Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
I usually like to use The Hunt for a basic, timeless piece that everyone needs — cashmere sweaters, strappy pumps, etc — but when I got a request from a reader looking for layered sweaters, I thought, ooh, that would make a fun Hunt — they have been EVERYWHERE recently, and the sweater-and-collar look can be tricky to get on your own. Some people have DIY solutions for the bulkiness that ensues, while for others static cling is more of an issue — even rolling the sleeves can take some skill. Still, I think it’s a classic look that range from “very preppy” to “casual” (such as the option from Loft, below) to some of the newer looks that are almost cropped sweaters with tunic blouses (such as here or here). Ladies, what are your tricks for getting the layered look — short of buying a 2-in-1 sweater or wearing a collared dickey? What rules do you think apply to the office?
What do you wear under pants and suits that are unlined? Are you for or against the current trend of unlined clothing? Reader K wonders:
