EVERY WELL-DRESSED WOMAN SHOULD BUILD THE FOUNDATION OF HER WARDROBE BY INVESTING IN A CORE OF TIMELESS CLASSIC PIECES.
To look your best, your wardrobe should consist of an assortment of classic pieces combined with a mix of the latest trends. When shopping for the classics, be willing to invest in durable construction and high-quality workmanship to ensure these pieces will last for years to come. Here are eight classic pieces that every woman should own for a timeless wardrobe.
Little black dress
Chic and timeless, the little black dress is perfect to wear for nearly every occasion. Look for a figure-flattering dress that can be worn with simple pumps and a leather handbag for a classic, understated look. A black dress is also very versatile. Dress up your favorite LBD with a bold, chunky necklace and sky-high heels, or tone it down with an oversize cardigan and knee-high boots.
Pencil skirt
Originally created in the 1940s, the pencil skirt is a form-fitting piece with a straight, narrow cut. Typically, this type of skirt falls to the knee and has a slight slit in the back to allow for movement. Sophisticated and feminine, pencil skirts are ideal for the office: partner a pencil skirt with your favorite pumps, a ruffled blouse or fitted blazer, and simple, elegant jewelry.
White blouse
Every woman should own at least one classic, white blouse. Look for a white, button-down blouse or shirt that can be layered under a suit or cardigan. This timeless blouse doesn’t need many frills to be a vital part of your wardrobe. It will look just as good with a business suit as it does with jeans.
Black pumps
Pumps come in every style, color and fabric imaginable; however, when it comes to the classics, you can’t go wrong with a pair of basic black leather pumps. These shoes are worth investing in because you’ll want them to last season after season. Timeless pumps have a closed, almond-shaped toe and a 2- to 3-inch heel. You can wear black pumps with everything, from your little black dress to high-waist trousers to skinny jeans.
Business suit
A business suit should be timeless. When shopping for a suit, pick a dark color such as black or charcoal gray. The skirt should fall to your knee or a couple inches above, and the jacket should be a classic two- to three-button style. The right business suit can be worn to a job interview, a business meeting, a funeral or even a first date, depending on what you wear with it.
Dark-wash jeans
Every woman should own one great-fitting pair of jeans. Jeans are an essential building block for any wardrobe. Shop for jeans in a dark blue wash. The dark color will make you look slimmer and make the jeans more versatile. You can wear dark jeans casually with your favorite T-shirt and sneakers, dress them up with a ruffled blouse and heels at the office or partner them with a tunic and platform sandals when you go out.
Roomy handbag
A roomy handbag that you can carry every day will put the finishing touch on any outfit. Your go-to handbag should be a simple design in black or dark brown leather so that it can be worn with almost anything in your wardrobe. This handbag needs to be roomy enough to carry all your necessities but not so large that it’s overpowering.
Diamond stud earrings
If you want to invest in one piece of jewelry, make it a pair of diamond stud earrings. Diamond earrings don’t have to be large; the sparkle of the diamonds will make a big enough statement. Classic stud earrings can be worn anywhere, so they are worth the investment. If you can’t afford diamonds right now, however, don’t worry. The quality of cubic zirconia and other faux diamonds has improved. No one (except you and the jeweler) will know that you aren’t wearing the real thing.
Other classic pieces for a timeless wardrobe
To round out the foundation of your wardrobe, every woman should also have these staple pieces in her closet.
- Ballet flats
- Black tights or leggings
- Cardigan sweater
- Classic blazer
- Evening clutch
- Khaki pants
- Knee-high boots
- Leather jacket
- Pearl necklace
- Sheath dress
- Silk scarf
- Spandex/cotton T-shirts (three colors: black, white and something bright)
- Trench coat
When shopping, splurge a little more on classic pieces to create a timeless wardrobe that you’ll love now and for many years to come.