Even though the fashion industry is built on the incessant need for newness and change, that doesn’t mean you need to reinvent the wheel every time you get dressed in the morning. Sometimes a slight alteration or minor addition can make all the difference. For proof of this point, look no further than today’s crop of seven tastemakers. While their outfits are hardly revolutionary, their personal twists on classic styles are certainly impressive. From the clever way Rihanna spruced up a basic tee to Anne Hathaway’s striking accessory, this month’s edition of Styling Tips has tons of sartorial advice worth heeding if you’re itching to add some variety to your wardrobe.
Tip #1: Bundle up with a bright plaid scarf.
If your cold-weather wardrobe consists mostly of neutrals, we recommend adding a colorful scarf like Anne Hathaway to inject some personality into your look. The actress stayed warm at JFK airport in New York earlier this month, thanks to her 45rpm plaid scarf, which, along with her Stella McCartney Grace Moc Croc Cross Body Bag ($1330), brought life to her noir separates-an easy styling trick everyone can pull off.
Get the Look
Gap Cozy Bright Plaid Scarf ($30); J. Crew Cashmere Plaid Scarf ($110); Kate Spade New York Plaid Wool Scarf ($148).
Tip #2: Upgrade a basic tee with a removable collar.
After spotting Rihanna wearing a Louis Vuitton collar necklace (from the brand’s F/W 11 collection) in Barbados last month, we were convinced the removable accessory is the best way to give new life to our standard-issue tees. Even better: it will freshen up your favorite dresses too, making it a wardrobe essential in our book.
Get the Look
Nasty Gal Button Up Collar Necklace ($14); Zara Gold Mesh Necklace ($38); Adia Kibur Gold Collar ($50).
Tip #3: Balance a deep-v neckline with a button-up shirt.
A plunging neckline may work for the red carpet, but it doesn’t translate as well when running errands. Luckily, Amanda Seyfried showed us how to make the deep-v work for daytime by layering Calvin Klein Collection’s White Cotton Shirt ($595, 212.292.9000) under her Proenza Schouler dress, creating an on-point, schoolgirl-chic ensemble.
Get the Look
ASOS Shift Dress with Deep V Neckline ($67); Pins and Needles Knit Surplice Dress ($49); Theory Frankie Stretch Cotton Button-Down Shirt ($112); Burberry Brit Button Down Shirt ($225).
Tip #4: Elevate casual wardrobe staples with a belted coat.
Lazy weekends call for casual, easygoing pieces, but that doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy! A belted coat, like Elizabeth Olsen’s version by The Row, is the perfect way to add polish to your favorite closet mainstays. The off-white topper she wore in New York earlier this month lent just the right amount of refinement to her baggy Textile Elizabeth and James jeans, Rag & Bone Kinsey Leather Ankle Boots ($595), and The Row bag, resulting in a must-try cold-weather outfit.
Get the Look
Dawn Devy Wool and Cashmere Wrap Coat ($462); See by Chloe Belted Coat ($795); Donna Karan Belted Cotton and Silk-Blend Trench Coat ($780); Calvin Klein Bone Wool Blend Double Breasted Zip Front Coat($172).
Tip #5: Experiment with black and white contrasts for an intriguing result.
Black and white contrasts are a major trend for spring, which explains why we’re so fond of actress Jamie Chung’s graphic interpretation at a pre-Golden Globes party in Los Angeles last week. We love the dizzying print featured on Chung’s One by RVN Geo Textured Knit Mini Dress ($396), and applaud her decision to add an understated black Zara coat and Alice + Olivia’s Dina Single Sole Pumps ($295), which allowed the bold frock to take center stage, where it rightly belongs!
Get the Look
Nicholas RoseSkater Dress ($320); Milly Mirage Sleeveless Dress ($250); Rachel Pally Kennedy Dress($110).
Tip #6: Energize your look with a graphic-print sweater.
While making a grocery run in Los Angeles last month, a newly brunette January Jones was the picture of off-duty chic in a vintage Bill Blass coat, Madewell sweater, Goldsign jeans, and Chanel boots. We’re particularly smitten with her graphic-print sweater, which is sadly no longer available, as it adds visual intrigue to her pared-down separates.
Get the Look
3.1 Phillip Lim Graphic Print Pullover ($416); Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Zig Zag Cashmere Sweater ($371); ASOS Check Sweater in Contrast Yarn ($62).
Tip #7: Exude goth glamour with a cross necklace.
Want to ditch the girly routine for a night? Tap into your inner goth and forgo the feminine frocks in favor of an all-black look punctuated with a cross necklace a la Julia Restoin Roitfeld. At a dinner in London earlier this month, the stylesetter opted for a Tom Ford blouse and necklace, Annabelle Dexter-Jones for Faith Connexion Pleated Crepe Pants ($390), and Valentino Patent Thick Heel Ankle-Wrap Pumps ($745). Together, her sheer top and bold necklace have a distinct late ’90s vibe-think: Cruel Intentions-which we’re dying to recreate.
Get the Look
1928 Jewelry Large Cross Pendant Necklace ($21); Alex & Chloe Cross Necklace ($30); Alex & ChloePyramid Stone Cross Necklace ($105).—Erin Fitzpatrick