When you show your face in millions of American homes each and every weekday morning, certain things are expected of you. First, you should be perky without being obnoxious. Next, you should be well-mannered yet precociously engaging. And third, you need to be appropriately dressed.

Kelly Ripa, co-host of "Live With Regis and Kelly," epitomizes the perfect blend of each of those qualities. Simple, cute, perky with an edge - she's safe without being staid. And so are her clothing choices.

It makes sense that when you sport the always dapper Regis Philbin as an accessory, you should try to balance his traditionally monotoned suits with color and patterns, and Ripa can always be counted on to do just that.

The closest thing she has to a uniform is a piece that every woman should have at least one of in their collection - a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. Created by the designer in 1975, they never seem to lose their freshness and are always a great choice for those moments when you have absolutely no idea what to pull out of your closet. Bright and bold prints add a charming dynamic to the belted wonders. They hint at elegance, simplicity and style combined masterfully with a bourgeois charm. There is a reason the dress is part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Prices generally range between $300 and $400, and they're worth every penny.

When she's looking to add more of a hip edge, Ripa often switches gears into something more form-fitting and structured. Luckily she has the body for it. Ripa has turned into a virtual hanger and looks great in anything. When you consider that the camera adds 10 pounds, it's clear that in real life Ripa appears to be inside out.

The 5-foot-4-inch, 35-year-old beauty can even bridge the gap between the more traditional and modern with yet another of her favorites, lightweight jackets in lace or linen by Nanette Lepore. When you sit on a stool constantly, short jackets are the perfect choice because they don't bunch up in front while sitting. The belt on the wrap dresses also allows Ripa to adjust its lie while pretending to be engrossed by yet another Gelman tale.

Speaking of which, if she spills something on one of her outfits, she most certainly has a stick of Tide to Go in her purse to fend off disaster. Good advice for anyone sitting next to a talker every morning.