5 Items Every Woman Should Own: At Any Age

WHY YOU NEED IT: Your 20s are all about playing as hard as you work-how better to take down the dance floor than in a flapper-style shift with lots of shimmer? Bonus: pop on a plain black blazer for an unexpected daytime combo.

WE LOVE: Sequin shift, Zara, $89.90; zara.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: Both warm and stylish, a fitted leather jacket can be layered over jeans or worn as a non-fussy topper for a floor-length look.

WE LOVE: Leather jacket, All Saints, $650; allsaints.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: Metallic lace-ups are an edgy alternative to ballet flats.

WE LOVE: Metallic lace-ups, Zara, $99.90; zara.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: A quilted cross-body bag will keep your hands free for juggling champagne flutes-or the office coffee order.

WE LOVE: Quilted leather bag, Linea Pelle, $215; lpcollection.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: Mark the "me decade" with your own initial on a delicate chain.

WE LOVE: Initial pendant, Jennifer Zeuner, $144; charmandchain.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: Your 30s bring confidence, so show it off in sexy leather leggings. This grown-up alternative to jeans can go preppy with the addition of a button-down and blazer or sultry when paired with a simple tank.

WE LOVE: Cropped leather pants, Vanessa Bruno Athe, $540; net-a-porter.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: Ward off the cold even as you play up your waist with a versatile belted cloth coat.

WE LOVE: Wrap coat with leather collar, Rachel Comey, $908; lagarconne.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: You'll stand tall in plush platform pumps with double take-inducing metallic heels. Boardroom, dance floor-it's your call!

WE LOVE: Suede pump with textured heel, Reiss, $360; reissonline.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: You can carry a piece with classic lines and couture-level construction forever.

WE LOVE: Leather tote, Reed Krakoff, $1090; net-a-porter.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: You'll get loads of mileage out of a chunky oversize cuff with a goes-with-anything design.

WE LOVE: Resin zodiac cuff, Jessica Kagan, $88; maxandchloe.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: You deserve a dress as sophisticated as you are! A contoured sheath with a contrasting waistband gives you an hourglass shape, even if you skipped your last spin session.

WE LOVE: Cut-out dress, Givenchy, $1300; barneys.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: What's a hoodie? Skip the sweats in favor of a luxe toss-on vest.

WE LOVE: Faux fur vest, Ann Taylor, $198; anntaylor.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: A classic is back-show off your hard-earned strut in unabashedly sexy pointy-toe stilettos.

WE LOVE: Snakeskin pumps, Elizabeth and James, $325; piperlime.gap.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: A bold suede clutch adds a pop of color to a neutral look-and is just the right size for stashing your essentials.

WE LOVE: Suede clutch, Talbots, $89; talbots.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: This eye-popping piece of costume jewelry grabs attention without competing with your everyday rings.

WE LOVE: Cubic zirconia ring, Max & Chloe, $54; maxandchloe.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: Go big or go home! A bold print in a simple silhouette is an instant outfit-maker.

WE LOVE: Printed velvet skirt, Diane von Furstenberg, $275; net-a-porter.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: A luscious swathe of cashmere is cozy and chic. Just pair it with tailored bottoms.

WE LOVE: Cashmere poncho, Tomas Maier, $1290; net-a-porter.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: You'll look pulled-together in a flash with leg-flaunting knee-high boots.

WE LOVE: Leather boots, Nine West, $189; ninewest.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: A wide belt adds polish (and a waistline!) to an easy-fitting dress.

WE LOVE: Obi-style belt, Lafayette 148, $148; saksfifthavenue.com.

WHY YOU NEED IT: Spice up simple basics with a stunning oversize necklace.

WE LOVE: Glass and chain necklace, Anthropologie, $388; anthropologie.com.