Every season, online fashion features and glossy women's magazines are awash with a sea of advice on what to wear and which trends to follow.

However, in its article of 19 March 2008, entitled “It’s time to study the classics” the Telegraph newspaper says it is high time we “stop bingeing on fast-fashion that falls apart in weeks.”

According to the Telegraph, we should pay more attention to the really great dressers of the fashion corps, the runway models, who have the canny ability to whittle down their own wardrobe to a few great pieces, which they then cleverly vary with shoes, scarves and jewelry.

The Capsule Wardrobe

Many of us know (although don’t necessarily apply), the benefits of the capsule wardrobe; that is, investing in some classic pieces that will last almost a lifetime. A little black dress, a great white shirt, black pants, denim jeans, a trenchcoat, a cashmere cardigan, high-heeled pumps, a pair of ballet flats and a timeless designer bag.

Choose Long-Life Pieces from Every Season

There is nothing wrong with fun indulgences into seasonal fads. However, if you need to watch the dollars and find you are spending too much on items which lose their appeal as soon as the season is over, then consider buying more versatile items from each season’s collections instead. The current fashion trends in patent shoes, nautical inspired pieces, leopard prints, shift dresses and maxi dresses all have a longer life span than tulip dresses, kimono-styles, super-skinny jeans, tribal and retro prints and leg-of mutton sleeves.

In its article, the Telegraph recommends a number of items which have a greater chance of carrying you through until next year and beyond. Some of their recommendations are included here, along with a few more ideas for the season.

10 Must- Haves from Spring/Summer Collections

1. A Blazer

Not just a jacket but a practical cover-up for dresses, skirts and pants. Wear it with jeans or drape it over a dress. A tailored jacket is a lynchpin, so choose a less dramatic style that won’t date. The nautical look for Summer 2008 means sharp white jackets or a navy Peabody blazer, teamed with a white tee or navy stripes. Whilst other trends may come and go, this one is always a perennial favorite.

2. Fluid Trousers

If you avoid the trend in very wide-legged trousers and go for a more longer-lasting, yet still trendy cut you’ll be able to wear these pants for many seasons. Try a chic slouch with a slightly wider leg. Pair loose trousers with a tailored top and vis-a-versa.

3. A Stripy Tee

Part of the nautical look, as long as you don’t go overboard by choosing one with too many embellishments, a stripy tee will be a good investment, as it never dies.

4. A Maxi Dress

For the last two years we have seen a revival in the maxi dress, from Boho style to Greco-Roman gowns. Ladies love the elegance of a long dress and providing you go for a classic style, like a straight shift for daywear or a close-cut halter neck, you can continue to feel glamorous into next season. Avoid over-trendy prints, which will date quickly. Flowing evening gowns are always in vogue, but avoid any design that is a short-time fad like the one-shoulder look.

5. A Caftan Dress

The revival of variations on the caftan dress have seen them as evening wear and beach attire. A short caftan dress/tunic is great for a beach cover-up, much more flattering than a sarong, and sexier, as long as it is more close-cut to skim your silhouette rather than a very loose, shapeless style.

6. Animal Prints

Whilst tribal, florals, stars and retro prints come and go, there is always room for a little leopard in every season. Says Rachel Zoe, in her book, Style A - Zoe, “it’s very similar to patent in the way it comes and goes, but you ever get sick of looking at it.” Leopard prints and accessories add sex appeal and look great with a black outfit. Don’t overdo it though, the secret is one piece at a time....a belt here, a pair of shoes another time, never wear a leopard coat and a leopard dress at the same time.”

7. Metallic Sandals

The Telegraph heralds gladiator sandals with multiple straps but this style only works if you have thin ankles and calves. Instead go for metallic strappy sandals, which will take you from beach to bar, and will be around for years to come. They also flatter the legs more than classic blacks and browns.

8. Peep-Toe Shoes

Toe cleavage has hit it big this year with the reintroduction of the peep-toe shoe. According to the Telegraph, this look is set to stay for summer, autumn and next winter, so invest in a pair that will be versatile enough to carry you through.

9. A Summer Scarf

Several scarves can be your way of giving a nod to any trend that hits the catwalk, whether it be florals, geometric shapes, jungle prints or beads. Keep building your collection and use them periodically to skim past trends that you don’t wish to wholeheartedly commit to.

10. The Great White Shirt (GWS)

The great white shirt is a timeless classic but this year, due to the many style variations, is one of the best buys of 2008. The GWS has become a statement shirt, with collar detailing, faux leather trim, ribbons, ruffles pleats and pussy bows. The women's white shirt will never go out of fashion but if you go for an oversized masculine style, you can be right on trend by cinching in the waist with a wide belt.