Nine West’s gladiator Heech Sandal ($90 at Endless). All of these shoes will make you look leggy in shorts and dresses and chic in wide-leg jeans or trousers.

2. A Great Dress

What makes an item of clothing a timeless classic? Answer: the crisp lines and flattering fit that look perfect each and every time you slip it on. The selection of dresses that qualify for that “classic” label is enormous now. An explosion of cheeky necklines, graphic prints and lengths that go from mini to maxi make summer ‘08 a celebration of the dress.

If you love the floaty feel of silk you’ll want to check out Banana Republic’s giraffe-print halter dress ($150). Wear it with the matching giraffe-print cotton hat ($52) and a pair of great big sunglasses. Or go strapless in Diane von Furstenberg’s Cecia strapless batik printed silk jersey dress ($445). Von Furstenberg, who introduced the wrap dress in 1973, is at the top of her form. We love her ‘Banner’ silk dress ($325, pictured) for its above-the-knee length and contrasting patterns at neck- and hemline.

If you prefer the texture of cotton and a quieter print, we suggest Theory’s Jewelia Pieces printed dress ($295). It’s black and white, another of summer’s trendiest combos, and sweetly simple. Equally light and girly is Trixxi’s ‘Emma’ floral print dress (in junior sizes; reduced to $33.90) Sassier by far is Flavio Castellani’s print backless dress ($255), made of viscose and spandex.

If you’ve wondered what the “ombré effect” or “dip dyed” fabric

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