Stuhrling Watches And Other Can't Go Wrong Essentials Of Easy Elegance

The White Shirt. Go for a man's shirt for the truest easy elegance shape. Contemporary women's fits are a little too Katie Couric, but a man's crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up: perfection.

The Stuhrling Watch. The IT piece of jewelry combines beauty and function. Put your cell phone back in your purse, it only makes you look nervous and distracted when you check the time that way. Wear a watch for a classic cool.

Slim Jeans. Le jean slim, as the French call it, isn't going anywhere. For the nicest silhouette, stay slim and dark in denim. Shows your shoes off better, too!

Blazer. Rather than a potentially frumpy cardigan or a rock n roll jean jacket, invest in a blazer. These days the "boyfriend" blazer is in, and works with everything from dresses to short shorts.

LBD. There's always a new black, yes, but if you'll notice, it's black that's always being replaced. Because it always comes back. Because it looks good on everyone.

Diamond Studs. If you're going to invest in one piece of jewelry, after your Stuhrling watch, it should be diamond stud earrings. Absolutely classic, they'll match the sparkle in your eyes.

Well-Manicured Hands. Nothing suggests nervousness like chewed cuticles. And nothing is less elegant than dirty, ragged fingernails. Splurge on a manicure at least once a month for true elegance at your fingertips. And don't forget to give a firm handshake with those gorgeous paws!

Ballet Flats. Whether simple black, bright hued or animal printed, the ballet flat just can't go out of style. Gracefulness would have to go out of style first. And then who would want to be stylish, anyway?

Excellent posture. How do you carry yourself? Sporty allure, head held high like a princess, a cat-like stroll, the swagger of a tomboy? A certain way of sitting, a poised neck, these things people see on you and you might not know it. But the easiest thing to be aware of is posture. Think of your ballet teacher, or your mother, a gentle hand in the middle of your back, reminding you. Or as my yoga teacher says, let your shoulder blades fall down your back like a waterfall. Let your head float like a balloon.

A Sincere Smile. A radiant, real smile. I know you've heard it before, but nothing is such a perfect accessory as a smile. Also, the mere act of smiling makes you feel happier! So you don't always have to start with the feeling first.

The Trench. Not that I want to think about autumn (while I'm writing this, the days are languid, late July, and I'm pretending it's a luxury I can keep), but the trench coat is a real must for a classic wardrobe in any northern clime. I like them belted, but a free-swinging coat has an elegant air of its own.

But till autumn, may I add one more? For me, the height of easy elegance is very time and place specific, and not everyone dares. But those who do, know how good it feels! The string bikini. In basic black or white. Worn against a sandy beach, with nothing else but diamond studs and a Stuhrling watch.