Impress for Less

01 of 11

Roll Up Your Sleeves

"I always roll up the sleeves on a blazer. It makes it more hip."
-Ilaria Urbinati, who has has worked with stars like Zooey Deschanel and Bijou Phillips.

Tuxedo jacket, Necessary Objects, $78. Shirt, Gap, $44. Skirt, Victoria's Secret, $50.

02 of 11

Do It Yourself

"I'm all about DIY stuff. I replaced the band on the fedora with a scrap of ribbon I pinned from the inside. You could also tie it in a bow or attach it with a brooch."
-Tara Swennen, who has worked with stars like Kristen Stewart and Miley Cyrus.

Fedora, Hat Attack, $65 with ribbon (stylist's own).

03 of 11

Choose Soft Fabrics

Lori Goldstein — Time Inc. Digital Studio, Courtesy Will Star

"Anything soft seems expensive, even if it's not. That's a rule of thumb. If a piece is scratchy, that's usually a telltale sign of poor quality."
-Lori Goldstein, who has worked with designers such as Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera.

Jacket with faux-fur trim, Tulle, $85. Cardigan, Forever 21, $30. Fleece skirt, Ntice, $75.

04 of 11

Play with Patterns

"Mixing scale is a basic rule when combining prints. Here, the skirt's design is large, while the one on the blouse is small."
-Tina Chai, who consults for lines from Thakoon and Lela Rose.

Blouse, Banana Republic, $6. Skirt, Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohls, $58. Sweater, Madewell, $68. Necklaces, Orion Fashions, $58 and $72.

05 of 11

Look for Patterned Tees

"A tasteful, elegant print can make something as simple as a T-shirt stand out"
-Susan Joy, who consults for brands like J. Crew and Gryphon.

Cotton shirt, Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohls, $30. Silver-plated necklace, Yukester, $80. Metal necklace, Express, $25.

06 of 11

Try a Vest

"Every woman should have a black vest in her wardrobe. It's a classic, versatile piece you'll wear 100 times."
-Keegan Singh, who is the stylist behind the advertising campaigns for Rock & Republic and Nike.

Vest, Quiksilver Women, $68. Cotton T, Uniqlo, $16. Necklace, Express, $35. Belt, Banana Republic, $45.

07 of 11

Mix Patterns with Tweed

"A bold pattern is what works next to tweed. A small print would just look messy. Keep everything in the same tonal family, so the effect is cohesive."
-Mariel Haenn, who has worked with stars like Kerry Washington and Lauren Conrad.

Top, Liz Claiborne, $39. Shorts, Gap, $50.

08 of 11

Combine Textures

"The easiest way to put together an outfit that carries from day to night is to combine textures—sequins, nubby knits, soft cotton."
-Anna Bingemann, who has worked with stars like Naomi Watts and Tina Fey.

Vest, New York amp Company, $50. Dress, Mango, $70. Scarf, Michael Stars, $48.

09 of 11

Go Day to Night in a Mini

"A short hemline is the most versatile. You can put it with flats during the day but also do heels at night with the same outfit."
-Leslie Fremar, who has worked with stars like Julianne Moore and Jennifer Connelly.

Blazer, Mossimo for Target, $30. Dress, Dollhouse, $38. Scarf, AMI Clubwear, $15.

10 of 11

Pull It Together with Denim

"A cropped denim jacket or vest is a great layering piece that brings structure to loose separates, which can look sloppy."
-Rob Zangardi, who has worked with stars like Rachel McAdams and Brittany Snow.

Denim vest, Levi's, $68. Pants, Studio M at Macy's, $79. Bag, Forever 21, $18. Scarf, Echo, $58.

11 of 11

Pick the Perfect Bracelet Watch

"Opt for links-and not a stretchy band-in a metal bracelet watch. It just looks more high-end."
-Sally Lyndley, who has worked with designers such as Costello Tagliapietra and Victoria Beckham.

Metal watch, Armitron, $55.