Do you know how to tell if an item of clothing is classic or not? Here are six simple ways to determine if you’re purchasing classic clothing items.
I talk all the time about building a wardrobe of classic clothing, but how do you know which items are classic?
Today I’ll share six easy things to think about when purchasing clothes to see if your item of clothing is classic or not.
Ask yourself these questions to see if you’re purchasing classic clothing
1. Can you tell that it’s from a certain decade? We call all look at clothing from the 20’s, or the 50’s, or the 70’s, or the 90’s, and immediately know that they’re from that decade. They have certain necklines, prints, embellishments, or silhouettes that are indicative of that era. If you look at an item of clothing and can’t tell which decade it’s from, that’s a good indication that it’s more of a classic item.
2. It is cheaply or well made? Classic clothing should be well made. This doesn’t mean it needs to be expensive necessarily, but fast fashion is definitely not going to have the classic pieces you can hang on to for years.
3. Is the design simple? Classic pieces should be simple, which helps it work for decade after decade. Classic clothing will not be overly long, overly short, super tight, super loose or oversized, and they should be free of embellishments like fringe, bedazzlements, etc.
4. Is it neutral or does it come in a minimal color palette? Classic clothing is most often neutral, which makes it easy to wear with other items, and work for everyone. Some common neutral colors would include tan, gray, navy, black, white, or cream.
5. If it comes in a print, is it a traditional print? Prints can absolutely be classic, but there are definitely some prints that are more classic than others. A few traditional prints might include stripes, polka dots, and plaids.
6. Is it versatile and easy to mix and match with other things? The great thing about classic pieces is that they’re versatile! When you’re dealing with simple design, neutral colors, and a good fit, it can literally be paired with anything. If you start with the basics, you can add more trendy pieces to your outfits to make them fit your style.
Here are examples of classic pieces you should have in your closet:
1. CLASSIC BOOTS – Try something in a Chelsea style, a stacked heel with a slim ankle, a knee high heeled boot, or a riding boot. All are classic styles in neutral colors
2. BASIC TEE or SHIRT – you can do long sleeve or short sleeve, depending on the season, and if you’re bigger busted, try something with a lower neckline, like a scoop or v neck.
3. MID or DARK WASH JEANS – you choose the style that works best for you and you feel most confident in. A DARK PAIR OF SKINNY JEANS is a great option, or if you want something less skinny, a pair of MOM STYLE FULL LENGTH JEANS, or maybe a pair of FULL LENGTH WIDE LEG or FLARED JEANS
4. BASIC SWEATER – choose a crew neck or turtleneck, these are most versatile and classic! You could do a neutral color or bright color or a subtle print.
5. BLACK JEANS or PANTS – If you work in an office, a pair of trousers might be best for your closet. If you work from home or stay at home, you might want black jeans or even a nice pair of black leggings instead.
6. SLIM NEUTRAL SNEAKER – A pair of basic lace up sneakers will never go out of style. There are always variations with slip on or backless or embellished or platform, but a slim sneaker in a lace up style in white or black or another neutral color, will always be a staple and never go out of style.
7. NEUTRAL PUMP – a classic pump is another shoe that will never go out of style. Choose something in a leather or patent leather, and go for black, nude, or another neutral color. I’d also recommend a pointed toe over a rounded toe, since those are most flattering and elongating to your outfit, and work with dresses, skirts, and pants, regardless of their length.
8. ELEVATED SINGLE BREASTED COAT – you can do something in black, navy, gray, tan, or another neutral color that goes with everything. You can also choose the length, whether it’s mid calf length or mid thigh length or somewhere in between. And depending on where you live, you can choose a wool coat, trench coat, or puffer coat. But choose something elevated, that fits you well, and is neutral. I recommend not doing double breasted because it’s harder to wear open AND closed, and also tends to add bulk to your middle. Single breasted is always a better option in my opinion, although both are classic!
9. LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET OR BLAZER – I love a lighter weight layer for the fall and spring. You could do a blazer for a more tailored, elevated look, or a denim jacket for a casual feel, or you could do an anorak for a longer and more casual feel, or a leather jacket for a more edgy feel. You choose what’s best for your style and your body and your closet…all are classic styles!
10. LITTLE BLACK DRESS – A little black dress is so classic, regardless of what style it is. You could do lace, you could do a sheath dress, you could do fit and flare, you could do mini or midi. Just make sure it fits you well and is made of good material. A cheap jersey maxi dress is NOT a classic black dress.
There are lots more classic you could buy for your closet…a few others worth mentioning…
- Loafer shoes
- Classic tote bag
- Gold hoop earrings
- Leather belt with simple buckle
- Striped sweater or tee
There are plenty more but this is a good list that I hope you’ll begin to add to your closet!
And remember to ask yourself the list of questions above when buying these classic pieces to make sure you get classic items!
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Great article! I agree with all of your advice. I’d add one thing: better to save for fewer, quality classic items than buying lots of inexpensive things. Get the best you can afford on your budget, getaway shootout as the classic items ( as in Burberry trench) will last forever. We don’t need lots of things jammed into our closets. We really only need a handful of classic items. Cheers!