When to Splurge and When to Save
It really pays to invest in one or two good suits a year. Choose a versatile color, such as navy, black or brown, and buy the highest quality wool gabardine you can afford. Or try one of the new microfibers, which are wonderful. Economize on tops, such as T-shirts and blouses, and accessories like belts, scarves and handbags.

I once bought a gorgeous outfit for a special event but didn’t have a handbag to go with it. I ended up going to Kmart and found something on the sale table. So there I was in my beautiful black and white houndstooth Ellen Tracy suit with a little red pocket square, carrying this adorable little red vinyl pouch bag that I got for $2.99. It looked fabulous and pulled the whole outfit together.

Timeless Trends
Most women can wear these fashions gracefully:

• subtle pinstripes
• small houndstooths
• full-flowing pants
• denim
• white shirts
• suede and leather
• cashmere
• basic black pump

Tricky Trends
Few women can wear these gracefully:

• hip huggers
• peasant shirts
• empire waists
• flower power anything
• chunky, clunky boots

Kathy-isms

• So many women are in fashion Egypt: denial, denial, denial. Instead, say to yourself, “This is what I have to work with today, and today is the day I need to get dressed.�?
• If you love a color but it doesn’t love you back, you can always wear jewelry in that shade.
• A lot of women are so used to wearing loose, baggy clothes that when something fits, they think it’s too tight.
• You need to reassess your hairstyle as you get older. What was cute and sassy at 30 can look old and brassy at 40.

 See this very special offer for WD Readers from HSN.com.