And should you wish to up the ante at any point, you could add a pair of sparkly earrings and some heels, or conversely throw a cozy black cashmere sweater over the top for a dog walk or a TV-watching marathon.

WSJ: Tina Gaudoin on Style: Back to Black

"I was going out on a date with my husband on Valentine's Day in a tight-fitting cashmere sweater, " she says.

FORBES: Style

Adopt the continental flair of Stefano Pilati, the former Yves Saint Laurent designer who wore tangerine socks (most probably cashmere) with gray flannel pants and a shawl collared sweater.

WSJ: Put Your Feet First