A closet full of cloths and nothing to wear? Unfortunately, I have been there many, many times. However, recentally I have stepped outside my sartorial comfort zone (bye yoga pants) and learned the value of investing in quality clothing.
Investing in quality classic staples that can easily be paired with other clothing to make the morning ritual of getting dressed surprising simple. In doing this, I have found I spent less and saved more by investing in quality timeless clothing that transcends decades, never goes out of style, and will remain in my wardrobe for years. It’s always about quality over quantity whether it translates in the choice of a bold color or an unexpected dark floral pattern.
The first time I read Nina Garcia’s book, The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own, it navigated me out of a fashion-in-the-moment-trend into a better world of style suited for my comfort, personality, age, and body type.
What I most treasure about Garcia’s One Hundred book is a simple fashion list of 100 tried-and-true timeless staple items in alphabetical order from accessories to clothing. Her book has beautiful illustrations, descriptions, and a few of her favorite noteworthy brands. Of course, this is her recommended list of classic staples and should be altered to fit your personal style.
Here is a list of a few of my classic fashion notables but choose what fits your personal style and comfort. Your clothing should reflect your innermost version of your true self…..and it’s that simple.
A Trench Coat
Classic timeless style entails the traditional khaki trench. It simply never goes out of style. There are many reputable mid-range brands that offer classic quality styles at affordable prices: J Crew, London Fog, and Bananna Republic are a few. Of course, there is the iconic stunning Burberry……a personal quest for my perfect desired trench and at $1000 price range- it will reside for quite a while on my wish list…..hence, the long Burberry wait. However, calculating the pleasures of wearing a well designed trench with quality materials and the cost per wear makes it much easier to save up and resist any sale temptations of buying a cheap knockoff that will only be short lived and a waste of resources.
Quality Jeans
Quality jeans, my faithful go to every day. For me, jeans serve all my fashion needs. Jeans can be worn with just about anything. It can be dressed up, dressed down, or worn for any casual outing. In the world of denim, the options are endless.
Invest in quality denim that feels comfortable and fits your style. Jeans must fit well in order to flatter your silhouette. It doesn’t matter if the style is flared, skinny, boot cut, or cropped (because it is all personal preference) because if it doesn’t fit well to your body type it will not look good on you. Some of my jean favorites are: Citizens of Humanity, J. Brand, Rock & Republic, and Notify.
A Few Cashmere Sweaters
Everyone should own a soft classic cashmere sweater. Cashmere sweaters come in an array of vibrant colors from the iciest shades of blue-white to intense bights, such as bougainvillea and mulberry. It’s easy to add a splash of color to your wardrobe with cashmere.
And I am forever experimenting with cashmere color- after all, bright colors alleviate the monotony of my daily natural colors. For me, nothing is more sophisticated than a colorful cashmere paired with jeans or a skirt. A deliberate blending of colorful cashmere can create a personalized signature look. This is the playful beauty of a cashmere sweater. Some of my favorite brands that carry an impressive pallet of colors and patterns: Eric Bompard, Everlane, and Boden.
A Pencil Skirt
The feminine pencil skirt has a certain charm all its own. It is timeless, seasonless, and can look ravishing in the palest hint of color. The pencil skirt visually elongates the legs, does not add bulk to curves, and cleverly flatters any figure by making the body appear slimmer-which we all want.
There are many different fabric options for the pencil skirt, such as chambray, knit, tweed, or lace….the fabric and pattern possibilities are quite endless. The pencil skirt easily transitions from work to evening wear and looks beautiful with any shirt, blouse or cashmere top.
A White Button Up Shirt
The white button up shirt will always be a go-to classic. Everyone should have a comfortable crisp tailored white shirt. The button up shirt can easily be dressed up by wearing it under a cashmere sweater or blazer.
Based on your personal style, the button up white shirt can be worn casual with denim or dressy by wearing it with a pencil skirt or dressy pants. The classic white button up shirt looks stylish with flats or heels. Having a simple white button up shirt is always a good go-to on those days when you don’t know what to wear.
A Silk Blouse
Silk blouses are elegant and flattering and always look fabulous either tucked in or worn loose. For me, nothing looks more feminine than a dark or pale floral on a silk blouse.
The beauty and versatility of silk blouses is it’s wide range of colors, patterns, prints, and floral styles making it a quintessential part of your wardrobe capsule. Layer it with a cardigan or blazer for a business or casual outing. If you love the feel of silk you should have at least two!
A Fun Breton Top
I love the unblinking Parisian striped Breton. With a Breton, it’s the strips that do all the speaking, even if you prefer a different color strip than the traditional navy. The Breton is a straight forward clean design that is relevant but modern.
I must say there is something about the Breton that truly feels young, playful, and very Audry Hepburnish. Some quality Brenton stores are: The Brenton Shirt Company and Boden. Both sell the traditional Brenton top and offer a variety of different colors and styles.
The Blazer
I love the simple sophisticated look of a well tailored blazer with no shortcuts, fancy frills or shiny cheap buttons. The key is to invest in one where the tailoring is high quality and well thought out. Blazers should be perfectly textured with sleek lapels and notches that are flattering without looking like a feature. Always make sure it fits well even if you need to get it professionally tailored.
The Little Black Dress (LBD)
The iconic little black dress was immortalized by Coco Chanel. The queen of all black dresses. What makes the little black dress a must-have is it’s wearability. The LBD can be worn to any occasion or event. You can never go wrong wearing a LBD.
The black dress easily lends itself to many types of cuts, designs and fabrics, giving it a sense of elegance and grandeur. It’s ideal for unplanned, unexpected, last minute occasions. And, of course, I need not mention that we all look slimmer in black!
The Wrap Dress
There is good reason why generation after generation women still flock to a classic wrap dress…and there are even more reasons why you should own one. The wrap dress is the one and only piece of clothing adjustable to fit any size and hides any flaws while giving the look of a curvy silhouette. Gain a few pounds, no big deal for the wrap dress.
The wrap dress is a solution to many of my problems and body flaws (thank you Diane von Furstenberg). In fact, I repeatedly wore the wrap dress many times during my pregnancies. It has multifunctional every-day wear that will go anywhere with you giving the illusion of having it all put together at the last minute. I am quite enamored with the adaptability of the wrap dress. It’s the closest thing to clothing magic.
Knowing what works for you and what doesn’t is key in choosing the right style of clothing that defines you. With that said, if a classic investment piece does not fit your style or does not feel comfortable, then it’s not for you. Invest in something of quality that you love wearing and it loves wearing you. Clothing should reflect your personal taste and style. Weather it’s cashmere, a Burberry trench, Louboutin heels or a Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress…..you know which piece is the one the moment you put it on. Find what works for you and say no to everything else.
What classic wardrobe piece is your absolute go-to?
XOXO JC
images: Santo, Chystiakov, Davis, Zhanisov, Ezar.