Sleek, uncluttered modern pieces can make the biggest impact when it comes to simple style. Hand pick the right fabrics, keep your focus on neutrals, and let your natural assets make a statement — no excess, no confusion, just solid colors that look cool without looking contrived.

1. Laser cut-out wedge

2. Maxi skirt

3. Tiered earrings

4. Racerback cami

5. Croix ring

6. Strappy sandal

Yesterday, The Boss and I went out with MIL, FIL, and a some of their friends for a Mother’s Day dinner in Santa Monica, and it was so unbelievably windy, I kept tucking my face into my neck, and checking to see if all my eyelashes were still intact.

When it’s windy outside, I’ve found that I often worry about my clothes, and hijab blowing up and away, leaving my skin exposed. And since I’m such a delicate flower regarding that matter, I thought I’d come up with a few basic pieces that will get you from point A to point B without worrying about having a Marylin Monroe moment — though I’m pretty sure she did that on purpose.

A basic pare of wide-leg jeans are a great option for a windy day, which I prefer over a skirt or dress. The latter tend to either fly up with the wind, or wrap so tightly around your legs and thighs when the wind blows that it sort of defeats the whole purpose of wearing a dress in the first place. Well, it does for me, anyway.

Next, grab a lined trench coat to throw over top your outfit. A trench is a classic women’s piece that you can never go wrong with, and an extra layer will keep you slightly warmer in windy weather. If it’s chilly enough for close-toed shoes, try an ankle bootie with a low/flat/easy-to-walk-in heel. You want to be able to run if you see a funnel cloud forming, but you don’t want to resort to wearing sneakers purely because of the weather. Also, I think all women should have a pair of cashmere, or cashmere-blend socks. They’re a little pricey, but if you take care of them, they should last for a few years.

And finally, grab a scarf to wrap around your neck. But please make note of the following: If you’re wearing a printed hijab, go plain around your neck. If you’re in a solid color hijab, pick a print for your neck. If you don’t wear hijab, the world is your playground, and you can go print or solid. A scarf around your neck, aside from giving you extra warmth, will also hold your hijab in place when the wind blows. It’s a great resource to cover your face with when the wind thrashes against your face so violently, it’s hard to breathe. One would think that oxygen jamming itself up your nostrils would take the pressure off having to breathe by yourself, but it’s actually quite the contrary.

Seriously, it happened to me yesterday, and I’m just trying to look out for you guys.

1. Flare jeans

2. Trench coat

3. Ankle bootie

4. Cashmere socks

5. Tie die pashmina

When investing in one quality piece, like a structured cardigan, get your money’s worth by making it work for you in a variety of settings.

With friends: A long cardigan can be worn over jeans with a basic tee underneath for a Sunday brunch with friends, or out to the movies. Pair this look with a simple leather or canvas tote, and flats.

Dinner reservations: Throw on a pretty camisole under your cardigan, and pair it with a long skirt. Mix and match prints are always fun and stylish, but if you’re more conservative, pick a long skirt in a cream, black or white. Grab a pair of heels, a clutch, and throw on some of your favorite accessories for a more downtown look.

For work: A long cardigan looks great over a basic white blouse, and dress slacks. Pinstripes are always classic, as are solid black pants, but if your workplace setting is more casual, invest in a pair of trouser jeans that you can wear to work, and in more casual settings. A low heel, a structured bag, and some classic jewelry work well with this look.

1. Multi chain bracelet

2. Trouser jean

3. Tie front top

4. Envelope clutch

5. Wing tip pumps

6. Knitted long cardigan

7. Joe’s Jeans

8. Croc duffle

9. Ruffled hem skirt

10. Laser cut flats

11. White check blouse