25 Style Buys Worth the Investment

Trends come and go, but these classic clothes and accessories will be forever in fashion

by Deanna Pai • Fashion/Beauty Assistant

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Right to White

A fitted blazer can instantly pull an outfit together, and the white hue puts a femme twist on menswear. Plus, it's versatile: you can wear it with anything from a tweed pencil skirt to dark denim.

Theory blazer, $385; saksfifthavenue.com

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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Keeping It Cool

Slap these babies on and greet everyone with a kiss on each cheek. You're a movie star, dahhhling.

MICHAEL Michael Kors sunglasses, $99; michaelkors.com

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Courtesy of Michael Kors

That's a Wrap

Wrap dresses have been the DVF's most iconic piece since 1973. Nearly forty years later, we don't see the flattering (read: slimming) sihouette going away anytime soon.

Diane von Furstenberg dress, $345; dvf.com

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Courtesy of Diane Von Furstenberg

Mixed Metals

Can't decide between sterling silver and yellow gold? Get the best of both with this goes-with-anything-so-wear-it-with-everything watch.

Tissot watch, $325; tissotshop.com

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Courtesy of Tissot

In the Fold

If not done right, cardigans can venture into frumpy territory (think twin sets). Eliminate all doubt with a draped cardigan that will be your go-to for spring mornings and cool summer nights.

James Perse cardigan, $175; neimanmarcus.com

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Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Shades of Summer

Prevent wrinkles and look chic while you do it with a floppy sunhat. Make sure it's free of bells and whistles (like ribbons and assorted embellishments) to keep it grown-up and stylish, summer after summer.

Eric Javits sunhat, $198; ericjavits.com

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Courtesy of Eric Javits

Ready for Rain

Take on storm or shine in a trench, which always, always looks polished. The cinched waist flatters, and the lightweight material is just right for spring temperatures.

Banana Republic trench, $198; bananarepublic.com

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Courtesy of Banana Republic

Lucy in the Sky...

...with diamonds. These earrings are glittery and luxurious, and no one will know that they're faux if you don't tell them.

Crislu studs, $130; crislu.com

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Courtesy of Crislu

Little Mod Dress

No need to settle for just any little black dress. This ultra-minimalist style is form-fitting without being clingy, and the simple colorblock leaves ample room to accessorize.

Co-op Barneys New York dress, $325; barneys.com

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Courtesy of Barneys

Notes of Nude

A oversized tote fits everything from your newest issue of More to a spare pair of ballet flats (because let's be honest, who can walk more than 20 blocks in sky-high pumps?). Plus, nude leather elevates (and matches) every look.

Alexander Wang tote, $685; bergdorfgoodman.com

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Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Dream Jean

Like a good man, a great pair of jeans is hard to find. Regardless of whether you prefer skinny, bootcut or flared styles, you can't go wrong with a bit of stretch, a higher rise and a versatile dark wash.

J. Brand denim, $200; jbrandjeans.com

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Courtesy of J Brand

Raving Over Raffia

The platform in the front boosts the comfort level of these wedges, which will serve you well as you waltz down the boardwalk in style. Best when paired with a bright sundress.

Tory Burch espadrilles, $195; bloomingdales.com

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Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Curves Ahead

If you care for your swimsuit properly, it can last through countless vacations, beach days and pool parties. This bandage style is a nod to Hervé Lèger, while the blue and purple palette is a refreshing riff on black.

Karla Colletto swimsuit, $295; net-a-porter.com

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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Step Out in Style

There's nothing like a pointy-toe skimmer, which is like the mature older sister of the round-toed ballet flat. And in nude leather, it's particularly sophisticated.

J.Crew flats, $188; jcrew.com

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Courtesy of J.Crew

Back to Black

The intricate origami folds and tucks on this skirt double as a work of art. Pair it with a bright silk blouse and fitted blazer for an office-ready ensemble.

Tibi skirt, $325; tibi.com

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Courtesy of Tibi

Hit of Citrus

A nylon travel bag will help you take a weekend trip in style. This Longchamp is perfect, as the nylon is durable and the orange hue gives a pop of color.

Longchamp "Le Pliage" travel bag, $155; longchamp.com

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Courtesy of Longchamp

Feeling Blue

Meet your new LBD (that is, little blue dress). This shift dress is flattering and versatile, and the vivid blue hue will have all eyes on you.

3.1 Philip Lim dress, $595; bergdorfgoodman.com

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Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Night Fever

Espadrilles will get you from the poolside to the beach, but a pair of strappy sandals are better for a romantic evening out. The black patent and mary-jane strap keep the vibe more urban chic than club-ready.

KORS Michael Kors sandals, $250; michaelkors.com

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Courtesy of Michael Kors

Collars Up

Here, a modest and age-appropriate way to get in on sheer blouses. Satin panels cover up where needed, but chiffon sleeves and edges show a little skin.

Elizabeth & James blouse, $265; neimanmarcus.com

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Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Waists Gone Wild

There are dresses to cinch and trousers to belt, so why not turn the style factor up a notch (pun intended) with a touch of sultry snakeskin?

J.Crew belt, $45; jcrew.com

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Courtesy of J.Crew

Top of the Crop

You can wear white on the bottom, especially if the pants are tailored, slim-fit and pleat-free.

Elie Tahari capris, $128; nordstrom.com

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Courtesy of Nordstrom

Barely There

Go faux-commando with panties that'll keep you covered, sans telltale seams and lines.

Commando thong, $24; barenecessities.com

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Courtesy of Bare Necessities

Slim Chances

Get a slender shape in versatile bodysuit. Wear it under everything from a dress to a skirt-and-blouse ensemble, and no one will be the wiser.

Spanx bodysuit, $72; spanx.com

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Courtesy of Spanx

Season for Stripes

If benefiting traditional weavers in Ethiopia isn't a good investment, we don't know what is. Plus, these light-as-air scarves provide a pretty pop of color.

Lemlem scarf, $125; lemlem.com

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Courtesy of Lemlem

Sweet on Silver

Either alone or with a stack of arm candy, an organically-shaped sterling silver bangle is modern and minimalist.

Pandora bracelet, $200; pandora.net

What woman could say no to a new purse? Here, 25 Clean and Classic Handbags.

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Courtesy of Pandora

What’s your reaction?

Comments

Boy, do I agree with the

Lisa Santana09.02.2012

Boy, do I agree with the woman who commented right below this! Very few of these 25 ideas spoke to me as something I might want to wear in my life as a 54 year old teacher and musician. I think we need a new magazine. MORE came out right around the time I was turning 40 and seemed pretty much geared toward me, but now I usually feel a little old when I read it. The AARP magazine doesn't quite do it for me, yet. We Baby-Boomers need to feel acknowledged.

I was considering renewing my

07.31.2012

I was considering renewing my subscription, but I have issue that a magazine that's supposed to be geared toward the older woman (I'm 53!), this article about 25 timeless fashion items had every single model was under 30yrs....I'm thinking closer to 22-25yrs! NOT COOL! Not only do women want to read about stuff that pertains to our age bracket, but to view women our age WEARING the clothes, the hairstyles, etc! Also, it would be nice to see REAL WOMEN of EVERY SIZE in these photos, not just the ones who are still 125#s & have time & no medical problems to be able to work out daily! MORE used to be that way in the beginning of the publication...what happened?!?

I get MORE magazine b/c you

05.23.2012

I get MORE magazine b/c you focus on women my age. Why are you showing "25 style buys worth the investment" with women that are CLEARY 30 or younger???