Modern classics

Shape, Feb, 2004

Read between the lines: It's the details--a delicate strand of pearls, the cut of a jacket--that make a look truly timeless.

It Suits You

Scalloped edges on a tailored jacket or a sexy decolletage on a delicate silk blouse offers a new take on a classic look. This page: Edward An tweed "Claire" blazer, $390, and matching A-line skirt, $290. Opposite: Marc Jacobs cream multistriped silk sleeveless blouse with pleated collar, $820, and green silk-linen short pant with belt, $580. Gara Danielle gold-plated filigree chandelier earrings with green garnet, $102. Alex and Ani gold-plated bangles with belt clasp and crystals, $68 each. ESQ "Flair" gold-plated watch, $250. Badgley Mischka patent-leather sandals, $485. On previous page: Hidy Ng pinstriped cotton blazer with lace trim at bottom, $600. Emanuel Ungaro knit wool camisole with ruffle detail, $422. Rock & Republic "Sting" stretch-cotton jeans, $130. Jewelry.com freshwater cultured-pearl three-strand necklace with accents in 14-karat white gold and diamonds, $300. Bottega Veneta woven nappa leather and sterling-silver necklace (shown worn as a belt), $3,000. Anthropologie pearlized flower brooches, $38 each. Nine West "Something" leather sandal, $59. Beauty note Flawless skin completes the perfect ensemble. Get it with the vitamin-rich Maybelline Smooth Results Age Minimizing Makeup Foundation ($9) with SPF 18.

She's Got the Look

Little things mean a lot--like combining sheer pinstripes with an embellished, slim-cut skirt. This page: Milly silk/cotton cap-sleeved blouse, $206. Badgley Mischka shantung cropped jacket (shown on couch) and skirt suit, $4,690. Kazuyo Nakano kidskin leather "Bianca" clutch with chain strap (shown on couch), $314. Van Ness Design "alix" earrings, $45. Dedemetal sterling-silver bangle bracelets with drop, $125 for set of three. Coach "Crosby" white patent-leather strap watch, $298. Sigerson Morrison leather high-heeled sandal, $385. Opposite: Sue Wong "Trinity" silk dress with beadwork, $325. Anthropologie faux-pearl drop earrings, $18. Beauty note Enhance eyes with a subtle splash of color: Maybelline Liquid Eyes in Forever Frost, a shimmery white shadow ($6.50), is smudge- and crease-resistant and imparts alluring color. See Buyer's Guide, page 147, for retail information.