Staying Fit
Typically, a column like this for women our age would include classic things like a good leather handbag, diamond studs, basic black pumps and a silk scarf. The truth is that fast fashion has changed our thinking from timeless to contemporary. Take the dress-casual trend and combine it with diverse lifestyles and our desire for comfort, and you get a very different group of essentials. Here are the 11 top accessories we all really need now.
(l to r): Uniqlo Women Enamel Tote Bag by Ines de la Fressange, H&M Shopper, Old Navy Faux-Leather Zip-Top Tote for Women, A New Day Reversible Tote Handbag
Uniqlo, H&M, Old Navy, Target
1. A chic leather tote. Everyone needs a shopper (aka a tote), so choose a size that fits your largest, bulkiest must-haves — laptop, folders, magazines, water bottle, portable umbrella — in a neutral color. Look for a sleek, uncluttered shape like the Uniqlo Women Enamel Tote Bag by Ines de la Fressange ($30, uniqlo.com); A New Day Reversible Tote Handbag ($30, target.com); the H&M Shopper ($25, hm.com); or the Old Navy Faux Leather Zip-Top Tote for Women ($30, oldnavy.gap.com). The dual straps should be long enough to fit easily over coats and jackets but short enough to hand carry without dragging on the ground (crucial if you're short like me!).
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(l to r): Zara Low-Heeled Ankle Boots with Trim at Heel, H & M Ankle Boots, A New Day Ellie Chelsea Bootie
Zara, H&M, Target
2. Sophisticated black ankle boots. Ankle boots (also called a Chelsea boot) are a way more sensible and versatile choice than tall boots, and they're the best “mate” for ankle-cropped or slim pants. They also won't squeeze your calves or cause circulation issues. Look for a sleek, chic style — like the Zara Low-Heeled Ankle Boots with Trim at Heel ($60, zara.com); A New Day Ellie Chelsea Boots ($30, target.com); or the H&M Ankle Boots (from $35, hm.com) — with an almond toe (not round, pointed, stubby or square!) because it looks elegant but won't cram your tootsies and has a pull tab, elastic side vents and a sturdy chunky heel.
(l to r): Franco Sarto Davey, Lifestride Seamless in Black Micro, Nina Talley in Black
Zappos (3)
3. Black strappy pumps with attitude. We can't balance on needle-point heels or wear flats and sneakers to everything in life. Basic black pumps? Been there, done that. But a strappy, sculpted pair — like the LifeStride Seamless in Black Micro ($60, zappos.com); Franco Sarto Davey ($69, zappos.com); or Nina Talley in Black ($89, zappos.com) — won't leave you missing the days of stilettos. Look for a refined 2- to 2 1/2-inch heel and sexy instep straps to add style and security with every step.
(l to r): Universal Thread Women's Striped Square Scarf, Triangluar Wool Scarf, Gap Cape Scarf, Uniqlo Women Cashmere Big Stole by Ines de la Fressange
Target, H&M, Gap, Uniqlo
4. An oversized scarf. This monster-sized scarf is the ultimate multitasking accessory. Just drape a huge generous square or oblong in a soft, supple acrylic or wool blend — like the Gap Cape Scarf ($50, gap.com); Universal Thread Women's Striped Square Scarf ($13, target.com); or the H&M Triangular Wool Scarf ($60, hm.com) — over anything you wear for extra warmth and coverage and major style. Toss it over your shoulders with ends dangling (like a long scarf), or toss one end across and over your shoulder for a touch of glam. It's an ideal stand-in for a coat or jacket (and works well even over one). For travel and naps on planes, nothing's better.
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