Doubly Wise, from Elva Fields

I find that some pieces of clothing and, especially, accessories, are so wonderful that they would work for a variety of women (with different styles, lifestyles, and budgets). Here’s what I find myself recommending:A necklace by Elva Fields. I discovered this fabulous line of jewelry when shopping with a client at the new Anthropologie jewelry and shoes store in Friendship Heights, in Washington, DC. (Although I actually think it is just over the line in Chevy Chase, Maryland — but you get the

Your All, by Elva Field

idea.) There were a couple stand-out necklaces, and my client got one to wear with a lace dress to a cocktail party. Fantastic combination. (Hers looked a bit like this.) These are pieces that are exactly what I look for in jewelry: a piece that won’t break the bank, is unusual, and will “finish” any old outfit you’re wearing. Taking my own advice, I had to buy one (pictured). Final note: The kind folks at Elva Field are adding length to mine before sending it, so I can adjust it to suit whatever neckline I happen to be wearing.

Next up are the most perfect pair of boots. I find that boots are one of the most important purchases for a winter-time outfit. They can be tough, though, if a woman has skinny calves. I don’t love how a boot that’s too wide on the calf can kind of stick out from the calf, thus

Stuart Weitzman Legging

destroying the whole sleek-line-thing that is the point of a boot in the first place. Here, then, is the perfect solution — and it ain’t cheap. But consider cutting back on a few of the other purchases you might make and go for these (or something similar) instead.

If you have a pretty wide calf, as I do, these may fit the bill. They are so comfortable and great, I bought one this Fall in each color.

What else am I recommending? A wrap or great cardigan or pretty much anything that elevates a basic jeans-and-T-shirt outfit, which is what many of my clients seem to live in (and even

Bright and Bold Sweatercoat, from Anthropologie

those who work wear that if they work from home and on the weekends). A client this week bought this wrap from Anthropologie, and it is great over any pastels or anything beige or brown. Love it! This red one would work with a ton of different types of outfits.

And I have also been telling my clients — many of them in their 30s and 40s — that yes, they can wear skinny jeans. All of them? No. But many of them, especially when styled appropriately.

To pull everything together and give a little pop of color and interest, I have been pushing clients toward colored and patterned tights.

Lightweight Merino Wool Dahlia Shawl, by Virginia Johnson

To top it all off? A Virginia Johnson shawl, of course!

(Ketura Persellin is an image consultant in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. She empowers women to look and feel their best with support and tools including closet editing, style assessments, and personal shopping.)