As those of you who’ve been hanging out here a while know, I like a good animal print. And I like them best when they’re executed on clean, minimal shapes without too much flounce or fussiness, which was a challenge this season, because there is a lot of flounce and fussiness out there. But this pleated top, for starters, clears the bar.

I just think the wine hue is really pretty on this Nili Lotan sweater.

This silk shirt is like a rainbow explosion of happiness.

I like how simple and graphic the print on this sweatshirt is.

I think this blouse would look super-pretty peeking out from under a blazer.

A cute and well-priced big huggy sweater.

The tonal print on this sweatshirt is nicely subtle.

I’ve been seeing women wearing little scarves like this one with button-downs, knotted side out, and I think it’s a really good look and would like to give it a shot.

These snake embossed slip-on sneakers from Vince are so sharp-looking, and have a decent platform too.

The leopard print on this blouse is really rich-looking.

And I also adore the print on this Ganni skirt (which also comes as a dress).

I’m always happy to throw a little red and black into the mix.

I was on the fence about including these zebra-print sneakers as they are a bit much, but I feel like the right person could really make them work.

I personally want this dress very much for spring: such a fun but elegant shape.

And finally: how cute is this graphic tote?

First of all, they’re quite versatile—they can skew anything from punk to polished depending on what you wear them with. And they’re more flattering, I think, than blue jeans, especially those with a very light wash, which so many jeans have these days. I’ve got more pairs than I can count, but am always searching for the new Perfect Black Jean, and my quest led me to dig up the following (quite excellent) pairs.

These are classic Levi’s 501s, but tailored for a more current fit; and here’s a pair of Levi’s Wedgies, which I know many of you swear by, but which look like hell on me.

Everlane’s just-introduced Super-Straight Jean comes in two lengths—regular and ankle—and has a nice amount of stretch, but not too much.

I’d like to try this wide-leg cropped pair when the weather warms up a bit.

Here’s a coated denim pair, which looks so much like leather that it’s almost crazy to splurge on the real thing.

I like the cropped, frayed hem on this pair from Mother Denim.

A nice skinny jean with a perfectly clean wash from Madewell.

The waist on these from L’Agence is high but not too high, which works for me.

The denim on these is quite rigid and they have no stretch whatsoever, which I know is what a number of you go for.

And I thought I’d just throw in these overalls too, because my thinking on overalls after 40 is evolving—I think if they’re cut cleanly, as these are, that they’re highly acceptable.

This kicky pair is from Universal Standard, which means it comes in every size imaginable.

I just think these look rather laid-back and weekendy.

And finally: this high rise stovepipe pair is so clean-lined and perfect that I could see wearing it constantly.

Full-on white from head to toe white feels a little Snow Queen to me; I love this hue in winter, but prefer to mix things up with light grays, beiges, and taupes. I’m showing a mix of all those colors with a bunch of white pieces here, starting with this glorious fuzzy Lauren Manoogian sweater, which I am coveting hard.

I’ve been looking for a good white denim jumpsuit, and this one from Lee might be the winner, though I quite like this one too.

Some high-waisted cropped wide-leg trousers that look right on trend and very wearable too.

And here’s a pair of mid rise jeans that aren’t too tight, which is how I like white jeans to be. I also like winter white jeans (and, come to think of it, all winter white clothing, period) that are off-white, or almost white—I just think that’s cooler looking, and much more flattering than full-on glaring optic white.

A cool camel coat with a white sweater and jeans underneath is a good look.

I’m pretty crazy for this wool utility jacket: so spiff and designer-y looking, but it’s from & Other Stories.

Here are some wide-leg jeans for those brave enough to revisit the aughts; if that’s not so much your thing, try these classic  (but clearly updated)Levi’s 501s.

I like a roomy sweater if I’m going for a winter white look, and this one is pretty good: nice and cozy-looking.

Off-white chinos with a nice cropped cut—the better to show off your boots.

And here’s a well-priced alpaca and wool blend sweater that just looks so excellently huggy.

Pull-on pants are so easy, and this pair is really nice and crisp.

I almost didn’t include this skirt because it’s not purely white, but I think the splatter print is so nice and graphic.

I love the subtle hits of red and blue on this marled knit sweater.

And here’s a very cozy-looking oversized hoodie.

A well-priced fleece coat that would make a winter white look very easy to pull off.

I wish I looked like something other than death itself in taupe, because I really like this nifty puffer.