2. Work out – but not too much
I don't like workouts where you sweat too much — but then again I don't like my workout to be too slow. So Pilates is the happy middle ground. I do 30 minutes of daily exercise in the morning, as I think the first few minutes of your day dictate how confident, productive and happy you'll be for the rest of the day.
3. A minidress is always a good idea
There is just one rule when it comes to wearing a minidress: feel good with what you are wearing! Clothes are not just a way to cover your body, but a way to send a message to the world. Today's return of the minidress carries a very different meaning from in the past. In Versace's early days fashion was exploding and there was a different kind of energy. Back then sexiness was all about the body. Now it's more about the attitude. It's about every woman choosing who she'd like to be and not being afraid of showing it. That's why confidence is key when wearing a minidress, regardless of body shape or our position in society.
4. Mix old and new
I have a large wardrobe full of Versace pieces: some that I have worn for years, others that are straight from the catwalk. I'm impatient and cannot wait to wear the new things. In my wardrobe you will always find flared trousers and silk shirts.
5. Always travel in style
Post-lockdown I will be on a flight — direction unknown, I simply miss being on an aeroplane. I will be wearing flared pants, a comfy sweater and super-high-heeled boots. One has to travel in comfort but with style. I'm going anywhere where there is sun, a beautiful sandy beach and clear, warm water … Do I really need to explain why?
6. Bring your heels out of retirement
High heels have definitely remained a constant in my personal style over the past year: I have been wearing heels every day to go to the office since the day the total lockdown in Italy was lifted. It feels good. Just like the minidress, high heels are the quintessential symbol of femininity, a tool for women to feel stronger. The minute we wear them, we walk in a different manner, we feel taller, we feel different, we can be whoever we want to be. I've included chunky mules in the new collection as they are the perfect choice to feel feminine and comfortable at the same time.
7. Loungewear? Approach with caution
During lockdown I wore the same clothes that I'd have worn to go out. I tried to maintain a routine and to take care of myself, and that included wearing nice clothes and shoes! It wasn't so much about vanity — after all, nobody was seeing me — but to try to keep a sense of normality.
8. When in doubt, channel JLo
JLo in the Jungle dress is my favourite Versace moment. Never before had a dress, or better a beautiful woman in a dress, ignited a moment for which technology had to evolve [Google Images was created in response to the number of picture searches].
Written by: Jane McFarland
© The Times of London
