The cornerstone of having great style is having a well-rounded closet. Who knew closets had the capacity to be well-rounded? A true style genius is never too narrow or too wide with their options. Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, what do they have in common? They are fashion icons. Why are they renown style goddesses long after their prime? Their timeless, classic, and unique looks. Being classic doesn’t equal dressing like a mom. Being classic also doesn’t mean wearing Ralph Lauren and Jcrew until your preppiness seeps from your pores. Having classic style means looking chic but updated, individualistic but immortal. So you’re ready to take the plunge and become an icon? The way I see it, the rules are simple. First,
Audrey Hepburn by rogerwo via Flickr.com
1. Invest in staple items
I stole a grey-blue, long sleeved button down from my mom a few years ago that she had saved from the 80’s. It is arguably my favorite shirt. It’s simple, it goes with everything, and it’s classy with a pair of slacks but trendy with a pair of high waisted jean shorts and wedges. It is a true staple. Purchasing staple items such as button downs, great fitting jeans, and little black dresses are things that will last forever. The key is to avoid trends when purchasing staple items – staple items are meant to look timeless regardless of the times.
2. Trendy ‘Pieces’
Add trend to your wardrobe in pieces. A classic look with a flare of trend updates a boring ‘mom-esque outfit into an updated, chic look. Wear a blazer instead of a cardigan. Find a great pair of shoes to go with your go-to Saturday afternoon dress. Too much trend can look cheap and overwhelming.
3. Avoid Labels
This seems like an oxymoron to having a great style but it is so true. A real chic woman never brags about her Hermès Birkin Bag that is seemingly label-less. Great fashion doesn’t need a label to be great. Furthermore, there are replicates to every label.
4. A Go-To Bag
A classic leather bag never goes out of style. If you prefer black, go for black. If you prefer brown, go for brown. Leather can be pricy but a great bag can last forever. Refer back to rule number three when deciding on a bag. A classic bag can complete a classic look.
5. Leopard Print
Leopard may seem a bit trendy, but pieces of leopard print add flare to any outfit. A leopard print pair of flats or a skinny belt with a seemingly plain ensemble adds just enough to be trendy. Limit leopard to one piece per outfit. Leopard print when it’s tight, colored, or too much, is indeed, too much.
Remember, a well-rounded closet never has too much or too little. The key is to let yourself shine through your own personal style while remaining effortlessly timeless in doing so. May the force be with you, style divas!
