Ladylike Pumps
Embellished Sweatshirt
This decade has seen the rise of the sweatshirt as a major fashion player, topping everything from ladylike skirts to leather leggings and pumps for the ultimate in casual chic. This piece will upgrade your jeans as well as sit pretty with a feminine pencil skirt.
To buy: Mango Sweatshirt, $50
Purple Chinos
Without a doubt, khakis have earned their status as a dependable basic, but there’s no time like the present to kick up the style factor of chinos by choosing one in a bold hue. A tissue-thin T-shirt in gray or navy is the perfect topper, while a cropped tweed jacket adds a little ladylike elegance.
To buy: H&M Pants, $30
T-Shirt Dress
Revamp your look without sacrificing comfort or ease, by subbing in a cozy chic T-shirt dress for your go-to jeans and tees. Get it winter-ready by layering it over a long-sleeve shirt and tights, and adding a sleek leather jacket and boots. When temps are on the rise, wear it with a pair of ballet flats, sneakers or sandals, along with a linen or lightweight cashmere scarf and a denim jacket.
To buy: T By Alexander Wang, $94
Printed Oxfords
Push your sneakers to the side, and let these charming polka dot pattern oxfords be your go-to shoe for 2013. The navy classic with white dot print is just quirky enough to add a little fun to all your basics. Be it jeans and blazers or khakis and a button-up shirt, these menswear-inspired lace-ups will liven up any look.
To buy: Gap, $50
Silk Popover
It’s time to take the tees out of constant rotation and slip into something just as easy but more polished: Madewell’s silk-printed popover blouse. Make it a repeat performer with jeans, and add your favorite black blazer and pointy toe pumps when you want a more polished vibe. Or, let it top a black pencil skirt for a casual-chic look.
To buy: Madewell, $108
Biker Trench Coat
When a classic trench meets the cool biker-style jacket, the result is the most covet-worthy coat of the year. This hip-length number will be your go-to coverall on days when the weather calls for a lighter coat, but on colder days you can layer a sweater underneath.
To buy: Mango, $130
