Warmer weather is coming—we promise—but in the meantime, add these three pieces to your wardrobe for a fresh look.
Once you finally shed your layer of goose down, they’ll still be versatile and wearable.
Stylist Sarah Costello, a partner with her mother inSue’s Organizing Solutions, suggests these three pieces as must-haves, and offers tips on how to wear them now and later.
1. The Drapey Sweater
A long, open cardigan can work over a dress, skinny jeans and boots or even (and we know you’d never wear these all day, every day) your favorite black yoga pants. “Once it’s warm, you can wear the sweater as your outer layer,” Costello says, but for now, it can jazz up the pieces you’ve been wearing all winter. Three she loves are:
- Maje Fadway Chunky-Knit Cardigan. You can definitely wrap yourself in this now, but it will also be stunning over a T-shirt with a fabulous long necklace. ($631, Avenue K)
- Helmut Lang Sonar Wool Cardigan has a pointed hem and optional leather belt. This sweater looks modern, but is still soft and comfortable ($395, Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-944-6500)
- Three Dots Open Cardigan has a pretty shawl collar and the lighter color goes with black now, and will look fabulous with white jeans, which you should break out no later than March, really! ($144, Shopbop)
2. The Colorful Purse
You don’t have to go clown-bright, just consider a purse that isn’t brown or black. Costello notes that her clients often have a difficult time shelling out money for a non-neutral accessory. But she adds, “It’s often surprising for people to realize that a color like light blue might actually go with 90 percent of their wardrobe. You just have to find the right color and tone to complement what you already have. A statement bag always completes the look.”
- Chloé Paraty Medium Leather Satchel in Atoll Blue is the iciest of blues and will go with literally everything you own. ($1,950, Nordstrom, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie 847-677-2121)
- Tiffany Reversible Tote comes in the classic Tiffany Blue suede, and reverses to a metallic silver leather to give you two bags in one. The size is perfect for stowing all you could need for a day. ($675, Tiffany, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie; Northbrook Court, Northbrook)
- J.Crew Sophie Crossbody Bag. If your hands are always full—no judgment, but phones can be stowed while you walk—then a bright, cheerful crossbody bag is practical and right on the money in the fashion world. ($228, J.Crew, 684 N. Bank Lane, Lake Forest, 847-735-0848; Old Orchard, Skokie; Northbrook Court, Northbrook)
3. The Moto Jacket
Evoking the cool of the original motorcycle leather jacket, this must-have wardrobe piece now comes in very thin leather, making it the perfect multi-season garment. The important part is the silhouette, which should be sleek, but not tight. Splurge a little since you’ll live in this jacket. On weekends pair with jeans, and for work add wool pants and a silky blouse. Here are three we love:
- Vince Snake-Embossed Leather Jacket is so fierce, but the graphite color keeps you from being scary. Details are simple, which is a plus. Too many moto jackets get a little crazy with the hardware. ($995, vince.com)
- Eileen Fisher Shaped Zip Jacket in Boiled Wool and Leather. The addition of boiled wool softens this jacket and gives it a more lady-like look. If you want cool, but don’t want to shock the PTA gals, this piece is a great start. ($798, with some sizes and colors on sale, Eileen Fisher, 640 Central Ave., Highland Park, 847-433-5440)
- Scoop Rugged Leather Biker Jacket. Choose this one if you’re not afraid to just put it out there that you are still a cool girl. This jacket says, “Ignore the minivan and three kids trailing behind, I still rock!” ($598, Scoop NYC, 1702 Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-227-9945)
