We live in a world of fast fashion, short lived trends, and "instagramable pieces" that are designed to be one and done. A loud look—feathers! ruffles! prints!—from time to time is fine. But fashion isn't always about making a spectacle. A great outfit is meant to empower and showcase your inner beauty, not compete for the spotlight. Updated classics—like a sweater dress featuring slits or a one shoulder neckline and a fabulous trench in leather—will leave you looking and feeling like a million bucks.
A Little Black Sweater Dress
You can't go wrong with a classic black sweater dress; opt for a version with buttons and slits to give your simple look an edge.
MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION DRESS, $1,590; BULGARI RING ON LEFT, $2,510, AND RING ON RIGHT, $2,140.
Michael Kors Collection Cashmere Double Slit Dress
Lisa Yang Kitty One-Shoulder Cashmere Midi Dress
Enzo Costa Silk Rib Knit Cardigan Midi Dress
Alix NYC Pratt Dress
Sleek Black Boots
This simple shoe is super versatile. Choose a pair with a comfortable square heel that gives you a bit of height, but can be worn all day long.
CHANEL JACKET, $9,250; WOLFORD TIGHTS, $35; BY FAR BOOTS, $620.
By Far Carlos 22 leather ankle boots
Rag & Bone Fleur Booties
Acne Studios Bertine Booties
& Other Stories Squared Toe Leather Sock Boots
A Trench with a Twist
This style of coat is timeless. Try bold shoulders, interesting hardware, or a sleek material to spice things up.
MAISON MARGIELA COAT, $6,960, AND SHOES, $1,195; VINCE PANTS, $345; NEIL BARRETT BELT, $205.
Peter Do Convertible Wool and Silk-Blend Coat
Sacai Belted Double-Vent Trench Coat
Burberry Kensington Gabardine Trench Coat
Remain Pirello Leather Trench Coat
The Perfect White Shirt
A white button down can be styled with jeans, trousers, leather pants...the options are endless. Go for a relaxed boyfriend fit.
GAUGE81 SHIRT (ON TOP), $328; NILI LOTAN SHIRT (AROUND WAIST), $295; ANNE KLEIN SHIRT (IN HANDS), $79; EILEEN FISHER SHIRT (IN HANDS), $148.
GAUGE81 Fres Long-Sleeved Cotton Shirt
Nili Lotan NL Shirt
Everlane The Japanese Oxford Shirt - White
Gap Perfect Shirt in Poplin
Even More Classics-With-a-Twist
FASHION EDITOR: REBECCA RAMSEY / HAIR: VERNON FRANÇOIS AT VISIONARIES FOR REDKEN / MAKEUP: OMAYMA RAMZY AT WALTER SCHUPFER FOR DIOR BEAUTY / MODEL: YAZEMEENAH ROSSI AT NEXT MANAGEMENT / CASTING: BARBARA PFISTER / PRODUCTION: CRAWFORD AND CO.
This story appears in the Spring 2021 issue of Marie Claire.
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