Fashion essentials every girl should have in her closet for a classic, timeless wardrobe
Here the most timeless and basic pieces you need to create an awesome, classic wardrobe. These are the basic building blocks of a well-rounded closet. These are definitely investment pieces, so don’t be afraid to splurge on certain ones if the time is right. They’re classics and (if you take care of them) can last for years or even decades. They’ll carry you through work weeks at a big girl job, dinners with significant other’s parents, networking soirees, and so much more.
1. A Little Black Dress - Having a trusty LBD in your closet is crucial for nailing classic style. Look for classic knee-length sleeveless sheath styles, similar to something you could picture Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn wearing. Make sure it’s not too short and doesn’t show cleavage for the ultimate versatile piece.
Here’s a few ways to wear an LBD:
A little black dress plus pumps, pearls, and a cardigan or blazer equals an instant and perfect business casual look.
For a sassy date night ensemble, wear your LBD with a sexy pair of stilettos, a top knot, and a chunky chain necklace.
Layer your LBD over a white button down shirt to give your dress an entirely new look!
2. Basic Cardigans - From thin cashmere to durable cotton to heavy wool knits, there’s a cardigan out there that will perfectly fit your needs no matter the occasion or season. Be sure to pick up several different cuts, fabrics, and styles so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Here are a few ideas on how to wear them:
An oversized, long cardigan will give you a cozy vibe when worn with leggings or a skinny jeans and a simple v-neck shirt. Finish with a pair of classic white sneakers and timeless jewelry.
For a sophisticated Hamptons kind of look, drape or tie a cardigan around your shoulders with your favorite LBD or sundress and a chic pair of wedges or sandals.
This might not be conventional, but we actually prefer cardigans rather than hoodies or jackets when I go to concerts and football games because they’re thinner and therefore easier to stuff in a purse or tie around the strap of a cross-body bag if it gets too hot.
3. A White Dress Shirt - If you will be working, going to interviews, or even just looking polished for a nice dinner anytime soon, a white dress shirt should be your new BFF. This is not an item that you want to go cheap on — you want your white dress shirt to hold its shape through many washings, and not even be the slightest bit translucent. It’s also a good idea to go up a size in anything cotton – when it comes to awkward pulling and gaps around your chest, it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
White dress shirts are the ultimate work attire building block. Pair your white dress shirt with a pencil skirt, with a blazer, with khaki trousers, with black dress pants, or even wear one over a LBD to turn it into a skirt and shirt look. Finish with a statement necklace and simple pumps or ballet flats. The combinations are endless!
For a fast and casual look, wear a white button-down shirt with a pair of mom jeans and Converse All-Stars or Vans.
Throw one under a sweater or cardigan for a geek-chic ensemble!
4. Loafers - Loafers are a newly trendy item that’s actually a staple of classic style. They’re buttoned up, formal, and oh-so comfortable, so they’re an amazing shoe to have in your wardrobe.
Here are a few fun ways to wear them:
Evoke your inner Instagram girl and wear a pair of backless loafers with skinnies, and a white dress shirt. For bonus points, add cat-eye sunglasses, red lipstick, or tons of gold jewelry.
Rock a pair of loafers with a little black dress, a fedora, and a cute little scarf tied around your neck. Tres chic!
Loafers can absolutely be business casual, so wear them with black dress pants, a blouse, and a printed cardigan over top.
5. A Tan Trench Coat - It's time for you to splurge on a Tan Trench Coat, you won't be sorry!
Look for styles that hit below your butt and are cut loose through the sleeves and shoulders, so you’ll be able to layer pieces underneath.
Is there anything more gorgeous, chic, and demure than a trench coat worn with red lipstick, a trusty LBD, pumps, and a simple bun or ponytail? This look is perfect for dates, dinners, work, or even just adding a bit of mystique to mundane tasks like grocery shopping or going to the bank!
On the next rainy day, leave that boxy sorority-issued anorak at home. Instead, rock a pair of skinny jeans and any top with a trench coat and an eye-catching pair of boots. Tie a lightweight scarf around your neck for bonus points.
Trench coats look awesome buttoned up and tied, but they also look fantastic left open and loose. Try wearing one with a sweater, skinny jeans, and knee-high boots.
