Graceful Elegance, by Grace Coddington, was originally published in the August 2008 issue of Vogue.

This winter, it will be the Balenciaga one in this story.

I almost always wear pants and a sweater, and always in the same straight shape.

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BLACK MAGICA spare silhouette in a monochromatic palette epitomizes soigné style. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière wool coat ($2,395) and pants ($395); Balenciaga, NYC. Proenza Schouler layered T-shirts, $250 each; Bergdorf Goodman.Karen Elson; Photographed by Steven Meisel.

I basically buy the same Prada shirts and Balenciaga pants again and again.

Louis Vuitton remade a coat for me because I loved it so much.

I like masculine things, such as this Proenza Schouler coat, for their simplicity and functionality.

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OLDIES BUT GOODIESMen’s tailored pajamas and white Chucks are perfect to lounge in all day. Proenza Schouler gray double-face-wool coat, $2,450; Ikram, Chicago. Olatz ruby silk pajamas, $650; Olatz, NYC. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers.Karen Elson. Photographed by Steven Meisel.

Anyway, I do think I counteract the masculine thing with my red hair.

It’s the best accessory I could ever have.

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BACK TO BASICSKaren Elson portrays Coddington, who says that by this age, women have fully discovered their trademarks—whether that means chunky jewelry, graphic prints, or a love of cats. Marni embroidered dress, $3,830; Susan, Burlingame CA. Dean Harris amber drop earrings. Yves Saint Laurent gold bracelet. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière chain bracelets.Photographed by Steven Meisel.