Fashion tip

Recession Style Dos & Don'ts

Buy clothes only in seasonless fabrics

DO stock up on those that can be worn nearly all 12 months of the year, like silks, lightweight wools and knits, and sturdy, unflimsy cottons.

DON’T spend serious money on summer-only (linen) or winter-only (heavy tweed) fabrics.

Introduce yourself to the most useful accessory ever

DO play with belts to remake everything--a sweater, a dress, a jacket--in your closet.

DON'T attempt to cinch in lots of excess fabric. You'll look like a paper bag tied in the middle!

Own a few cardigans

DO make sure you have several of these always-right sweaters in tissue-thin cashmere or wool or a nice cotton. Wear them in place of jackets--they're a whole lot cheaper!

Check out sales, but...

DO realize it's OK not to wait for the markdown if you find a piece you love and will wear again and again and again.

DON'T get so caught up in the fact that something's on sale for $7 that you squeeze yourself into a too-tight piece and say, "It fits!"

DO add a pair of oversize sunglasses to your wardrobe. They automatically lift you into "Wow--she's chic!" territory.

DON'T bother with ones so huge you look like a bug. Keep 'em in scale.

DO know the power of jewelry. There's nothing like a necklace with some dramatic, colorful gemstones (faux or not) to make a woman--you!--look like a million bucks.