6. All-White Sneakers - They are a classic style staple in 2022 and show no signs of going away. Once you get a pair of all-white sneakers, you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy them sooner.
The number of ways you can wear a simple pair of classic white sneakers is virtually endless. You want these shoes to complement and blend with any outfit, so look for a pair with few to no embellishments.
Pairing a solid-colored dress, denim jacket, and white sneakers is an easy and stylish look for class.
Knee-high boots immediately add polish to any leggings, oversized v-neck and cardigan combo.
Skinny jeans and sneakers are a modern day uniform.
7. Black OR White Jeans - Although medium wash distressed, boyfriend, and mom-style jeans are more modern, it’s still important to have an oh-so-classic pair of black or white jeans in your closet. These can be slim cut, flared, or boot cut — just make sure they’re simple. These jeans always come back into style and are great for nice dinners, casual days at work, or even just pairing with a t-shirt. Look for styles with no fading or embellishments, and if they run long, have them hemmed to perfectly hit the bottom of your heel. If you want to splurge on a pair of designer jeans, a straight or boot cut pair is definitely the most timeless option.
Wear these jeans with black pumps and a white dress shirt for a classic, sophisticated look that’s perfect for meeting the parents or going to a smart-casual work function.
Nice jeans will look fantastic with a black blazer and a small scarf around your neck.
Wear straight-cut jeans with a bodysuit, a cardigan tied around your shoulders, and some mule loafers for an Instagram-ready ensemble.
8. A Perfect Black Blazer - Blazers are awesome pieces because there are so many varieties to choose from. Both shrunken and oversized styles are hot right now, but before you purchase either of those, be sure of have that perfect-fitting classic one in your closet. Make sure the sleeves hit right at your wrists, and the shoulders have enough room to layer underneath. The front should be fitted, but not pull out around your chest. A trip to the tailor might be pricey, but is SO worth it when it comes to a timeless piece like this. You need it to nail that classic style.
Here’s a few ways to style blazers:
Blazers look fantastic over almost any dress in your closet! Finish the look with a simple necklace and pumps.
A favorite night-on-the-town look is a pair of skinny jeans, super high stiletto heels, a chic clutch purse, and a tank or bodysuit layered underneath a blazer.
For a fast and easy outfit, wear a black blazer over one of your favorite graphic tees, a pair of mom jeans, and some white sneakers. Totally comic-book chic!
9. A Lightweight Statement Scarf - Scarves are one of those things that most people don’t specifically set out to buy, but always end up with anyway. Your outfit becomes so much more stylish, intentional, and complete with just this simple addition. For the most flexibility, buy a variety of scarves that are both short and long, square-shaped and rectangular, sheer and opaque. Do what you feel comfortable with, and what is within your budget. You can’t go wrong either way.
A really loved look is a chic scarf tied in one’s hair. There are just so many cool things you can do with it! Channel a pin-up girl by folding one into a triangle, wrapping it around an updo, and knotting it right where your hairline meets your forehead. Another cool variation on this is to leave your hair down and fold the scarf into a 2 to 3-inch band, channeling a sort of hippie-chic-meets-Rosie-the-Riveter vibe!
A light scarf worn around your neck won’t look old lady-ish as long as you style it with modern pieces. Rock it with distressed boyfriend jeans and strappy sandals for a cute, modern take on a classic.
Try tying a scarf around a handle on your purse, around your waist as a belt… and let’s be real, they work as face coverings, too. The possibilities are endless!
10. Black Pumps - No girl in the world should go without a pair of wearable, classic, and simple black heels in their closet. These babies will be here for you from weddings to sorority functions and from first dates to first jobs. Look for very simple styles with no embellishments, and look for a 2-4-inch thin to medium heel.
Your favorite little black dress will look insane with
Have a hot date immediately following a professional club meeting or business function? Wear a tank top blouse with a pencil skirt and a pair of awesome black heels. Layer on a blazer for the meeting, and take it off for the date! Bonus points if you add a belt or a cool portfolio purse.
Black heels do an amazing job complementing dressy shorts. Tweed, leather, and silk styles are my favorites. Finish with a sheer button-down blouse and cat-eye liner.
