Byline: Claire Sulmers
…yup, super-clothing. Get more from your wardrobe with these easy convertible pieces. No phone booth required.
“convertible clothing” conjures up images of zippered cargo pants that turn into shorts or reversible multipocketed parkas: frumpy camping-trip ensembles that are as awkward as putting up a three-man tent. But the new convertible clothes are chic offerings that expand your wardrobe–and assembling them doesn’t require a Girl Scout patch. A flowy skirt effortlessly moonlights as a halter dress; the cuffs on long, sleek cigarette jeans fold under seamlessly to work with both heels and flats; and a cute peacoat has a snap-out quilted vest, for those times when the weather is more crisp than cold. Enjoy all the benefits of double-, triple-, and even quadruple-duty clothing, minus the excess zippers and pockets. You’ll feel like a happy camper–and you’ll look like a million bucks.
SWEATER
TRINA TURK, $188
This blush pink number makes the work-to-weekend transition a breeze. Wear the sweater with its bow-tied chiffon collar to a board meeting; then, when you unbutton and remove the collar, the sweater becomes a simply styled scoop-neck, perfectly suited for dinner with friends. Also available in black.
TO BUY: Sofia silk-blend blouse by Trina Turk, 760-416-2856. Nave wool pants. Anne Klein leather heels.
SWEATER | WRAP
PureDKNY, $195
Tied in front or in back or worn loose, this semisheer knit adds sophistication to dresses, jeans, and monochromatic outfits. Also available in the colors oil and natural.
TO BUY: PureDKNY baby-alpaca sweater, www.dkny.com for locations. Lilla P cotton tank. Banana Republic wool pants. Anne Klein leather heels.
SKIRT | LONG DRESS
NORMA KAMALI, $89
This skirt, which ties at the side, transforms easily into a V-necked dress, a sexy halter, or a strapless dress (not pictured) by wrapping and tying around the neck or the bust. Versatile, wrinkle-resistant spandex-jersey fabric makes this a must-have for a long vacation, and basic black means you don’t have to fret about stains. Available in three additional colors.
TO BUY: Tie-waist polyester-and-spandex jersey skirt by Norma Kamali, www.spiegel.com. Lilla P cotton tank. Uniqlo cashmere cardigan. French Sole/ NY leather ballet flats. Kors by Michael Kors leather wedge sandals. O Oscar by Oscar de la Renta leather heels.
SKIRT | SHORT DRESS
KARA JANX, $403
Viewers of TV’s Project Runway may recall Janx as a season two runner-up. With this bold silk-crepe garment, she lets you be the creative one. Shimmy the skirt up for a strapless dress; play with the straps to make a halter or an asymmetrical look (not shown) you can wear on date night. Available in three additional colors.
TO BUY: Kara Janx silk wrap skirt, Girlshop, 212-255-4985. Uniqlo cashmere sweater. Isaac Mizrahi leather heels.
JEANS
RADCLIFFE DENIM, $185
Straight-leg jeans in a smart dark wash are perfect with wedges for a night out. Prefer flats? Tiny silver cuff links allow for on-the-spot tailoring. Simply fold the cuffs under and insert the cuff links into near-invisible buttonholes at the hems. Factor in the cost of two pairs of pants and a trip to a tailor and they’re well worth the price.
TO BUY: NW1 Skinny jeans by Radcliffe Denim, Barneys New York, www.barneys.com for locations. Karoo Mark Eisen cashmere blouse. Kors by Michael Kors leather wedge sandals. French Sole/NY leather ballet flats.
PEACOAT | VEST
GAP, $128
This brushed-cotton toggle coat will keep you cozy on fall days. If it feels like an Indian-summer night, snap out the interior quilted puff vest; you’ll have more than just a turtleneck but not quite a full jacket. Also in ivory.
TO BUY: Gap cotton-and-nylon coat, www.gap.com for locations. Banana Republic cotton turtleneck. Odyn jeans. French Sole/NY leather ballet flats.
BAG | BACKPACK
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, $780
Rearrange the straps on this black Italian-leather carryall to go from shoulder bag to messenger bag to backpack. Store your cell phone, PDA, and keys in the many exterior and interior pockets. The zipper on top will keep all your valuables secure. Available in three additional colors.
TO BUY: The Convertible leather bag by Diane von Furstenberg, 646-486-4800. Charles Tyrwhitt cashmere sweater. Gap jeans. French Sole/NY leather ballet flats.
BELT | NECKLACE
TWISTED SILVER, $80
This chunky belt doubles as a chic bohemian necklace to accessorize sleek pants and loose dresses. Wrap the horse-bit links to hang low on your waist, or wear them long, hung around your neck.
TO BUY: Twisted Silver Horse Bit convertible brass-and-metal necklace and belt, www.twisted-silver.com. A.P.C. viscose dress. O Oscar by Oscar de la Renta leather heels.
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“I don’t like to see an outfit worn more than one time in an hour–you can wear it again a few weeks later.”
Aaron Spelling, in an interview with WSN Inc.
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CLICK REALSIMPLE.COM
For five easy tips on how to convert your daytime look to evening mode, visit www.realsimple.com/evening.
CAPTION(S):
SUSAN PITTARD
COPYRIGHT 2006 Time, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group