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5. BLACK JEANS. Faded blue jeans always look cool but black jeans give an edge to whatever else — without adding a black leather jacket. Black jeans always look dressier than blue ones yet
they tone down any dress-up top, so you hit the dress-casual sweet spot looking like you tried. They make a quick tonal, monochromatic look possible with all our black tops and accessories
without having to wear “real” black pants. All your black tees and sweaters will instantly have a new partner. Opt for a high-rise style with slim straight legs for a modern classic shape
that's flattering to all. Cate Blanchett, Charlayne Woodard, Mary Stuart Masterson, Marisa Tomei MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images, Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images, Paul
Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images, Jackson Lee/GC images 6. WIDE-LEG PANTS. If you love midi skirts, these are going to be your new basic. While slim pants will never die, trousers
with a slouchy fit through the leg and waist-sitting high rise are making women happier and more comfortable than they've been in decades. Try a pair cropped just above the ankle bone
for versatility with any shoe from flats to block heel booties, or get maximum swagger with a ground-skimming style (but know the extra length needs a higher heel or wedge to keep the line
and legginess going). Extra-long looks good in photos, but stick to below the ankle bone and breaking on the shoe. Rachel Zoe, Niecy Nash, Candace Bushnell, Wendy Malick Jon Kopaloff/Getty
Images, Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images, Raymond Hall/GC Images, Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic 7. A NEW PANTSUIT. The new relaxed pantsuit is anything but corporate — it goes from cool to
polished with a few tweaks. Go for updated proportions like a slouchier longline jacket and pants with a cigarette or drapey leg that in no way resemble the boxy man-tailored versions of the
‘80s. Dress it down with a white tee and sneakers, make it edgy with a black turtleneck and booties, fun with a leopard blouse and wedges, dress-casual with a chambray shirt and suede
loafers, trendy with mules and a message tee and, of course, sophisticated with a silk blouse and sling-back pumps. The color is up to you but I suggest pink or red for a gutsy look and
white, gray or black for a more classic vibe. Christie Brinkley, Eva Herzigova, Courtney Love, Madonna RW/MediaPunch, Marc Piasecki/Getty Images, Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images, Marc Piasecki/GC
Images 8. AN UPDATED TRENCH COAT. This is your perfect lightweight outer piece for nonstop style, rain or shine. It transitions between climates and pairs with anything from jeans to
cocktail dresses. Look for structure that's not boxy or stuffy. A lightweight but generously sized trench layers easily over blazers and the chunkiest sweaters but is cinchable to show
off a waist, too. Wear it knotted at the waist (do not buckle!) or open (tie the belt in back or slip into side pockets). A trench with a removable lining is pricier, but amps up the
all-season appeal. No matter what you wear beneath (even your oldest jeans or leggings), you'll look fashionable, polished and cool as an ex-supermodel. Regina King, Alyssa Milano, Mary
J. Blige Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images, Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic, Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Dom Perignon 9. HOOP EARRINGS. Studs are fine to sleep in. Now trade up to hoops — and the
bigger and lighter the better. Thin round hoops in gold or silver in a medium to large size are classic but never boring and those studded with “diamonds” (fakes but super even for day)
always rock. Once you get these basics, you'll be ready for next-level hoops with drop stones, heart and slightly geometric shapes. Jennifer Aniston, Naomi Campbell, Uma Thurman, Salma
Hayek Steve Granitz/WireImage, Mike Marsland/WireImage, Adrian Edwards/GC Images, Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images 10. A LONG, FULL SKIRT. What started as a trend is now a comfort and
style basic. Wear a longer, wider skirt all summer with sandals, all winter with boots and never worry about crossing your legs or wearing pantyhose. The extra volume and swishy hem do
camouflage bulges and pounds but the defined waist keeps you shapely. Just be sure to pair it with a tucked-in top. In the “midi” category, choose a length anywhere from a few inches below
the knees to a couple of inches above the ankles, depending on your preference and style. The volume, length and shape make it a “star” piece that elevates other basics from ballet flats and
tees to boots and a sweater. You won't regret it.