Style 101 Card.

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These jackets may look genteel, but that doesn't mean they come with a list of rules. "You can put a cropped jacket over anything," says designer Diane von Furstenberg. "Whether you pair it with a dress or a T-shirt, it adds a glamorous finishing touch."

* With full skirts or dresses. As with voluminous tops, a cropped jacket balances a poufy skirt or dress. A brightly colored one layered over a patterned dress or skirt delivers a breezy look with the right proportions.

* With cropped pants. Take a cue from Jackie O.: A boxy jacket paired with cropped pants and flats or wedges is a great look for spring. In fact, Anna Sui, Vera Wang, and Diane von Furstenberg all showed it at their recent fashion shows.

* With shorts. "A cropped jacket with Bermuda shorts is the new suit for spring," Julie Gilhart says. Just be aware of the dimensions: The jacket should end at your natural waist, the blouse looks best when it's a few inches longer, and the shorts should hit at your knee.

* With a matching skirt. "The idea of a ladylike suit doesn't have to go out the window," Gilhart says. "Just make it look less conservative by belting the jacket, carrying a bigger handbag, wearing platform heels, and piling on some long necklaces."

The Jackets