Looking truly beautiful involves knowing what to bare-and what to keep under wraps. Otherwise, where's the mystery? Choose one-only one-body part and show it off.If you've got a closet full of neutrals-be they navy, black, camel, or gray-add energy with boldly hued shoes and bags. The biggest mistake women make is wearing pants that aren't the right length for their shoesA dressy bag with a chain helps you hold crudités and a cocktail-plus, it lends a cool edge to evening wear

Once you know which silhouettes flatter you, filter trends ruthlessly.HIT THE DRESSING ROOM PREPARED.If you're shopping for that ultra-important dress, get a true feel for the fit by bringing your hip or thigh slimmer with you.Don't leave the house until you like what you see. Every angle matters. Trust us.When in doubt, go with the smaller size in jeans. They always stretch, and nothing's more unflattering than the unintentionally baggy derrière.A garment's lining is often a designer's calling card, and a good way to judge quality.Clothes need breathing room! You should be able to see every item without rummaging. Consider donating anything you haven't worn in the past year.Always take one "it's cute but so not me" thing into the fitting room. You never know!A great-fitting dress or pair of pants from a line one season may mean similar success the next. Keep in mind: White clothes always look more see-through in daylight. Check yourself out in a bright setting to be safe.If your evening dress is a stark stunner (or has a lot of embellishment).Striped pieces are a nice, classic way to pull yourself together for the weekendYou should already have your go-to tailored jacket. But a wardrobe of less formal toppers will help you look pulled together even on casual daysSometimes, the only giveaway that your cute jacket cost less than lunch money is its cheap hardware. Swap in nicer buttons, or have a tailor do it.To play it safe, combine a neutral, like flax, with something bolder, like yellow. Outerwear should never be an afterthoughtNothing raises the quality of moderately priced clothes more than having them altered to suit your shape. Loop a chain through the clasp of a brooch (as we did, left). Suddenly, it's a necklace!Wrap your chains or lariat around your wrist for a tough luxe bracelet.�Cool shoes, interesting jewelry-those can really elevate your lookFew mortals can pull off head-to-toe baggy. So team your billowing pieces with something body-conscious.Simpler shapes cry out for styling. Try dressy jackets or a slip-on shrug, colored shoes and bags, or tinted sheers plus booties.

On trousers, the distance between the crotch and the waistband is critical to the fit.The thicker the knit, the denser its gauge, which means there is more cashmere in it.Show off what you've got-while you've still got it.

Before you buy, try to gauge how a piece might hold up after a few washings. And don't shell out for clothes you can't, or won't, take care of. 

A sharp blazer and scarf or a lightweight cashmere wrap is the unofficial uniform of jet-setters worldwide. 

Looking truly beautiful involves knowing what to bare-and what to keep under wraps. Otherwise, where's the mystery? Choose one-only one-body part and show it off.If you've got a closet full of neutrals-be they navy, black, camel, or gray-add energy with boldly hued shoes and bags. The biggest mistake women make is wearing pants that aren't the right length for their shoesA dressy bag with a chain helps you hold crudités and a cocktail-plus, it lends a cool edge to evening wear

HIT THE DRESSING ROOM PREPARED.If you're shopping for that ultra-important dress, get a true feel for the fit by bringing your hip or thigh slimmer with you.

When in doubt, go with the smaller size in jeans. They always stretch, and nothing's more unflattering than the unintentionally baggy derrière.

Clothes need breathing room! You should be able to see every item without rummaging. Consider donating anything you haven't worn in the past year.

A great-fitting dress or pair of pants from a line one season may mean similar success the next. Keep in mind: White clothes always look more see-through in daylight. Check yourself out in a bright setting to be safe.

You should already have your go-to tailored jacket. But a wardrobe of less formal toppers will help you look pulled together even on casual daysSometimes, the only giveaway that your cute jacket cost less than lunch money is its cheap hardware. Swap in nicer buttons, or have a tailor do it.

Nothing raises the quality of moderately priced clothes more than having them altered to suit your shape.

Simpler shapes cry out for styling. Try dressy jackets or a slip-on shrug, colored shoes and bags, or tinted sheers plus booties.

Before you buy, try to gauge how a piece might hold up after a few washings. And don't shell out for clothes you can't, or won't, take care of. 

A sharp blazer and scarf or a lightweight cashmere wrap is the unofficial uniform of jet-setters worldwide.