6 Wardrobe Essentials for This Winter

Want to feel stylish and sexy every day this winter? Just update your closet with a few key pieces.

As a style expert and consultant, I help my clients make sure that they hit all of the season’s important looks without having to invest in a whole new wardrobe. Here are the six style essentials for fall and winter.

1. Sheath Dress
Store your trapeze dresses and your flowing frocks and move on to the sheath dress. This form-fitting classic that made Audrey Hepburn a fashion icon in the sixties is the perfect LBD (little black dress) to wear to a cocktail party. You can also find office-ready sheaths in prints and textures at stores like J. Crew and Zara.

2. Menswear
Be a bit boyish with this season’s menswear-inspired pieces, and you’ll feel absolutely feminine. Try graphic print blouses and slip-on loafer pumps for the office. Club Monaco’s shrunken tuxedo jacket and cigarette slim black pants are a modern take on nighttime sexy.

3. Paisley
Paisley is the print of the moment, especially in rich burgundy red, Prussian blue or cognac auburn. This Indian inspired swirl of curly shapes is showing up on pants, tops and dresses. Not sure this lacey motif is for you? Test-drive a paisley top or scarf from inexpensive retailers like H&M or Forever 21.

4. Peplum
As I tell my clients, this structured cut imparts “instant va-va voom.” The fitted torso, slim waist and strategic flare give you curves right where you want them. You can find silhouette-enhancing peplum in body-hugging dresses, button-down blouses, sexy corsets and flirty dresses on the racks of your favorite boutique or department store.

To stand out in the crowd, slip into a sequin or metallic tank top. If you don’t already have a favorite or two in your closet, you can find them in every shape and color imaginable at retailers like Express and Topshop. Pair one with a pencil skirt for a dressed-up look. Or dress down the glitter with a cardigan and flats.

Over-the-knee boots have definitely fallen overboard, so go ahead and store them for now. Instead, slip on a sexy pair of nude, taupe or gray ankle booties. They work with everything -- from leggings to glam dresses -- in your fall and winter wardrobe. You get bonus fashionista points if your booties have an open toe!

Photo: Corbis Images