Reader TTS

3. WEAR WHITE PANTS INSTEAD OF BLACK Sure, we all have a few pairs of black pants on rotation. They make us feel slim and work with any top, for any occasion. But do they merit a “Wow, she’s

got style!” comment? Not usually. On the other hand, white pants are a year-round thing now and they make a statement beyond function. Seasonless fabrics with substance — like a cotton or

rayon blend, a sturdy ponte knit or denim — are good choices, but skip the skinnies and leggings in favor of straight- or loose-leg styles. Pair white pants with any black top and black

shoes for a sophisticated outfit, or add white jeans to a bright-color jacket or a sweater to stand out in the crowd. (Left to right) Helen Mirren, Elisabet Gelabert, Elise Neal and Emily

Mortimer Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for for CinemaCon; Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images; Robin L Marshall/Getty Images; Evan Agostini/Invision/AP 4. A WHITE SHIRT OR BLOUSE White T-shirts and

tanks are humble but indispensable essentials for every wardrobe, but white blouses and shirts create star quality. Who can forget Sharon Stone when she paired a drop-dead-gorgeous beaded

floor-length skirt with a white Gap shirt at the Oscars in 1998? No one! Whether it’s button-down, ruffled, pleated, puff-sleeve or oversize, a structured white shirt or blouse gives

everything from a classic skirt to cargo pants a couture spin. Wear it pressed and crisp, undone to a V, with sleeves rolled or scrunched, or tied at the waist. And here’s a bonus: White

tops reflect light, which adds radiance to a tired, fatigued face. Count on it! (Left to right) Heidi Klum, Joanna Coles, Paula Patton and Sofia Vergara Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC

Images; Noam Galai/Getty Images; Raymond Hall/GC Images; JOCE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images 5. ACCESSORIZING YOUR JEANS Throwing on a pair of jeans makes us feel like a rock star regardless of the

wash, brand or style. For some women, that’s good enough. However, swapping out the usual pairings for some polished pieces can elevate jeans enough for a night out or a day at the office.

The big trick is to eliminate all athleisure and sporty elements, like sneakers and hoodies, and to add a blouse (yes, that white blouse in tip number 4 above is perfect!) or blazer, real

shoes and a refined bag. While these celebrity examples give you an idea of how this works, loafers and low kitten or chunky heels — rather than sky-high heels or double-strap casual sandals

— are a better choice for real life. (Left to right) Allison Janney; a closeup of red shoes being worn by Anjelica Huston; Octavia Spencer David Livingston/Getty Images; Amanda

Edwards/Getty Images; Amanda Edwards/WireImage 6. WEAR SHOW-OFF SHOES Most 50-plus woman know that “nude” pumps and sandals make our legs look longer, and that black shoes and booties go

with everything. But when you want to raise the style bar, head for red. Just like the red lipstick in tip number 1, red shoes project an immediate aura of confidence and sass appeal. They

spark any neutral in your closet (tan, khaki, navy, gray, white and, of course, black) with a pop of color, and can dress up your jeans in seconds. Red shoes also have the magical ability to

pull together every other red wardrobe piece you own (from a red bag to a red V-neck sweater), as well as those with even a hint of red (for example, floral dresses with a few red petals or

a red striped top), for a head-to-toe cohesive “look.” (Left to right) Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Beals, Christie Brinkley and Susan Sarandon Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic;

MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images (2); GC Images/GC Images 7. ADD A TRENCH COAT Did you ever see Audrey Hepburn in _Breakfast at Tiffany’s_? Lauren Hutton in _American Gigolo_? Marilyn

Monroe in _Let’s Make Love_? Joanne Woodward in _Paris Blues_? As all these women proved, a trench coat is one of the best style makers of all, and it has nothing to do with rain. They’re

lightweight, practical and loaded with fashion vibes, so consider a trench your ultimate layering piece to throw over anything — from a cocktail dress to leggings. Tie (never buckle) the

belt in front for a little shape, knot it in back for a casual open look, pop the collar and add a scarf for extra glamour, and add it over layers of tanks, tees and sweaters for warmth

without weight all year long, day or night.