An American Wardrobe in Eleven Easy Pieces

Versatility and ease are the keynotes of contemporary American fashion. Matching and mixing her clothes, today's woman can adapt a basic wardrobe to suit up for any occasion. TIME asked the editors of Vogue to pick a sample multipurpose wardrobe whose eleven easy, though not exactly inexpensive, pieces can be worn from spring to early fall. Cost: $1,524.50.

The choice for an all-occasion best suit is John Anthony's pale gray-heather cotton-jersey long-sleeved, shirt-collared jacket, pleated wrap skirt and ivory muscle-sleeve T shirt ($210). The suit jacket can be worn with Anthony's matching pleated trousers ($60) by day. The look can be varied with the addition of Blassport's long-sleeved ivory polyester crepe-de-chine front-buttoned shirt ($44), which can be worn partly buttoned and knotted around the waist for a casual evening out.

For weekend shopping, country strolling or office wear, how about Ralph Lauren's tan cotton-madras pleated pants, known as the "Fred Astaire look" ($76), with matching unlined blazer ($170). For variety, swap the pants of this fresh crisp outfit for Calvin Klein's buff poplin elastic-waist fly-front trouser skirt ($63). For work or casual lunches, either variation of the ensemble can be worn with Klein's buff T shirt, which is cotton knit, with a crew neck and long sleeves ($11.50), or Lauren's tan knit T shirt with roll sleeves and crew neck ($18). When it mizzles, put on Beene Bag's natural poplin raincoat with set-in sleeves ($160).

For cocktail parties, consider Calvin Klein's salmon crepe-de-chine long-sleeved blouse with banded collar, and his separate matching narrow-front wrap skirt (both for $232). Finally, for that most glamorous evening, the jewel of the wardrobe: Halston's peach silk crepe-de-chine evening jumpsuit, bare back, with halter top, bias cowl neck and bias self-sash at waist ($480).

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