Having classic pieces of clothing in the wardrobe is just a part of being a woman, there’s no other way to build a versatile wardrobe – you have to have that strong, high quality base. However, deciding on, locating and purchasing classic pieces of clothing for that base wardrobe collection is certainly not as easy as some might have you believe. It is a fabulous idea to browse blogs and sites reading about which classic pieces to choose, where to get them from and how they form the base of your staple wardrobe, but, it is also a great idea to think about what your idea of classics is. After all, fashion comes and goes, but a classic piece has to fit you like a dream, make you feel fantastic, go with a multitude of things and most of all – fit into your very own personal style. Often a person’s classic wardrobe pieces will sum their fashion style up completely, even in just a few pieces.
So do take the time to think about what a classic is to you, taking inspiration from others, not guidance to ensure you are following your own personal path of collecting classics, not someone else’s.
In the meantime, here are some great tips to help you identify whether or not a piece of clothing is a fad or a classic:
Will it still be fashionable in 10 years? Was it fashionable 40 years ago?
Has the item been fashionable for what seems like forever? Would it look abnormal set in the 50’s? Could it apply to any fashion scenario? If the item you are considering has appeared in various different forms in different eras over the years, it is likely to be a classic. The only exception is if your version is very individual, in which case this may not be the case. For example, a classic brown satchel might stand the test of time, but an embellished jewelled one may not.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Safe
Classic clothes are not fussy and tend to be really simple and almost minimalist. Patterned pieces, embellished pieces or any fussy items won’t often appear in any ‘classic clothes’ lists because they will quickly look dated. The exception to this rule is patterns like breton stripes and leopard print which are classic prints if they are on the right piece.
Middle Ground
A classic piece is not a piece that will have broken the style records at any time, or been particularly fitted or precise. Classics are very middle ground and strong in their cut, so they tailor to the shape of the person, but they don’t drown the shape or tightly fit it. Classics sit in the background and quietly offset other more ‘now’ pieces.
Classic Colours Or Tones
Various colours stay classic and don’t come in and out of fashion. Nude, neutrals black, white, brown and grey will usually stay current, but louder colours like neons or certain bolds won’t always look good.
Quality
When buying classics, you should always buy the best you can afford because the pieces are designed to last you season after season. Fast fashion is not likely to give you classics you can wear again and again but is great for the extra trendy pieces you use to keep you on trend every season. Shops with a more classic and luxe branding are more likely to sell classics which should make up around 75% of your wardrobe. Look at the stitching, lining, materials and manufacturing to check for quality because classics don’t always have to be expensive. Vintage fashion is certainly a cheap way to buy well made classics that will stand the test of time. When shopping classics online, look at larger retailers as well as smaller boutiques like www.bellafashionqueen.co.uk taking your time and really considering your purchases carefully to ensure you make the best choices.
Do Your Research
If you are still feeling confused as to what to purchase to make up your classics collection in your wardrobe, do your research and read lots about recommended pieces and what other people consider to be their classics. The more you know, the more inspired you will be.