When I was a little girl, I loved looking through old family photo albums. I laughed at my mom’s scary 1980’s hair and my uncle’s plaid bell-bottoms (hello, 1976!). At age six, I scoffed at the thought of my beloved pink glitter jelly shoes and corduroy overalls ever going out of style. More than a decade later, my outdated fashion faux pas are painfully apparent. I’m all for experimenting with new trends, but I don’t want to look like a total fashion victim twenty years down the road. Fortunately, this is where classics come in. Classics are pieces that you can wear day after day, season after season, year after year – without ever looking outdated. Here are five fashions that will never go out of style:
1. A great pair of jeans: Denim trends come and go – bell-bottoms in the seventies, skinnies in the eighties, acid wash in the nineties – but there will always be a stylish pair for your body. A polished pair of dark-wash jeans in a figure-flattering cut won’t ever look outdated, so stock up on these! Especially during your college years, the perfect pair of jeans will be the foundation of your wardrobe: Wear them with a tank and a flowy cardigan for school, dress them up with heels for a night out, add a funky belt for a pop of personality, or pair them with your favorite tee when you feel like dressing down. If you choose one piece to invest in, this should be it!
2. The LBD: No matter your body type, skin tone, or style, there is a perfect little black dress out there for every girl! It’s been a style staple since Coco Chanel popularized the look in the 1920’s. (And I don’t see it going out of style any time soon.) Opt for a timeless style that can be worn year-round to get the most value. The key here – as with jeans – is to look for the perfect cut for your figure. Once you have the right LBD for your body, you can consistently change up your look: add a blazer and heels for your internship, thrown on a fun scarf for class, or add a dash of color with a bright cardigan.
3. Trench coat: Originally worn by British and French soldiers in World War One, the trench coat has become a staple for both men and women. Humphrey Bogart wore one in Casablanca and Audrey Hepburn wore one in Breakfast at Tiffany’s; today, Blair Waldorf wears trenches of all colors and styles in Gossip Girl. A classic camel-colored trench adds a touch of polished sophistication to any outfit. Pair yours with a floral dress and boots or a striped tee and jeans. The trench instantly tops off your outfit, and the cinched waist is a figure-flattering bonus. (Not into camel or khaki trenches? You can find trenches in dozens of colors. My trench is coral red!)
4. Black pumps: Dress them up, dress them down, wear them with everything you own! The ideal pair of black pumps will make your legs go on for miles, give your butt a boost, and make you walk with an extra spring in your step. For maximum versatility, choose an office-appropriate pair so you can wear them to interviews and internships. (Translation: No stilettos, no sky-high heels.) How often you pull your pumps out of your closet depends on your personal style; if you’re more of a jeans-and-tee gal, you’re not likely to be inclined to traipse around campus in heels. But when that special occasion comes around that necessitates the perfect pair of black pumps, you’ll be prepared. And really, isn’t that what classic pieces are all about?
5. A basic bag: The perfect bag is like the perfect man: it’s cute, sturdy, and carries all your stuff. The ideal bag is a medium-sized purse in a neutral color and a classic style, such as a brown satchel or a black tote. Stay away from anything too trendy – prints and studs come to mind – and you’ll be able to wear your bag season after season.
Trends come and go, but these five style staples will never let you down. Stuck in a wardrobe rut? Dress perfectly posh with one or more of these pieces. You’ll look equally chic today as you will years down the road.
Photo Sources: All photos from Bloomingdale’s