Window Shop Without Ever Leaving Your Sofa

I have to admit that I almost never shop for entire outfits; instead, I buy pieces that will work with things already in my closet. But every once in a while, particularly at the change of seasons, I am stumped about what goes with what, and I start looking for ways to make what I already own look fresh and new.

A variety of retailers are now including some form of look book in their web sites; this is a section that shows entire outfits, rather than just discrete pieces. So if you are wondering how to wear a trench coat this spring, for example, you can browse around and see various options. Here are three of my favorite sites to virtual window shop:

Banana Republic has a Shop By Outfit feature that tends to focus on a few trends at a time. Right now they are featuring shirt dresses, pencil skirts, and the trench.


Classic trench coat, Banana Republic, $198.00

J. Crew is currently featuring their Editor's Spring Preview. This is a more eclectic set of outfits (does anyone really wear a striped boatneck with madras shorts?) but it is useful because it relys on essential pieces that you probably already have.


Sadie cropped trench coat at J. Crew, $168.00

Finally, Forth & Towne is like a look book unto itself. The store is the Gap Incorporated's effort to revive flagging interest in its brands among women over 40; the look is classic and elegant and not available on line (sorry). But the site is still useful as an inspiration; I particularly like the way the collections are organized, and the trench included in the Spring Essentials section is to die for. If you are fortunate enough to live near one of the chain's brick-and-mortar stores, I advise you to check it out. And then report back to me.