dresses

How many of you are sporting the Mom Uniform of jeans and a tee, or one of its many variants (capris and a tee, skirt and a tee, cords and … a tee). T-shirts are such a Mom Staple; they’re easy to wear and easy to care for and easy on the budget.

But they can also be boring. How about spicing up your tees with a cute jacket? So easy, and yet such a huge difference.

I love this jacket, from Francesca’s, for several reasons. It’s a cotton/spandex blend, which means that it is both versatile and washable, which makes it a nice addition to any basics wardrobe. The slim silhouette and single button keep it simple while the puffed sleeves and elaborate Elizabethan-inspired collar make it more than just your jean jacket.

Wear over a tee (long OR short sleeved) or tank, or with a beautiful blouse. Pair with jeans and chinos and an A-line skirt. Dress it up or dress it down. This jacket takes the everyday to a new level, and gives your Mom Uniform a little lift.

Tres Jolie jacket, Francesca’s, $52.00.

Fashion week is in full swing, and the Fall 2008 collections are all about sleek elegance. The shift dress — that simplest of simple wardrobing pieces — is poised to make a comeback for day and evening.

The shift is perhaps the most classic dress shape imaginable; a shift can be tailored to flatter any figure and can be rendered in fabrics that are perfect for work or weekend. The classic shift line is sleeveless and falls to just below the knee, but there are other options as well, including the cap sleeve dress shown here. Add a belt or a cardigan or a bold necklace to change the look; wear with flats or heels or peep toes.

A neutral sheath, in black or brown or navy, is versatile, but don’t sell color short. This spring is all about the return of feminine dressing, and a dress in a beautiful color can still function as a building block in your wardrobe. Choose a shade that looks great with your hair and skin, and that works with other pieces in your closet. Pinks are flattering on nearly everyone, although steer clear of very pale pink and opt instead for a sherbet or watermelon shade, for more sophistication.

Nanette Lepore La Dolce Vita eyelet dress, available at Nordstrom for $360.00.