Necessary Objects

The women’s spring collection from Steven Alan is a lesson in functional fashion: the cuts are classic, the fabrics are breathable and comfy, and the pieces a re-ontrend without screaming “this look will be obsolete in T-minus five minutes.” Alan’s cult following (which initially took root in New York, where his first store popped up in 1994) is well-deserved. His plaid button-downs are preppy with a slight hipster edge, and they transition seamlessly between seasons, with a bit of layering. The pieces are slightly campy (as in, you’d be the most stylishly clad lumberjack on the campground), but that’s part of their charm. Snatch up a few of his just-arrived pieces at Stel’s (334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348), where the selection is well-edited and the labels are always worth their sometimes-hefty price tags. The navy blue, button-front Piper skirt with a waist-cinching belt ($195) works double duty — as a winter staple paired with tights and distressed leather boots; or pared down, with bare legs for spring. And the racer-back Paige top ($170) mixes cotton eyelet with a solid gray print to adorable effect. Who says fashion is futile?