Four fashion finds: How to wear one piece, two ways

Day to night, work to play - here's how to style up (and get more mileage out of) the season's best basics

By Photos by Alvaro Goveia; Hair and makeup by Vittorio

Updated November 2, 2012

Model in cropped black pants, striped blazer, orange purse

Coffee with friends

Tailored jacket: If you only have one jacket, this should be it. The cut works just as well with a pair of jeans as it does with matching pants.

Get this look: Jacket, $240, Banana Republic. Glasses, $385, Josephson. Shirt, $55, Belt, $30, both Gap. Jeans, $98, Mavi. Bag, $195, Pink Tartan. Ring, $495, Links of London. Shoes, $60, H&M.

Model in black blazer, jean button up, red belt, jeans, red clutch, silver flats

Date night

Get this look: Jacket, $240, Banana Republic. Necklace, $580, Links of London. Top, $54, Guess. Pants, $120, Banana Republic. Michael Michael Kors Bag, $250, 1-866-733-5677. Shoes, $185, Town Shoes.

Model in black blazer, black pants, clutch, heels

5 o'clocktails

Patterned skirt: This simple silhouette adds ladylike polish to any outfit — and begs for a pair of killer heels.

Beauty note: For a timeless, sophisticated look, go for a neutral smoky eye and glamorous waves.

Get the look: Skirt, $88, French Connection. Earrings, $7, Bracelet, $18, both H&M. Top, $180, Rachel Sin.

Model in printed skirt, cream top, earrings, bracelet

Opening night

Get the look: Skirt, $88, French Connection. Glasses, $385, Josephson. Sweater, $98, Gap. Top, $85, Banana Republic. Belt, $58, French Connection. Bag, $275, Ecco. Tights, $16, Mondor. Shoes, $80, H&M.

Model in printed skirt, cardigan, tights, purse

Brunch with the in-laws

Slim cropped pants: Dress this flattering essential up with a sparkly knit and stilettos or dress it down with a T-shirt and flats.

Beauty note: Swipe on an orangey-red lip for an easy-to-pull-off look that goes with everything!

Get the look: Sand pants, $295, 416-636-9190. Glasses, $385, Josephson. Jacket, $340, Brooks Brothers. Top, $98, Lacoste. Belt, $35, Gap. Bracelets, $49 each, Alden Rae. Bag, $340, Brooks Brothers. Shoes, $90, Aldo.

Dinner and disco

Get the look: Sand pants, $295, 416-636-9190. Top, $14, Fashion by George. Ring, $345, Links of London. Bag, $250, Jeanne Lottie. Bracelet, $30, Cocoa Jewelry. Shoes, $130, Nine West.

Model in cropped black pants, grey shirt, heels

People-watching and window-shopping

White shirt: Equal parts crisp and flowy, this classic tunic is the ultimate layering piece.

Get the look: Shirt, $29, Joe Fresh. Hudson Jean Jacket, $225, 1-800-335-7268. Skirt, $325, J.Crew. Michael Michael Kors Bracelet, $295, 1-866-733-5677. Bag, $120, Jeanne Lottie. Shoes, $415, Stuart Weitzman.

Model in white shirt, jean jacket, green pencil skirt, orange purse, leopard-print shoes

Gallery hopping

Get the look: Shirt, $29, Joe Fresh. Glasses, $325, Josephson. Necklace, $50-$62, Banana Republic. Sweater, $349, Banjo and Matilda. Pants, $49, Moon. Shoes, $60, H&M.

Model in white shirt, grey cardigan, gold chains, floaty blue pants

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