A wise woman once told me that when you’re complimented on any item of clothing – whether it be shoes, a dress or a brand new hat – there’s a wrong way to respond.
“Do not say ‘thank you’ and go on with your day,” she said.
“Because ‘oh, wow, I love that dress!’ is not a statement. It’s a question. And it’s your duty to answer.”
They require precisely two answers, she explained.
The first is where you got it from. The second is how much it cost you.
No one wants to hear, “A flea market in Italy last year!” That is not remotely helpful, and also raises suspicions that you might be… lying.
The person desperately wants to learn that your new top is from Target and it cost $25. And then with four clicks of an excited thumb, she would like that top delivered to her doorstep so she can wear it out to dinner on Thursday night. Understand?
There is status in wearing great clothes that also happen to be absurdly affordable – and Target nails it every season. And for all body types too.
Target’s brand new Winterspell range will have you completely covered for the cold weather, and by mixing and matching, you can have a whole winter wardrobe for $300.
Here are 10 of our favourite looks, modelled by Nama Winston, writer, lover of fashion and wrangler of an 11-year-old son; Holly Wainwright, author and mum-of-two, and fan of all things blue; and me, writer, podcaster and relentless pursuer of work-appropriate clothing.
