The Classics

If you don’t have some of these pieces in your wardrobe, think about acquiring them! These classic pieces can be staples in your wardrobe and outlast the trends.

A tailored white shirt – Should fit you well, and have the classic collar and sleeves. Newer cuts can be fun to use, but can look dated later on. Except french cuffs, those are always classy. Can be dressed up with a suit or dressed down the jeans and flats. Should be crisp and ironed (but doesn’t have to stay that way).

The perfect jeans – These jeans should fit you perfectly, make you feel sexy, and yet also be comfortable. Hard to find, I know, but hold on to them when you find them! You might want to get two pairs in different lengths: one for wearing with heels and one for flats, and/or two washes: light and dark, for different occasions (generally darker for dressier, lighter for more casual). Trouser-cut or boot-cut are always classics.

Tailored black pants – Try to avoid really trendy cuts and go for a trouser cut, which means a slightly looser fit that falls straight to the floor from the widest part of your hips. Pick the waist level that you are most comfy with, be it a lower modern fit, at the waist, or at the natural waist. Just don’t go too low or you might find yourself regretting it later.

Work pumps – Every woman needs a pair of relatively comfy high heels that are work-appropriate. That means heels that are high, but not too high, generally around 2″. Should be conservative-looking (meaning not bright red, or lime green with a huge pink flower on the toe) and office-appropriate. My favorite are a pair of black leather round-toes garnished with a tiny feminine bow. Often, these shoes can go to work or be dressed up for a night out. Black is classic.

A tailored jacket – Pick a neutral color like black, grey, brown, khaki, or pinstripe and make sure it is office-appropriate. You’ll have plenty of time to spend money on trendier styles. Make sure it fits just right and flatters your shape. Can be worn to work, interviews, meetings, daytime events, etc.

The pencil skirt – Again, pick a neutral color. Black, grey, brown, khaki, pinstripe, etc. Wool is classiest, and a subtle tweed can work well, too. A pencil skirt can be dressed up, down, for work or play, and everything in between.

A cashmere sweater – Doesn’t have to be super-expensive, but should look and feel luxurious. Pick a classic color that pops, like red or turquoise, or go for the more somber black. Cardigan or pull-over doesn’t matter. I have a button-up cardigan and a turtlneck. Both, conincidentally, in turquoise. Perfect with the pencil skirt and pumps for a dressy-casual affair.

A summer dress – Pick a color/pattern that is fun and pretty, but not flippant. Should be light and cool, but not showing too much skin. Should be able to go from garden party to bridal shower to summer cocktails to church, and maybe even the beach.

A wrap – Doesn’t have to be pashmina. Should be long enough to wrap up in and with lovely fringe. I have one in plain black and one in patterned emerald green. Wear it as a scarf for a more European look, or as a wrap when dressed up in chill weather.

The little black dress – A classic must-have. Doesn’t have to be a certain cut, should fit and flatter your body type. Generally cut at or above the knee. Should be dressy enough for a cocktail party or a night out.

The leather jacket – Make it feminine, make it you. A leather jacket doesn’t have to break the bank, but should look nice and fit you well. Mine’s dark red mandarin collar with cross-hatch detailing on the front and I’ve nearly worn it out. Should make you feel sexy, not biker-ish. Unless of course, you’re a biker.

A trench coat – The ultimate classy spring accessory, should probably be waterproof. Classically double or single breasted with a belt. Long, medium, or short, the length is up to you. Classically black, white, or khaki, but comes in a range of colors. Beware of picking a trendy color unless you really love it.

Now that you’ve got these, you’ll be ready for anything and everything, for many years to come. Dress them up, dress them down, mix and match and you’re well on your way to being classy, put-together, and fabulous.