10 Secrets of Timeless Style

By Cynthia Nellis, About.com Guide

It's all about style, not size, age or economic status, said Gayla Bentley. She points to pieces like basic black which, with a switch of shoes and accessories -- say, Chanel sneakers for daytime or slingbacks and pearls for evening -- can fit into any crowd.

But Gayla's emphasis on personal style goes way beyond just the basics. In developing her own brand of timeless chic she's broken a few so-called fashion rules along the way, such as wearing white jackets and cashmere year-round or pairing a denim jacket with a silk skirt.