The pleated silk skirt or little pastel jacket that looked so cute on you at 25 can start turning frumpy at 40.

Arms svelte enough for a sleeveless sheath? Legs toned enough for shorts? Take a note from Julianne Moore and show off what you’ve got-while you’ve still got it.

This style pump will always slim down a thick ankle because the vamp is cut close to the toe box and the sides are cut away. Super-flattering.

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?

Got compliments on your outfit today? Snap a photo of it with your phone. You’ll have a quick reminder of what to wear the next time you’re in a rush.

The thicker the knit, the denser its gauge, which means there is more cashmere in it. Gently stretch the body of the sweater to test if it snaps back. A lowerquality cashmere won’t. While some great cashmere is milled in the U.S. and in China, a label that says “Made in Scotland” or “Made in […]

On trousers, the distance between the crotch and the waistband is critical to the fit. It’s also not something that’s easily altered, so make sure pants are neither too snug nor droopy in this area before you buy them. Joan Smalls shows off the perfect fit.

“Fake or real, big or small, they will go with any color, fabric, or style of cocktail dress and will never compete with other jewelry,” says stylist Rob Zangardi, who works with Rachel McAdams.

You want to be comfy, sure, but also chic enough to be tapped for an upgrade. A sharp blazer and scarf or a leather jacket is the unofficial uniform of jet-setters worldwide, as shown by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. To complete the outfit, just throw on jeans or leggings, then add flats, heels, or riding boots.

  Simpler shapes cry out for styling. Try dressy jackets or a slip-on shrug, colored shoes and bags like Mandy Moore, or tinted sheers plus booties.