Good to go! Trimmed-down, urban-chic styles create a sleek and flattering look that gives you the energy of the city

Shape, Oct, 2002

City Chic

What's black and white and ready for fall? You will be when you pull on this season's comfy tailored classics that stretch. Elie Tahari "ultrastretch" belted coat, $598. City DKNY angora cowl-neck sweater, $88. Lambertson Truex vachetta leather bag, $795. Burberry leather boots with buckle, $625. Opposite: Lacoste stretch-cotton blouse, $95. KORS Michael Kors stretch-tweed trousers, $275. Kate Spade Madrid leather "Carol" bag, $475.

Beauty note Get skin ready for fall with a twice-daily dose of Chanel Eclat Originel, $60. This serum helps keep your summer glow by restoring skin's radiance -- with luminosity-enhancing pigments and botanical-based ingredients like brown-seaweed extract.

Style Gallery

A touch of black will add sophistication to your favorite denim looks. Nautica Jeans Co. ruched denim dress, $69. BCBG Max Azria jersey boatnecked dress, $198. Sigerson Morrison bone flats, $315, KC Designs at Fragments diamond earrings, $1,120. Chanel leather "sport" bracelet with silver clasp, 4125. Opposite. Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti blzer with brocade insert, $670. Earl Jean extra-low-rise flare jeans, $128. Agatha silver hoop earrings, $48, and ring, $51.

Beauty note Create sophisticated eyes by lining them top and bottom with a black liner (and smudging ever so slightly afterward for a softer look), then topping lashes off with a mascara of the same color. Try Bourjois Noir & Blanc Crayon Yeux kohl eye pencil, $9, and Maybelline Lash expansion Thickening Mascara, $7.

ARTWORK BY MARGARET EVANGELINE.

Details Count

For an up-to-the-minute look you'll wear next season too, choose shoes and accessories that are sleek and elegant. Mossimo at Target V-neck sweater, $17. BCBG Max Azria cotton blouse with ruched front, $100. Movado "SE Classic" watch, $950. Opposite: Elie Tahari stretch-flannel vest, $198. Theory stretch trousers, $230. Burberry slingback heels with buckle, $310.

Beauty note There's no stronger way to accessorize your look than with a fragrance of the moment: Black Cashmere Donna Karan eau de parfum, $75. With rare saffron, nutmeg and patchouli, this spicy, earthy scent leaves a lasting impression wherever you go.

Dress to De-Stress

Make sure your workday look is polished yet comfortable enough to pull on your sneakers and head out for a stroll. Tsesay two-ply cotton shell, $125. Sportmax pleated skirt, $252. Coach bracelet watch, $275. Burberry slingback heels with buckle, $310. Kate Spade organizer on desk, $155. Opposite: Diane von Furstenberg knit top with ruched sleeves and waist detail $145. Chaiken moleskin panel skirt, $180. Adidas casual sneakers, $60.

Beauty note Keep hair adaptable to match your look-leave it down or pull it up in a loose, easy style with the help of Paul Mitchell Re- Works versatile texture cream $15. One application is air you need-on either wet or dry hair.

Winning Sleek

Liven up a city-serious outfit with a bright blouse or bold boots. Michael Kors fine ribbed wool turtleneck, $550, and glove-leather quilted skirt, $1,595. Stephane Kelian boots, $435. Agatha silver hoops, $48, and bangles, $48. Opposite: KORS Michael Kors pointelle henley, $270. MaxMara satin blouse with French cuffs, $290. Dockers skirt, $40. Agatha silver hoops, $48. Frou by Paige Novick suede bag, $175.

Beauty note Give lips a touch of red to match your city-confident style. The best reds of the season? M.A.C Lac Lustre demimatte lip rouge in Old Flame (a bold red) and M.A.C. Lac Lustre Coy (a more subtle dusty rose) both $16. See Buyer's Guide page 184 for retail information.

FASHION EDITOR:

KRISTINA FERRANTE COLEMAN HAIRI MICHIEL SANDERS MAKEUP ANGIE PARKER FOR TONI AND TINA.