditch the white shirt and replace it with a soft blouse with sheer sleeves ? and it will become your uniform, but in the nicest possible way.
TO BUY: Linen dress R499, Promod. Sheer blouse, Rozare Nichols at Callaghan. Stockings R50, Falke. Leather boots, San Marina. Necklace R684, Nicky Savage at Tinsel.

I wish I could wear...

...white pants
But I'm not a size 10.
Afraid of looking big instead of just curvy in white? With the right style for your body, this is a thing of the past. Curves call for boot-cut pants or flares and heels. Add to the slimming effect by layering nudes on your upper body to create a continuous line of colour. This season's longer knits will be your greatest ally.
TO BUY: Flared pants, Maya Prass. Knitted coat R200, Zoot. Knitted kimono top R380, Hilton Weiner. Wooden necklaces R39 each, The Space. Lemon quartz ring R1 800, Anpa Jewels. Heels R1 700, Europa Art Shoes.

I wish I could wear...

...shorts
But I'm not 16 any more.
So what? Just keep them sophisticated and well proportioned. Longer shorts and knee-length skirts are interchangeable. A tailored pair with opaque stockings will take you anywhere. Add that belted jacket and heels you save for skirts and see how they extend your shorts? life.
TO BUY: Tailored shorts R699, Polo. Shirt, Cigar. Wrap jacket, Lunar. Earrings R380, Anpa Jewels. Stockings R50, Falke. Peep-toe heels R399, Kenneth Cole.

I wish I could wear...

...skinny jeans
But they emphasise my hips.
Hide them! This season's voluminous tops will camouflage curves without seeming deliberate. Keep it refined by layering a cropped jacket or swing shirt over a soft blouse that covers your hips. Elegant flats or sandals will round off the look.
TO BUY: Dark-wash jeans R450, Sissy Boy. Blouse, Hilton Weiner. Tweed swing shirt R599, Oaktree at Stuttafords. Pumps R795, San Marina. Calvin Klein watch R4 999, Swiss Precision Watches. Earrings, Anpa Jewels.

I wish I could wear...

...flats
But I'm too short.
There are ways to create the illusion of height without teetering on 12-centimetre stilettos. Balance your clothing (shorter tops with longer bottoms and longer tops with shorter bottoms) and show a bit of leg to visually lengthen your frame.
TO BUY: Suede pumps R299, Woolworths. Knee-length harem pants R499, Promod. Three-quarter-sleeved knit R329, Urban Degree. Striped pullover R490, Promod.

I wish I could wear...

...a denim skirt
But it's too casual.
Don't save your denim skirt for weekends only; wear it to work (after all, that's why denim was invented) instead of that rather severe black pencil skirt. Team it with a feminine blouse, stockings and heels for an unexpected soft take on your "working girl" image. Trade the straight lines of a pencil skirt for more flattering A-lines and you'll have a look that still means business without echoing the 80s power suit.
TO BUY: A-line skirt R399, Polo. Chiffon blouse R499, Oaktree at Stuttafords. Three-quarter-sleeved coat, Urban Degree. Stockings R39, Falke.

Production: Mari Groenewald
Photographs: Brooke Fasani
Previously published in REAL SIMPLE