Donatella Versace: My 5 Style Guidelines

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!

Versace MEDUSA ’95 PANTS, Dhs5,450 SHOP NOW

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!

Versace STUDDED AVIATOR SUNGLASSES, dhs1,450 SHOP NOW

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.

Versace SLASHED KNIT MIDI DRESS dhs6,300 SHOP NOW

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.

Versace GRECA GODDESS SHOULDER BAG, dhs9,850 SHOP NOW

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.

Versace TEMPEST KNEE-HIGH PLATFORM BOOTS, dhs6,350 SHOP NOW

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.