Do you want to know the must-have pieces that every classic style lover should have in their wardrobe? These are my non-negotiables for creating a timeless and classic style wardrobe.
With the New Year here, I think many of us are found staring at our closets, wondering what to wear. Maybe a part of your New Year’s resolution is defining your own personal style. Defining your personal style can be both challenging and fun. Throughout the years, I have tested so many different styles and I always seem to gravitate back to a more timeless and classic style. Growing up, my mom always dressed well. She was a stay-at-home mom and often wore button-up blouses, cable-knit sweaters, jeans or khakis, and a pair of penny loafers. Oh and her classic pearl earrings! I don’t recall a day where she didn’t look put together. She was (and still is!) a major source of style inspiration for me. One reason that I love classic style is that, well it’s classic! That means it’s timeless. It was in style decades ago, it’s in style this year, and will be in style five years from now. And because of that, you can curate a wardrobe of classic and timeless pieces that will last you decades!
So in this post, you’re going to learn about the must-have pieces for a classic style wardrobe, from head to toe!
After learning about these essential classic wardrobe pieces, you will be well on your way to creating a personal style that is classic and timeless.
Must-Have Classic Style Pieces
1. White Shirt
One of the first items in your classic style wardrobe should be a white shirt. It’s a closet staple! Why? Because it’s such a versatile piece. You can create so many different outfits with a white shirt. Pair it with jeans, wear it under a sweater, wear it with a skirt…so many possibilities! My favorite places to shop for a white shirt are J.Crew and Talbots.
#2. A Pair of Good Jeans
Who doesn’t need a good pair of jeans? For a classic wardrobe, you should have a pair of blue jeans, black jeans, and white jeans. My favorite places to shop for jeans are J.Crew, Abercombie, Old Navy, and Madewell. Shop for jean styles that cater to your specific body type. For example, I’m 5’10 and have wider hips, so I need a pair of jeans that are longer and curvy!
#3. Trench Coat
There are a few essential jackets/outerwear pieces for a classic style wardrobe. But I think the most important one is a good trench coat. I say that because trench coats are trans-seasonal. Meaning, you can wear them for multiple seasons! I wear mine mostly in the spring and fall, but will also break it out during a warmer winter day. My trench coat is from J.Crew and is usually under $100!
#4. A Striped Shirt
Next to a white shirt, a striped shirt is a top that classic style lovers wear on the reg. Like the white shirt, a striped shirt is so versatile and you can create so many outfits with it! My go-to striped shirt is from Kule.
#5. A Pair of Penny Loafers and/or Ballet Flats
When it comes to shoes, a good pair of classic penny loafers OR a pair of brown ballet flats are essential. They each add a level of sophistication but they are so simple and comfortable! And pair well with so many outfits!
When it comes to ballet flats, you can want a high-quality pair that offers good support. Cheap flats hardly last (especially if you’re flat-footed like me!) Margaux is my go-to for great flats!
I love Eastland Shoe’s classic penny loafers. They’re very comfortable and provide great support!
#6. White Sneakers
When it comes to classic style basics, another shoe that I love is a simple white sneaker. For a more cute and casual look, white sneakers are perfect! My personal favorite are my white Tretorns. I practically live in them and my mom had them in the 80s (again, classic style never dies!)
#7. Pearl Earrings
Ahh. Pearl earrings. Simple and elegant and the go-to earring for every prep and classic style lover. You can of course splurge and treat yourself to some real pearls, but you can easily find a more affordable set for less than $30. Like this set!
#8. A Cashmere Sweater
In complete transparency, a cashmere sweater wasn’t added to my own personal wardrobe until last year. But I love it and wear it often and wish I had gotten one sooner. You can get them in multiple colors at J.Crew, but I like to stick to neutrals like camel, black, cream, or navy.
#9. A Blazer
And finally, the last item on the list. A blazer! I love blazers. They’re smart and sophisticated and can elevate any outfit. And blazers don’t have to be worn with a boring black suit, you can wear them more casually with jeans for an everyday look!
I hope this post on must-have classic style wardrobe pieces was helpful to you as you begin your journey of creating a classic and timeless wardrobe!
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