Take a shortcut to looking great by sporting a cropped jacket. Think of it as a replacement for the ubiquitous denim jacket you've been using for years or your pashmina that has seen better days. Available in a variety of fabrics from dressy brocades to casual cottons, short jackets are cropped at the natural waist or higher and often have 3/4-length sleeves, so they're perfect for the layering look. They also suit a number of styles and necklines, as they come in collarless versions or with decorative Peter Pan-style collars. Just one of these chic jackets can update your entire wardrobe. Here's how to wear it.

Pants

Pairing a short jacket with pants will result in "the new suit" for the year. Bold patterns add interest to an otherwise basic look, while the new neutrals are subtle and sophisticated. The best tops to layer under your jacket are romantic blouses and camisoles that end at the hip, or fitted and full-length tees.

• For a mod to the max look, pair your short jacket with ankle-skimming pants and sweet round-toe flats.
• Baggy pants don't have to look sloppy. Pair an embellished or printed short jacket with them in white for a new kind of nautical, or go for an easy evening look and pair one with fluid silk trousers.
• Jeans and a cropped jacket: your new uniform for the season. This time, switch out your stilettos for platforms.