Classic Sophisticate: Classic Pieces Reinvented and Remixed

If you match the style profile, see how some of your favorite models mix and match staple wardrobe pieces—old and new—for style inspiration you can infuse your closet with.

Posted in: Fashion

In this slideshow: Claudia Schiffer, Carol Alt

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The Black Pant Eniko Mihalik took advantage of the versatility of her black pants by pairing it with another classic item: the Burberry scarf. The result? A trendsetting outfit that works for almost any occasion.

Every style profile can benefit from a good pair of black pants. It's one of the most frequently worn items in a woman's closet, so invest in a pair that will last. 1. Signature stretch flare pant, $69.50 at express.com 2. Earlam stretch wide-leg pant, $79.99 at ralphlauren.com 3. Modern wool and cotton pant, $39.50 at anntaylor.com

The Cardigan A cardigan is a must-have for the Classic Sophisticate style profile. Claudia Schiffer chose an updated version of the look during a Paris Fashion Week event. Instead of a dress and sweater, the sweater is the dress.

Choose a cardigan that works buttoned up as well as open so that you have two looks from one piece. 1. Gray cashmere jersey long-sleeve cardigan, $134.99 at bluefly.com 2. Jade long-sleeve cardigan, $70 at chickdowntown.com 3. Knitted zip long cardigan, $80 at topshop.com

The Pantsuit The building block of your wardrobe is the classic pantsuit. It can be worn as a set or as separates and become anchors for other outfits. Wear it the way model Elettra Wiedemann did—with a fitted camisole and accented with a silver clutch and shoes—and suddenly workwear becomes suitable for a social event.

Choose a suit that fits well. The shoulders of your jacket should be in line with your body's frame, not larger than it. And pants should fit well enough to be worn on their own. 1. Tahari by ASL chain-detail pantsuit, $139.99 at macys.com 2. BCBGeneration Two Button Suit Jacket, $118; Flutter-sleeve leopard-print top, $68; Boot-cut suit pants, $88; all at macys.com 3. Lightweight wool blazer, $198; Lightweight wool straight pants, $98; both at bananarepublic.com

The Pencil Skirt Carol Alt took the pencil skirt, a Classic Sophisticate wardrobe staple, and made it sexy by adding a lingerie look to her outfit.

Choose a smartly tailored pencil skirt, one that falls below the knee and features a form-fitting cut. 1. City suiting pencil skirt, $29.99 at anntaylorloft.com 2. Theory wool Tween pencil skirt, $190 at barneys.com 3. Herringbone pencil skirt, $89.50 at bananarepublic.com

The Power Blazer Imogen Morris-Clarke's power blazer features one very trendy element of this fall's fashion trend: the shoulder pad. Designers like Givenchy, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein, and Louis Vuitton are all giving the shoulder some much-needed attention by adding a bit of height and sharp corners to jackets.

This trend is an easy one to take too far, so make sure to accessorize smartly and pair the blazer with basics like Imogen did with a skirt and opaque tights—not another trend piece. Otherwise you risk being the 2009 version of Melanie Griffith's character in the iconic '80s movie Working Girl. 1. Tall short shoulder pad jacket, $135 at topshop.com 2. Riding jacket, $630 at net-a-porter.com 3. Single-breasted jacket, $171 at theoutnet.com