Style Briefs

Timeless elegance

NEW YORK - Elegance is defined by refinement, poise, good manners and grace, not glamour, according to a poll of affluent Americans conducted for watchmaker Longines.

Of the 1,777 people with household incomes of $75,000 or more that were surveyed by Harris Interactive, 75 percent said that elegance is something you learn. They also said elegance is an attitude and is associated with luxury and expensive pursuits but that does not necessarily equate to assets, income or intelligence.

More than 60 percent of the respondents also thought that elegance is dying out, while three in 10 people considered themselves elegant.

"The results are an interesting window into how elegance is perceived and understood. Clearly looking good is just step one the survey shows that the idea of elegance is also in how you conduct yourself," said Stacy London, co-host of TLC's "What Not to Wear" and a spokeswoman for Longines.

When it comes to fashion, older respondents cited Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta and Bill Blass as elegant designers, while the younger groups favored newer brands, such as Prada, Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana.

Civic-minded Cole

NEW YORK (AP) - Kenneth Cole already has collected more than 1 million pairs of shoes for HELP USA, but it's still not enough: The designer has launched his 13 annual shoe and clothing drive to benefit the nation's largest provider or housing and services for the homeless.

Through Feb. 15, customers who donate gently worn clothing or shoes to Kenneth Cole New York retail locations will receive 20 percent off their next purchase.

Cole also is taking in donations for victims of the Asian tsunami. Customers can add money at the register when making a purchase at any Kenneth Cole store, and Kenneth Cole Productions will match up to $5. The company has the same matching-fund offer for its employees who make contributions.

The money collected goes into the Kenneth Cole Relief Fund which benefits Direct Relief International, which provides medical assistance, AmeriCares and its emergency response teams spread throughout the region, and Operation USA, which is sending shipments of medicines.

New khaki classics

NEW YORK - Khaki is getting a makeover.

The stone-color twill fabric remains the same - it's what makes khaki khaki, after all - but the fashion classic is being put to new uses.

"Khaki has moved beyond the familiar pair of pleated khaki pants and is being shown in new shapes, like the shrunken jacket, the minidress or the wide-leg culottes," says Teen Vogue editor in chief Amy Astley.

"The 1970s preppy version of khaki has been updated and influenced by today's street culture and fashion," adds the magazine's fashion market director Gloria Baume. It's being used more like denim, she says.

Fashionable versions of khaki are being offered by a variety of sources, ranging from youthful retailer Abercrombie & Fitch to top designers like Prada, Michael Kors and Max Mara.

Accessorizing khakis with high heels, oversized sunglasses, wide rope belts and slouchy shoulder bags also fits with the spring's looser, more bohemian look.

Teen Vogue recommends five ways to update the khaki in your closet:

-A shrunken jacket. A fitted, cropped jacket with 3/4 sleeves can be worn with everything. "It will be your go-to khaki item this spring," according to Teen Vogue.

-The oversized trouser. Wear wide-leg cargos and a skinny tank top. Play with proportions.

-The minidress. A slightly longer version of a khaki shirt is very chic. Wear it with a body-defining wide belt to show your shape.

-The culottes. Wear these knee-length pans with a rope belt and sky-high platforms.

-The military shirt. This shirt should be worn layered over a long polo shirt. Again, play with proportions.