Felicia Arlin shows us that many styles, like Tomatoes, get better with age. Here she is in two Donna Karen long knitted dresses that she bought in the ‘90s that have held up remarkably well and look as stylish today as they were then.

Style Story: Not so Naughty Black Knit

In 1985, Donna Karen completely reinvented the way women dressed. She was the queen of draping and one of the very few who understood the female form. Her influence on me as a young woman starting out in the garment industry was huge and she will always hold a high place on my list of all-time favorite designers.

With that said, I’m not exactly sure when I bought this long black knit dress, probably in the early ‘90s but it’s lasted A HELL OF A LONG TIME! Look how forward-thinking she was mixing the different weights of the same knit fabric. The strategic placement pieces are absolutely perfect even on my shrimpy self. This dress was considered somewhat edgy in the way, way back but look how it’s still relevant today. What I love most about this dress is its versatility. It can go uptown with strappy sandals, Sam Edelman, an evening bag, Barneys NY, and diamonds, or downtown with lug bottom boots and a leather jacket.

My mother taught me to invest in some good quality classic pieces and to take care of them. I don’t think she’d consider this dress a classic but isn’t it?

I’m so happy that I’m still able to wear this dress at age 62. I can only hope my body holds up for as long as the dress does.

*style tip: knit garments, especially knit or jersey dresses need to be folded. If they’re hung, they will grow.

Style Story: Brown Sugar

In keeping with my homage to Donna Karen, this chocolate brown long knit dress is one of my favorite pieces from her better collection line; also from the way, way back. It’s another silhouette that has lasted the test of time and makes it so worth the small fortune I paid back in the day. I remember how taken I was and still am at the intense brown colour with its deep red tones. The knit fabric is buttery soft, light in weight but completely substantial. The way it fits and moves on the body is sexy and elegant.

I styled it with one of my favorite necklaces (the very first piece of fine jewelry I bought for myself 35ish years ago). The pearls are perfect in size and quality along with the center placement detail of the stones. And they follow the neckline of my dress. I went with a pair of French-back pearl earrings to match and a simple everyday bangle, Cartier. Rather than a strappy sandal, I opted for a more casual brown suede pump, Kenneth Cole. And a denim jacket over (not photo’d).

style tip: mix your high-end and casual items together for a more wearable look

*please treat your wardrobe well. many people worked very hard to get it to you