As a fashion editor I see trends come and go with a blink of the eye. I’ve come to understand that trends work best when paired with classic fashion pieces. The key to great style is to look put together while incorporating a few up to the minute trends to keep your look fresh.

Here are ten must have fashion items that will give your wardrobe a great foundation on which you can build upon.

#1 The Little Black Dress (LBD)
A little black dress is elegant and extremely versatile. It can be worn everywhere for any occasion It can be dressed up with jewelry and great high heels or dressed down when paired with flats and a denim jacket. Spend as much as you can on your LBD, as it is your fashion staple.

#2 The Trench Coat
When I think of the trench coat I think of Audrey Hepburn in Paris during spring. The trench will take you from season to season and is a great go-to coat for rainy days. Invest in a trench by Burberry, as they are the originators of the trench and have perfected the silhouette and details of the trench coat from stitch to seam.

#3 The Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere sweaters are always in style and feel sumptuous against skin. Whether you opt for a cashmere turtleneck or a cashmere cardigan you will be cozy while staying chic.

#4 Diamond Studs
It’s hard to find jewelry to match each of your outfits; therefore diamond studs are the perfect accompaniment to any outfit since they will go with everything. They are also perfect for work or play.

#5 Men’s Style Watch
A men’s style watch is one of those accessories that will elevate any outfit. Many designer watch companies make men’s style watches for women and they have just the right blend of masculine and feminine touches.

#6 White Button Down Shirt
A white button down shirt looks just as fabulous with jeans as it does when paired with a fitted black pencil skirt. Ralph Lauren has mastered the white shirt and also offers customers different variations on this trusted classic.

#7 Slingback Pumps
Slingback pumps with a moderate heel height are the perfect everyday heels that can take you anywhere, literally. Look for styles in pure Italian leather, as they will last much longer. Also make sure to have your soles and heels replaced as soon as you notice any wear and tear to preserve your heels. Make sure to have at least one pair by Christian Louboutin the master of this shoe style.

#8 Chain-link Handbag
Chain-link handbags exude glamour and richness. They are extremely ladylike and can make any outfit instantly classy. The Chanel 2.55 bag is probably the most coveted and popular chain-link handbag. Lanvin also features great chain-link styles in their handbag collection.

#9 Oversized Sunglasses
Sunglasses, especially oversized sunglasses should be in every fashionista’s arsenal. They are a perfect way to instantly look and feel chic especially on those days when you don’t have the time or energy to do your makeup. Dior has some of the best oversized sunglasses as does Gucci. Word of caution, oversized does no mean bug-like. Make sure to ask for assistance form a sales person when shopping for sunglasses for the perfect style and size for your face shape.

#10 Fitted Blazer
A great blazer is a great way to dress up any outfit and make it look put together in a flash. Black is the best option when it comes to blazers for versatility. Look for luxurious fabrics like velvet and satin can add a dose of glamour for night.

By Millissa Mathai
 

Fashion doesn’t do coincidence, and it’s far from serendipitous that the revival of the t-shirt coincides with the revival of our economy. During the recession, people felt powerless and lacking control. Fashion responded by creating styles reminiscent of Yves St. Laurent circa 1930. See also: suits. For the past two years, fashion combated the economic downturn with similar masculine power symbols. But the gallant pieces gave way to softer styles. Even paramilitary trends featured ruching and feminine detail. And to solidify our increasing comfort came the t-shirt.

But can women really feel beautiful wearing a t-shirt? This season, yes. With all of the versions - jersey cotton, oversized, dyed, shredded, embellished, and so on - the many takes on the t-shirt provide an outlet for every agenda. The various styles invite creativity and indicate individuality, so it’s the perfect piece to showcase your own style. Wear it with a studded skirt and a statement necklace to glam it up. Or wear it alone. The t-shirt dress, an even more polar nod to comfort, has emerged as this season’s go to throw on item with wearable versions from Vince (below), Loomstate and discounted on this weeks XYZ sample sale.
   

Emma Dinzebach

You might not remember the last time you stepped foot inside the Gap, but this Spring, you just might have a reason to visit one because khak is back. Before you sprint for your ten-year-old chinos, let us offer some pointers and guidelines. A) Under no circumstances are khakis to be worn together - khaki on khaki -unless you are actually on a safari. B) No camouflage. And avoid those faded greens and browns. Not only are they not true khaki, but they look frumpy and worn.

Runways are flooded with classic khaki trenches, military-inspired jackets and utilitarian blazers with feminine detail and sheen. Opt for styles with a little flare - large collars, cropped cuts, stylish sleeves and flattering fits. Theory and J.Crew are go to’s for this season’s khak attack, but trendier shops like Top Shop and Still on a budget, then go ahead and hit up the Gap for a khaki boyfriend blazer. Pair it with your floral print Top Shop shorts or your favorite pair of destroyed denim. For a more smooth look, try a shiner khaki like the BCBG blazer shown here. The collar detailing and gathered waist provides the traditionally masculine material a feminine touch. And by all means, make it your own.

Emma Dinzebach

Busy winter! Fashion Weeks is still raging in Europe, but for a second we wanted to pause and toast to the U.S.A. Olympic athletes…and their designer, Ralph Lauren. For the first time since we can remember the Winter Games had American fashion mavens doing a double take. In the opening ceremonies, athletes donned class cream Polo turtleneck sweaters. “Was that Shaun White?” we asked ourselves stunned for a moment at the way Polo’s design made even the alternative snowboarders and the rowdy bobsled team polished and poised.

During the closing ceremonies Sunday night we. were. stunned. Stunned. U.S. Olympians looked awesome. How U.S. athletes turned out more tailored, put together and undoubtedly classy than nearly all their European counterparts is nothing short of miraculous. Ralph Lauren truly outdid themselves with their Olympic design by leaning on their classic legacy. But the Olympic designs also transcended Lauren’s preppy foundation with hipster friendly cardigans and for the outdoorsy types, down jackets.

Olympic apparel - the adorable navy with red cardigan (above), the open ceremonies cream sweat, smart navy down puffer jackets and “Create Your Own” Olympic polos are available online.

Emma Dinzebach