Geo Style

A new, international fashion uniform emerged during this season’s ready-to-wear collections, as top designers from Italy, Paris, New York and Los Angeles presented their own versions of a daringly spare ensemble.

It starts with stretch pants that fit like exercise tights worn with a sporty turtleneck jersey or a high-collar blouse. Over this body-contoured combo goes nothing at all, except an oversize jacket that some designers call “the boyfriend jacket.”

The look is pared down and plucky, but Los Angeles women aren’t likely to be shocked. It’s already a popular way of dressing in this fitness-fashion center, where jackets tossed over aerobic wear are a typical, after-exercise street fashion.

Now that Karl Lagerfeld of Paris, Romeo Gigli of Milan, Donna Karan of New York and Rosemary Brantley of Los Angeles have given it their approval, the look might even pass as formal wear in this stronghold of casual style.