40 Pieces You Need in Your Wardrobe by 40

Skinny jeans have their time and place, but there's something so sophisticated about flared denim. Frame's pair ($210) has the same elongating effect as Cindy Crawford's throwback style.

Nothing shows them who's boss like a classic, tailored suit a la Robin Wright. Banana Republic's Classic Fit Blazer ($198) and Straight-Fit Pants ($110) work just as well for the office as cocktails.

Voluminous trousers like Jennifer Lopez's and J.Crew's Wide-Leg Cropped Pant ($88) have the confidence of a woman who's not afraid to make bold fashion choices.

When you need an instant pick-me-up, a pop of color like Naomi Watts's look or the Asos Design Sundress ($29) is the oldest trick in the book.

The Equipment Leema Floral Silk Shirt ($278), much like Michelle Pfeiffer's shirt, can dress up a pair of jeans and pull together an outfit in a snap.

You've always loved your LBD, but in your 40s it's all about sophisticated, dramatic cuts like Catherine Zeta-Jones's or Helmut Lang's style ($320).

The grown-up cousin of your former favorite mini, skirts like Brooke Shields's and Ralph Lauren's elongated style ($198) are classics for good reason.

Chances are you've amassed something in Halle Berry's tough-as-nails print over the years — if you're lucky, it's as cool as hers or Vis a Vis's cape ($680)!

Bows aren't just for little girls. Ellen Pompeo's and Kate Spade's style ($160) are an easy way to add femininity to your look without being too precious.

You probably said goodbye to hiking up your low-rise pairs long ago in favor of waist-cinchers like Rachel Weisz's or Carven's High-Waist Wool Trousers ($490).

There's no style that works harder for you than black booties, and a pair like Loeffler Randall's ($237 and up) or Julianne Moore's is in every smart dresser's arsenal.

Clean, long lines like those on Kate Beckinsale's style can make a grown-up look out of any coat — even a pink one like Badgley Mischka's Faux Leather Trim Long Trench Coat ($130).

When comfort is key, and sweatpants won't do, nothing beats a pair of boyfriend jeans like Sofia Vergara's or Current/Elliott's relaxed pair ($143).

Sure, you could check your phone, but that's no substitution for a classic timepiece like Reese Witherspoon's or Shinola's mixed-metal style ($525).

Maybe it's the same one you've worn since high school, maybe you've bought a new one year after year, but a denim jacket like Amy Adams's or Gap's design ($70) is bound to be in your closet.

Cameron Diaz's hard-working staple or Theory's sleek style ($595) is essential for anyone who needs to make quick transitions (or who works in an air conditioned office!).

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but sleek stilettos like Cate Blanchett's and Manolo Blahnik's pair ($625) are any pulled-together outfit's BFF.

Gwyneth Paltrow's essential layering piece never goes out of style. Pieces like the Tory Burch Greer Cardigan ($328) utilize a bold palette to invigorate the classic cut.

When you want to add just a touch of edge, luxurious styles like Salma Hayek's or Madewell's moto jacket ($495) are the perfect solution.

Jennifer Connelly's and Stuart Weitzman's sky-high boots ($383) prove you don't have to show a lot of skin to ooze appeal.

Whether they're ballet or menswear-inspired like Nicole Kidman's and rag & bone's Victor Oxford ($450), a pair of flats is key when you're too busy to deal with heels.

Leave the cheap underwear in the past — a fine design like Taraji P. Henson's or La Perla's lace bra ($385) is so luxurious, you might want to show it off.

Bold earrings like Tracee Ellis Ross's and Lizzie Fortunato's Ernesto Earrings ($245) are a fun way to draw the eyes up and emphasize your glow.

Who needs a low-cut top when you can look as sexy as Uma Thurman does in an elegant high-neck design like the Everlane Cashmere Turtleneck ($120)?

Upgrade this playful style with an elongated cut like Sarah Jessica Parker's or Derek Lam 10 Crosby's pleated design ($495).

The older cousin of your former go-to peacoat, camel coats like Leslie Mann's and Burberry's retro-inspired style ($1,695) are one of the most polished ways to stay warm.

Trendy mirrored lenses and wire frames have their place, but elegant black shades like Sandra Bullock's and Oliver Peoples's pair ($380) are a thing of beauty.

This classic silhouette adds a touch of sportiness without going full-on athleisure — bonus points for throwing in a playful print like Demi Moore did or H&M's floral style ($40).

Rainy days are no match for your style — and a time-tested trench coat like Julia Louis-Dreyfus's or Leith's design ($99) are evidence of that.

A comfortable ensemble like Eva Longoria's is the secret formula for any seasoned traveler. James Perse's Crewneck Tee ($50) and Brushed Cashmere Sweatpants ($450) can be paired for a flight or worn separately on casual days.

Much like Jennifer Garner's style, a spacious yet ladylike design like Mansur Gavriel's bag ($750) is essential for busy women with no desire to schlep multiple totes.

Chances are you don't own one classic t-shirt like Diane Lane's or Madewell's ($20), you own several.

When you've got lipstick, a phone, tissues, a mirror, house keys, car keys, etc. in your clutch, no itty bitty minaudiere will do. Julie Bowen's and Clare V.'s spacious design ($209) pair well with dressed-up and down outfits, without compromising on the essentials.

When paired with a sharp silhouette, a lace style like Penélope Cruz's and Self-Portrait's dress ($495) is more womanly than girlie.

Sometimes, a hands-free design like Drew Barrymore's or Rebecca Minkoff's saddle bag ($245) isn't just stylish, it's a savior.

Subtle designs like Lucy Liu's and Stuart Weitzman's sandals ($398) create a leg-lengthening effect no matter how high or low the heel.

As any woman, including Michelle Obama, can attest, you haven't lived until you've discovered a cozy sweater you could literally live in like theHalogen Twist Back Sweater ($69).

You may or may not be wearing your original plaid shirt from the '90s, but you'll definitely be glad you own one as timeless as Gwen Stefani's or Treasure & Bond's style ($69).

Whether layered underneath a low-cut silhouette, like Julia Roberts did, or tucked into your favorite pair of trousers, a design like J.Crew's button-down ($80) is a true multitasker.

More polished than sportier kicks, Gabrielle Union's pair and Adidas's classic sneakers ($60) are an off-duty staple.