Donatella Versace
Courtesy of Versace
1. Always have a go-to outfit

Mine is the perfect black trouser suit – maybe in purple for a lift. If I could only wear one thing for the rest of my life, it would be tailored black pants and black sweater. And diamonds, of course. Big ones!

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2. An organised closet is key

I organise mine by type – dresses in one place, trousers in another, and huge drawers of sunglasses. I have a separate closet for my jewellery!

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3. Yes, you can run in heels

Always choose a platform! Makes heels easy. I’ve been wearing them since I was a teenager and you can go anywhere in them.

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4. Treasure your clothes

My favourite pieces are anything my brother Gianni made for me – from my first patent leather miniskirt to the beautiful jackets he cut for me in our atelier. I have kept them all. From my designer, it is always something from the new collection – a beautiful black cocktail dress and a fantastic Greca Goddess quilted bag. I love to think of the future and get the clothes way ahead of time.

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5. Invest in a capsule wardrobe

Every woman should have a black jacket, a gorgeous pencil skirt, a little black dress, beautifully tailored. Perfect jeans – tailored with a crease down the front – yes you heard it here first! Fabulous black stilettos and black biker boots. A great leather jacket. And a perfect handbag.

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QUICKFIRE Q&A:

Swimsuit or bikini? Bikini
Mini or maxidress? Mini
Print or monochrome? Either and both
Heels or flats? Come on – really? Like you have to ask!
Bare legs or tights? Sheer tights – in 15 denier.

This story, edited by Donatella versace, first appeared in GRAZIA UK, out now.