Eight Ways to Look Chic

How to feel crisp, composed and this-season-new at 7:03 a.m. on a hectic Monday? Use these Fall '04 rules for smart, sane dressing as your guide. 1. WEAR CAMEL This season's freshest neutral looks smart with brown, black or white. And worn head to toe, it's sophisticated with a capital S. 2. BUY A GROWN-UP COAT In other words, not a jacket or peacoat or anything you'd wear on a ski slope. Search out a sleek, well-tailored knee-length-or-thereabouts style in a high-quality fabric. It'll dress up anything you wear it with, even jeans. 3. INVEST IN A GREAT BLACK SUIT It's serious and figure-flattering–and this fall, should also be cut close to your body and have interesting details: a belt, chiffon trim or a mix of fabrics. 4. TRY COLORFUL TWEED Look for a suit that features a fitted, shorter jacket and flared, swingy skirt. 5. DE-GRUNGE YOUR HAIR Straight off the fall runways, the new take on chic-lady hair: swept back but not perfectly "done." For the look, put up your hair with just a dab of holding gel; we like Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel. 6. WEAR A SHIFT DRESS You'll get 12 hours of compliments out of 12 seconds of dressing: Shifts are easy. For maximum new-ness, make sure yours is knee-length and belted. 7. MIX FLAT SHOES WITH SKINNY PANTS A fresh alternative to the past few seasons' uniform of sleek, long trousers and heels: flats (ballet slipper, loafers or pointy-toed styles) paired with trim, cropped pants. 8. LAY ON THE LADYLIKE TOUCHES The combo of a soft, feminine blouse and sharp pencil skirt looks as right this season as it ever has–a sure sign of chic. Fur helps: in fake or real versions, it's everywhere now.