Melanie Griffith

Did you notice that the biggest fashion statement at Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony was understatement? No matter her age, almost every woman walking the red carpet looked respectable, not racy.

To achieve an ageless look, here are five basic items every age-40-plus fashionista should keep in her closet all year long: white T-shirts, dar k straight-leg jeans, a classic navy blazer, a wrap dress and a go-to LBD (little black dress).