Closet Makeovers Series: How to Achieve Classic Style
Photo Credit: 1
As a bit of a follow up to last week’s post on fashion history, I’ve decided to continue the Closet Makeovers Series with classic pieces that have stood the test of time.
The items below vary in price range and cost a bit more than usual because the classics are things that are totally worth spending money on. For example, an amazing pair of trousers that you buy now in a classic cut could still be wearable in 5-10 years if they are good quality. It’s all about investing your money in a few classic things as opposed to buying lots of cheaper pieces.
Also, many of you expressed concerns about having “holes” in your wardrobes. Classic pieces are the perfect way to fill those wardrobe gaps. One classic piece can work with everything else in your wardrobe – just make sure you buy it in a color that mixes well with the rest of your clothes.
Black Trousers:
Normally, I talk about how there are so many more neutrals than black, but the black dress pant is a true classic. Like I’ve said before, when it comes to the dress pant, wide leg really is best. It can hide anything that you do not like about your hip and thigh area and it lengthens your leg line for an ultra-flattering look. This is especially great for petites like me who could use the extra help!
Product Information (from left): Fashion Trousers – Matches Fashion, Wide Leg Trousers – Gap, Tailored Trousers – Gap
Sheath Dress:
That perfect little sheath dress is SO Audrey. The higher cut makes it appropriate for multiple occasions, and you can dress it up or down. I have a lot of family parties coming up and I do not want to wear anything that my grandmas would not approve of, so a sheath is perfect! A sheath also typically cinches you in at the waist, giving you the illusion of Audrey’s figure, even if it is not quite there.
Product Information (from left): Sheath Sleeveless Dress – My-Wardrobe, Dana Buchman Sheath Dress – Kohl’s, Lightweight Sheath Dress – Banana Republic
Camel Trench Coat:
The classic trench will always remind me of the 1940’s, but it has truly stood the test of time and is still a popular choice today. The camel trench is great because it is a multi-season coat, especially for those of you who live in a more temperate climate than the one that I live in.
Product Information (from left): Cotton-blend Trench Coat – Net-a-porter, Stone Bell Sleeve Trench Coat – Miss Selfridge, Belted Trench Coat – Old Navy
Blazers:
Blazers have been an important part of a woman’s wardrobe for decades, even in the 1980’s when they had huge shoulder pads. I really like to rock mine with denim for evening, but I like it with nice pants and a cute blouse for an interview or work. Talk about versatility!
Product Information (from left): Blazer – Miss Selfridge, Knit Blazer – Forever 21, Vision in Viridian Blazer – ModCloth
Boot-cut Jeans:
So many of you have expressed to me that skinny jeans are not for you, and that is totally legit because they really may not be! The boot cut has a tiny flare at the end of it, making it an all-around more flattering jean because it balances out curves better. Choose a dark wash for the ultimate slimming effect.
Product Information (from left): Dark Wash Flared Jean – Banana Republic, Boot Jeans – Gap, Slim Boot Jean – American Eagle
Ballet Flats:
What a great shoe for a college girl. Ballet flats are more functional than a heel for class, and can look really great for the evening or a hot date. Here are some that I think are particularly versatile for each aspect of your life!
Product Information (from left): Studded Flats – TopShop, Tamatha Flat – Heels.com, Black Patent Bow Shoes – Peacocks.co.uk
Pearl Jewelry:
Whether you are into wearing long strands with a rocker tee or pearl earrings as your go-to pair (like myself), I think pearls have stood the test of time simply because there are so many different styles of them. If you’re not sure whether to invest in a pair of real pearls, or go for a cheap pair of fakes, check out Liza’s article Splurge vs Save: Investment Jewelry.
Product Information (from left): Pearl Ring – Piperlime, Pearl Embellished Necklace – American Eagle, Pearl Earring – Ice.com
What do you think?
Which pieces do you think have stood the test of time? How do the classics fill the holes in your wardrobe? What is your favorite style of pearls? My favorite classic shoe is the flat, but what is yours?
Posted on on November 21, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Audrey Hepburn, classics, Closet Makeovers Series, Investment Pieces, Pearls, Shopping
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Bizzy
I love this. These really are classic pieces every woman should have in their wardrobe. Great job!
Callie
Looks great! I’ve read a bunch of articles about how to emulate Audrey’s style, but this actually has clothes that would look modern enough on teens today.
Alyssa
I’ve never had a pair of ballet flats that didn’t hurt my feet. Come to think of it… I’ve never had heels that didn’t hurt my feet. I only get lucky with tennis shoes, some boots, and various kinds of sandals. Which is a major bummer! Maybe you could do an article about find comfortable and cute shoes for your feet. Just an idea!
Vanessa @ Chic and Charming
Great job! I love the piece about trench coats and pearls.
Parisa
Great article!
Alyssa – a lot of people find ballet flats rub a bit when you first get them. What I always do is wear them around the house with socks on for a while everyday, and in a week or so they soften up. My mum swears by rubbing the insides of all new shoes with a hot spoon. I’ve tried it and it does work, though none of us know why! As for heels, it’s all about practice, and party-feet (I don’t know whether they do them in the states, but theyre like a gel pad to stop your toes from hurting)
Hope this helps! I love this site!
xxx
Jessica
LOVE this. I want a sheath dress now!
Luinae
Wow, what a great post!
I’m so glad to finally see bootcut jeans featured on the site. I also love my pearl studs and bracelets, as well as my ballet flats. I’m still on the lookout for a blazer that I like, so the search continues!
Ashlee
I don’t even know how to wear bootcut jeans, I’m so used to skinnies!
Madeleine Fahlbusch
I definately think the sheath dress has stood the test of time probably because just feels so Audrey.. Classic pieces help fill holes in my closet by keeping my look polished and mature looking. My favorite style of pearls is the pearl ring, I just bought a great one from H&M. My favorite classic style of shoe is the boot, boots have been a main staple of my style since fifth grade so they feel really comfortable and they feel like me.
Amber
Awesome article!
I have all of these in my closet except for the sheath dress. These pieces really are classics which can go with everything! I like wearing a black blazer with a cute top and some boot cut jeans with flats, thats the perfect casual outfit for me!
emma lee teen tees
Wow. I love how you piece it all together with different examples. Audrey would be proud…
Isabelle
I adored this entire post so much, makes me want to re-work my clothing plan for this week :)
lalalina
I feel like I have seen this post before, it is very similar to the essentials for every girls wardrobe. I agree with everything you said but I do feel like I have read a CF article very similar to this before.
lalalina
Actually it was your article on the feminine basics
Workchic
Love how you incorporated blazers into this post. They instantly pull together an outfit!
Princess
How dare you, you totally forgot the white button down shirt! Also can be worn for any occasion and with (almost) anything.
Sally
I really admire Audrey’s style! Simple yet beautiful and oh so classy!
The only items I have off this list are the bootcut jeans and a (faux) pearl. Definitely am going to get at least the black slacks and the ballerina flats.
Nice article, very helpful! Thanks!