11. Denim Jacket - In the past, denim jackets might have been associated with middle schoolers and cowboys, but — they have a place in a modern fashion girl’s wardrobe! In fact, they’re a must if you want to get that classic style. Denim jackets are the sartorial version of a bowl of plain pasta — a blank canvas that you can pair with basically anything!
Here’s a few ways to wear them:
Rock one over your favorite white jeans and a v-neck tee, then add sandals and gold jewelry for the perfect late spring/early summer outfit.
A denim jacket is the perfect pairing for a LBD. Add some white sneakers and a slouchy clutch bag for a casual dinner out.
Embrace the sweet, preppy vibe of a denim jacket and pair it with a white sundress and white open-back loafers. Finish with a scarf tied around your ponytail.
12. Simple V-Neck Shirts - V-necks are fantastic for layering under jackets, lounging around in, or using as base pieces to help tone down statement extras. I don’t like to spend a lot of money on v-necks because, at least in my humble opinion, a t-shirt is a t-shirt.
Here’s a few ways I like to wear basic v-neck tees:
There’s no outfit easier or breezier than a v-neck paired with jeans or shorts, canvas shoes, and a hat. Talk about classic style.
Wear under a cardigan or a blazer and with a pair of skinny jeans and some loafers for a fast outfit that’s comfy but still nice enough for class.
Layer a v-neck under a sweatshirt or an oversized knit sweater to – absorb any residual armpit or back sweat-age that could happen, and keep you dry and comfortable all day.
13. Black Dress Pants - These pants are like having cans of tuna or tomato soup in your pantry — an absolute must-have for emergencies! They’re a classic style essential. Take them to the tailor’s and have them hem your pants to hit right at the edge of your foot, so you can wear them with both heels and flats. Look for styles that fit loosely throughout the thigh, and flare out oh-so slightly around the calves. Also, if you can swing it, buy your black dress pants black blazer together as a suit so they’ll match perfectly.
Here’s how to wear yours:
Even if you didn’t get them at the same time or from the same store, pairing black dress pants with a blouse and your classic black blazer will make for an instant business suit.
These babies will look awesome with a white dress shirt tucked in, and a bright scarf tied around your neck or even in your hair. For more fun twists, add bright lipstick or a cool pair of earrings.
Although the most practical places to wear black dress pants are business and work situations, you can bring them out for a night on the town too! Try pairing them with crazy high stilettos and a crop top, or even with a black waistcoat for a chic play on a tuxedo.
14. Classic Wash Jeans in the Cut of Your Choice - If black pants are the Tomato Soup of your wardrobe and denim jackets are the dry pasta, classic wash jeans are the table salt because they go with absolutely everything. All classic washes, from light to dark, work here. Minimal distressing is the most timeless choice, but branch out according to your personal style. Skinny jeans are great, but if you’re feeling a wider leg, go for it! You can’t go wrong if you keep the wash classic. You can find well-fitting jeans all over the place, but styles that allow a little circulation throughout the groin and hip area so that they stay comfortable all day.
A few stylish outfit ideas:
Light wash skinny jeans, look amazing mixed with other light pieces. Pair a cream cardigan with a white bodysuit and finish with loafers.
Straight leg jeans are an obsession. Wear them with a black blazer, pumps, and a tank or crop top for a cool-girl nighttime look.
This outfit is incredibly obvious, but classic jeans look insanely awesome with a comfy tee and white sneakers. Switch up this combo by adding an oversized cardigan, swapping the tee for a white button-down shirt, or adding a trench on top. Finish with loose waves and nude lipstick.
15. A Wool Coat - Any of you girls who live in colder regions know that a good wool coat is an absolute godsend during the winter. It’s a must-have for any woman with a classic style. If you’re going to be doing anything business-y or formal during the winter, you need a dressy wool coat for those occasions.
Check out these cute outfit ideas:
You’ll look East Coast preppy chic with a wool coat buttoned up over a striped scarf. Finish with winter boots, and a beanie in a coordinating shade.
Finding coats long enough to cover dresses is key. Because of how structured and classic the wool coats above are, they will look amazing over a winter cocktail dress and tights if you’re in a pinch.
Don’t feel boxed in by all the navy blue and black coats you see. Since it’s a coat, you don’t need to worry about being matchy-matchy with the colors in your outfit. So go for the coat that speaks to you!
Adapted from: College Fashion
Comments