What to buy. What to skip. What to watch out for. And the way to pull any look together with panache. Find out how to dress now--and 10 years from now.
1. Round Up a Posse of White Cotton Button-Downs
They elevate jeans and keep ball skirts from drifting into fantasy-land. But all that mileage comes at a cost: a short shelf life. So buy three, don't over-bleach (which can cause yellowing), and refresh regularly.
2. Accessorize in Brights
If you've got a closet full of neutrals—be they navy, black, camel, or gray—add energy with boldly hued shoes and bags. Not only is a hunter green satchel more lively than ho-hum black, but it's also surprisingly versatile. Feeling really brave? Wear a neutral base with shoes and a bag in two different complementary colors.
3. Think in Multiples
Take a cue from Jackie O, who had a closet full of sheath dresses. If you find an especially flattering fit right off the rack, go ahead and buy doubles. When it works, why question it?
4. Know Your Stretch
The secret formula for a soft but formfitting T? 95% cotton, 5% Lycra spandex. For jeans to hold their shape, they need at least 2% Lycra.
5.Hem Your Pants to a Specific Shoe Height
"The biggest mistake women make is wearing pants that aren't the right length for their shoes," says stylist Kate Young. To fix this, hem to either heels or flats—no going back. Generally, hems should just graze the tops of your shoes and be from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch off the floor.
6. Throw On a Scarf
It's the ultimate accessory according to a host of the best-dressed women we interviewed. Stash one in your purse or carry-on to transform simple Ts in the time it takes to make a knot.
7. Show Skin Strategically
Looking truly sexy involves knowing what to bare—and what to keep under wraps. Otherwise, where's the mystery? "Choose one—only one—body part and show it off," advises Jen Rade, stylist to Jenna Fischer and Angelina Jolie. "If it's cleavage, don't show your legs. If it's your legs, stay covered on top."
8. Go Hands-Free for Evening
A dressy bag with a chain helps you hold crudités and a cocktail—plus, it lends a cool edge to evening wear, says stylist Cher Coulter. Wear the chain diagonally across your body for the best effect.
9. Consider the Wear and Care
Before you buy, try to gauge how a piece might hold up after a few washings. And don't shell out for clothes you can't, or won't, take care of. If you know you'll never hand-wash that embellished sweater or fancy bra, walk away.
10. Embrace Your Shape
"Once you know which silhouettes flatter you, filter trends ruthlessly," says designer Shoshanna Gruss. For instance, if you're petite and shapely, it's best to avoid tall columns and billowy maxis even if you love them. Go for a dress with a defined waist and just-above-the-knee hem.
"Once you know which silhouettes flatter you, filter trends ruthlessly," says designer Shoshanna Gruss. For instance, if you're petite and shapely, it's best to avoid tall columns and billowy maxis even if you love them. Go for a dress with a defined waist and just-above-the-knee hem.
11. Make a List Before You Shop
Not of what you want to buy, but of the 10 fave items in your closet. This will help you zero in on pieces that mesh with what you own (or remind you that you never actually wear big floral prints).
12. Hit the Dressing Room Prepared
If you're shopping for that ultra-important dress, get a true feel for the fit by bringing your hip or thigh slimmer with you. And while you're at it, bring heels, lipstick, and a hairbrush. These will help you get a better sense of the final result.
13. Always Check Out the Rear View
And don't leave the house until you like what you see. Every angle matters. Trust us.
14. Round Down in Denim
When in doubt, go with the smaller size in jeans. They always stretch, and nothing's more unflattering than the unintentionally baggy derrière.
When in doubt, go with the smaller size in jeans. They always stretch, and nothing's more unflattering than the unintentionally baggy derrière.
15. Edit Your Closet
Clothes need breathing room! You should be able to see every item without rummaging. Consider donating anything you haven't worn in the past year.
Video: Spring Clean Your Closet
16. Layer Your Necklaces
Coco Chanel's more-is-more approach still makes a statement today. You can do multiples of the same material, or better yet, go for contrast: Try a femme piece with edgy chains, feathers with beads, or pearls with diamantés.
17. Touch the Inside
A garment's lining is often a designer's calling card, and a good way to judge quality. A well-crafted lining is a sign that the whole piece has been sewn with care.
A garment's lining is often a designer's calling card, and a good way to judge quality. A well-crafted lining is a sign that the whole piece has been sewn with care.
18. Open Your Mind
Always take one "it's cute but so not me" thing into the fitting room. You never know!
19. Show Some Loyalty
A great-fitting dress or pair of pants from a line one season may mean similar success the next. Designers, especially higher-end ones, tend to size their clothes based on a regular fit model. 
20. When in Doubt, Wear Nude Pumps
Matched to your skin tone, they're a pretty safe bet. (And they make legs look longer.)
21. Wearing White? Seek Out Light
Keep in mind: White clothes always look more see-through in daylight. Check yourself out in a bright setting to be safe. 
22. Stripe it Up
"Striped pieces are a nice, classic way to pull yourself together for the weekend," says stylist Tina Chai. A red- or navy-and-white bateau neck, for instance, has presence and versatility.
23. Upgrade Your Buttons
Sometimes, the only giveaway that your cute jacket cost less than lunch money is its cheap hardware. Swap in nicer buttons, or have a tailor do it.
24. Never Buy a Boring Coat
"Outerwear should never be an afterthought," says Holmes & Yang co-designer Jeanne Yang. "So many people only see you in your coat—if you're not wearing something great underneath your trench, they'll never even know!"
25. Own at Least One Thing That's Leopard
Make the print "a staple in your accessories wardrobe," says stylist Rob Zangardi. It's timeless, racy enough, and always glamorous.
Or maybe a hundred? Honestly, I believe there is NO such thing as having too much animal print- especially leopard <3
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