It is so easy at this time of year, when still recovering from the indulgences of the last one, to succumb to those obvious, recycled and inevitable magazine headlines such as 'Spring into Action', 'New Year New You', 'Feel Great in 08'. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

But following the great advice of the shopaholics (aided by the fact most of us can't afford to go out this month), a wardrobe detox is surely on the cards.

First and foremost, be brutal.

You must have a recycling threshold, or a length of time after which you must accept that it WILL never come back into fashion, and you WON'T ever wear it again. Mine is two years. If I haven't worn it since then, it has to go. And if I deliberated over whether to keep it last time, it's two strikes and it's out.

Second, never overlook the classics. Certain colours and pattens may come and go, but well-cut staples will last a lifetime. If you need to add and not just take away, Warehouse and Dorothy Perkins have some modern twists on staples such as polka dot and striped blouses, and sweaters in bright colours that will make any black trouser and white shirt combo pop. Invest in one for now, one for the future.

The Temperley for Target range, available at select Selfridges, is basically a diffusion Alice Temprely range which was originally created for Target in the US, giving her trademark English eccentric twist to classics which will last a lifetime. I've just bought the high-waisted black crepe trousers with sailor style buttons which have already earnt their £25 price tag due to the material's high-quality inability to crease and therefore need dry cleaning less often.

And remember to keep a little frivolty in your life, which let's face it, we all need right now. Accessoring with a splash of leopard print, some cheeky red shoes or a classic bag for after work drinks will always be in fashion. Check out both River Island and Zara for an instant pick me up, and again Warehouse for gorgeous super clutches that will last a lifetime due to their vintage feel.

Finally, remember the greater good.

I am not going to do a Paris Hilton and suggest my donating Primark's greatest boho-chic hits will save Africa, but with 54% of the UK fearing a recession this year, this is one charitable donation I can afford to make.

Here Is The Writer : Charlotte Fordham

Charlotte is a recruitment manager at a rather large, rather global bank. She made the switch to banking after several years of recruiting for the fashion industry. Charlotte is now using her fashion contacts to look beyond the corporate dress code and ask, "Can you ever look Sexy in The City?" We're very much hoping the answer is YES.

view more articles by Charlotte Fordham

Add Comment (go on... log in)

TODAY

• Men: Your Look Next Summer
• Square Mile Syndrome
• The Square Mile Sport Awards 2007 Winners

THIS WEEK

• Sick City
• The Intern's Perspective
• Square Mile Syndrome