Sweet Home Alabama! It’s Reese Witherspoon, making her “look of the week” debut and giving it some new decade breeze in monochrome. Done right, dressing in black and white looks effortless – but the balance is crucial. Reese has made all the black work by balancing it with a white long-sleeve top worn underneath – and the pushed-up sleeves are a particular joy. She’s added texture with a chunky gold bracelet watch and the chain handle of her bag. And there’s more: the trouser grazing the ankle combined with pointed, almost flat shoes is spot-on, while the classic Wayfarer specs are the perfect finish to the non-done hairdo. If she keeps this up, she’ll almost be forgiven for going out with Jake Gyllenhaal. Photograph: Gustavo Munoz/FilmMagic.com
Portfolio, launched last year at M&S, is designed for the fortysomething-and-up audience looking for wardrobe pieces that don’t sacrifice function and fit for stylishness. This dress is from the latest collection, has a short sleeve to cover the tops of arms and finishes just below the knee. The spots are graduated to give a slimming effect around the waist. Add a statement neckpiece for an extra spring 2010 trim.
£39.50, www.marksandspencer.com Photograph: Guardian
The humble T-shirt just keeps evolving. In March this gold-chain-and-ribboned affair hits the rails at Mango. From a limited-edition collection by 25-year-old Moises de la Renta – son of Oscar – this top won’t need accessorising. The fledging designer’s collection has already been worn by Michelle Obama, who chose a red-belted sheath for a White House function last year.
£45, by Moises de la Renta for Mango, available from March, 020-7434 3694 Photograph: Guardian
Footwear choices by first ladies Obama and Bruni have left their mark. These patent leopard-print, low-heeled Jimmy Choos are from the label’s new 24/7 collection. Even if you cannot imagine Tamara Mellon in anything other than a power heel, this edited range of classics is based on her personal favourite colours, materials and heel heights.
£325, available this month, jimmychoo.com Photograph: Guardian
Ear flaps are grossly underrated. Drink in the neat lug-warmers on this snappy item, which also benefits from a soft black felt peak. You’d expect nothing less of milliner duo Paul Bernstock and Thelma Speirs – their label, set up in 1982, has been worn by everyone from Sharon Stone to Karl Lagerfeld. Also in navy, turquoise, cream and yellow.
£59, by Bernstock Speirs, from oki-ni.com Photograph: Guardian
Slouchy in a 90s grunge way, but without looking a sloppy old mess, this All Saints jumper is a winner. It’s 100% merino, so it’s light but warm and ideal for layering; it boasts a mini snowflake pattern around the elbow that isn’t remotely irritating (no mean feat); and features four neat buttons on one shoulder. Bravo.
£90, www.allsaints.com Photograph: Guardian
