Nancy MacDonell Smith explores the origins, meaning, and remarkable staying power of the ten staples of feminine fashion:

• the little black dress
• the white shirt
• the cashmere sweater
• blue jeans
• the suit
• high heels
• pearls
• lipstick
• sneakers
• the trench coat

Tracing the evolution of each item from inception to icon status, she reveals the history and social significance of each, from the black dress's associations with danger and death to the status implications of the classic white shirt. Incorporating sources from history, literature, magazines, and cinema, as well as her own witty anecdotes, Smith has created an engaging, informative guide to modern style.