10 Items Every Woman Should Own

By Instyle
Updated Jan 29, 2013 @ 9:53 am
Time Inc Digital Studio

10 Items Every Woman Should Own

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Pencil Skirt

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At designer shows like Jason Wu, this sleek bottom paired well with everything from tailored blouses to big and boxy jackets.

HOW TO WEAR Heels required, be they pointy-toe pumps or strappy sandals.

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Pencil Skirt

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Polyester ponte knit skirt, The Limited, $60 BUY IT

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Multi-Fabric Coat

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Wool meets leather and fur in fall's mixed-media outerwear.

HOW TO WEAR You don't have to match your boots to your (leather) trim to rotate these statement pieces into your wardrobe. But consider their vibe-whether tough, bohemian, or classic.

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Multi-Fabric Coat

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Cotton and leather coat with vest, Elizabeth and James, $795 BUY IT

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Bright Chunky Knit

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Cables and jacquard weaves team with hot colors for cozy knits.

HOW TO WEAR Designers went for contrast on the runway, and so should you. Choose a dressier piece-preferably tailored, not froufrou-as a contrast to bulk and texture on top.

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Bright Chunky Knit

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Acrylic-wool sweater, Madewell, $98 BUY IT

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Winged Tote

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Expandable sides define the newest big bags, but it's more about the look than utility.

HOW TO CARRY This classic shape adds ladylike poise to unstructured, loose sportswear.

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Winged Tote

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Leather bag, Furla, $995; at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

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Leather T

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So chic we hate to call it super-trendy (but it is).

HOW TO WEAR Combine with separates in denim or lace, taking it as reserved or as edgy as you wish. Try it belted: Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Yves Saint Laurent all cinched theirs at the waist.

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Leather T

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Lambskin T-shirt, Vince, $495 BUY IT

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Cropped Pants

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This season finely tailored versions wake up your work look and can even stand in as tights under a dress.

HOW TO WEAR Pair with oxfords, ankle-strap pumps, or any other shoe you want to show off.

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Cropped Pants

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Cotton-nylon lace pants, Ann Taylor, $98 BUY IT

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Full Skirted Dress

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Designers just couldn't let go of the '60s silhouette, which makes for luxe looks that are a whole lot easier on the hips than, say, the classic sheath.

HOW TO WEAR Dress it down by adding flats and a fitted jacket or cardigan

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Full-Skirted Dress

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Brocade dress, Opening Ceremony $390; openingceremony.us.

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Pointy-Toe Pumps

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Your new day-to-evening heels.

HOW TO WEAR On the runway these sharp shoes glammed up menswear cuts. Go for a bright or jewel tone to enliven a wardrobe of neutrals.

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Pointy-Toe Pumps

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Embossed-leather and suede pumps, Jean-Michel Cazabat, $265; 646-669-8508.

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Moto Jacket

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The tough topper is having a major moment. Besides straight-up black leather, there are two-toned takes and tweed versions with details like quilting and rough edges.

HOW TO WEAR Pretend it's a neutral blazer and sport with anything from a long, flowy skirt to wool trousers.

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Moto Jacket

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Wool-polyamide jacket, IRO, $811; 310-230-8882.

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Printed Suit

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DKNY, Louis Vuitton, and Miu Miu took suits on a psychedelic ride.

HOW TO WEAR For night, show skin with a sleek tank. For day, personalize with a crisp white shirt (tie very optional).

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Printed Suit

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Cotton jacket ($480) and pants ($285), Sandro; 646-438-9335.

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