“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” says Miuccia Prada.
There’s much more to our clothing choices than we might think. Our clothes say a great deal about who we are, and greatly affect the impression others have of us.
Dressing elegantly can be challenging. Many women fancy a beautiful, classic, and versatile wardrobe; with every new trend of shoes, bags, or clothes they find themselves rushing to the stores just to spend ludicrous amounts of money.
In most cases, they end up with an entire wardrobe that is not only temporary, fashionable for two seasons at most, but also offers a range of pieces of various styles that are hard to combine.
The feeling is painfully familiar – you open a bursting closet and declare “I have nothing to wear!”.
The solution is surprisingly simple. All you need are a few reliable and timeless key pieces, which can be mixed and matched to create countless classic looks.
After I learned the secret to dressing well, I altered my wardrobe by adding a set of classic pieces that are both cohesive and lasting; those pieces form the foundation of a resourceful wardrobe and reflect the simple and sophisticated aesthetic that any elegant woman should have.
In this post I’ll share the key pieces that make up a polished wardrobe. Because such pieces of clothing always stay fashionable, and, with proper care, can last years on end, you shouldn’t be afraid to invest in high quality!
As Vivienne Westwood says: “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.”
The Trench Coat
First, a bit of history. The Trench Coat was created by Thomas Burberry for the British army officers who fought in trenches during World War I. Hence the name – Trench Coat.
Over time, the Trench Coat found its way to the smart wardrobes of fashionable women.
A classic Trench Coat in a neutral color can fit everyone and give a sophisticated touch to any outfit; wear it buttoned up and tied or leave it loose and open for a laid-back look.
The simple and refined shape, in perfect balance of function and form, turns the Trench Coat into a lifetime garment, a must-have for every woman.
The trenches, thankfully, are long gone, but the Trench Coat is here to stay.
The Little Black Dress
Introduced in the 20th century by Coco Chanel and Jean Patou (although Chanel gets the credit), the little black dress, or LBD as some affectionately call it, is the hallmark of women’s elegance.
The little black dress is a simple, timeless, and versatile piece that can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion; in essence, it’s a blank canvas.
The LBD can be sexy and seductive, conservative and practical, or smart and sophisticated. It all depends on the rest of the outfit – after all, no other color is as suitable as black is.
Perfect dresses do come at a cost, but the LBD is too indispensable to be sold only at extravagant prices.
Regardless of your budget, you can look for a classic silhouette midi-length dress, made of high-quality material, which reflects your style and emphasizes your body shape.
The White Dress Shirt
The first moment that the white shirt found itself in the spotlight of women’s fashion was back in the 18th century, when Marie Antoinette wore a ruffled cotton dress in a portrait. The whole incident caused something of a scandal at the time.
The white dress shirt has long been an essential part of men’s wardrobes, signifying social class and wealth because of the required cleanliness.
During the 20th century, several fashion designers, including Coco Chanel, broke down gender boundaries and introduced us to a more relaxed and contemporary take on womenswear.
Thanks to Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and others, the white dress shirt has become a symbol of simple and effortless femininity.
Nowadays, you can wear a dress shirt with either structured trousers, a flowy midi-skirt, or a light-wash pair of jeans – no matter how it is styled and accessorized, the white shirt will always make you look refined.
This is definitely not an item that you want to compromise on!
You want your white dress shirt to hold its shape through many washes. Don’t waste your time and money on cheap fabric.
Save up and invest in a good quality dress shirt, made of natural fabric. Silk is the way to go for a feminine and looser fit, whereas cotton will give you a crisp and structured aesthetic.
The Cashmere Jumper
As temperatures drop, cashmere jumpers are my go-to for staying warm and stylish.
Whether you choose to own a classic round-neck, a V-neck, a looser slouchy cut, or a shorter and snugger fit, I can guarantee that you’ll wear it on a regular basis.
Quality cashmere is not only the finest, softest and warmest yarn, but also a very durable product, which can easily last for a lifetime when taken care of properly.
This special yarn comes from fibers found in the undercoat of cashmere and pashmina goats, which live mainly in northern China and in Mongolia.
It takes a single goat about 2.5-4 years to produce enough cashmere to create one average sized jumper. In comparison, one sheep can produce enough fiber to make 4 wool jumpers in a single year.
Because of its rarity, cashmere has long been associated with royalty and glamour; but nowadays it is more accessible than ever to the masses, and not only to the privileged few.
Cashmere is worth the praise and admiration that has been lavished upon it for centuries, and the cashmere jumper in particular is a trusty piece, which you’d always be grateful to be able to fish out of your wardrobe.
The Black Trousers
For much of modern history, the use of trousers was restricted to men. Only during the mid-20th century pants became an acceptable everyday clothing option for women.
Luckily, women have never looked back since they have added trousers to their set of options. There is something about wearing a great pair of trousers to show that you’re in control.
High-waisted with a straight leg, or tie-waisted with a slim leg – either way, a pair of black trousers is a foundation piece for any business or dressed-up outfit.
Just note that trousers come in a substantial number of silhouettes – make sure that you get a cut that flatters your figure.
The Jeans
Invented in the late 19th century by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss, jeans have become a universal clothing garment; they are worn all over the world us a typical off-duty (and at times, on-duty) uniform.
In my opinion, jeans won’t go out of style anytime soon.
Choose a pair in a shade that you like: light wash, dark wash, or black, and make sure that it’s in a style that flatters your figure the most – as long as it goes well with the rest of your clothes and suits your aesthetic.
My personal favorite pair of jeans is Levi’s 501 style jeans, almost notorious for its durability and flawless shape.
The Mid Length Skirt
Whether you prefer the feminine and gentle touch or the business and sophisticated appeal, a well-fitting mid-length skirt can be a key piece in your possession; in some cases, it can even be worn casually.
When it comes to mid-length skirts, what really matter is your taste: there are multiple silhouettes such as pencil skirts, slip skirts, or A-line skirts. For a tasteful ensemble, the length of the skirt can vary, with the skirt reaching just above or below the knee.
You can opt for a silky and drapey fabric, or a more formidable and structured one according to your liking.
The Pump
Although the heel was originally designed for man, shoes with heels have become a key article of women’s clothing.
Throughout the years, heels have come a long (and high) way.
Shoe designers extended the arch, thinned the heel, and added different colors and shapes – yet the classic and modest pump has remained a staple piece that will never fail you.
A neutral color pump blends into any look and can virtually be worn with anything; dress it down with a white shirt and jeans, if you want to stay casual, pair it with a skirt and cashmere jumper for a weekend date, or dress it up with a LBD for a formal occasion.
Whichever colored pumps you choose – the traditional black or the fresh nude – your pumps will elevate and transform your appearance to make you feel like the feminine, sexy, and sophisticated woman you are.
The Black Ankle Boots
The black ankle boots, in particular, are among my most treasured pieces of footwear.
Because of their simplicity, ankle boots are often overlooked and undervalued by fashionistas and other stylish characters, but this simplicity is exactly what makes ankle boots my go-to item for fall, winter, and even early spring.
A basic pair of black ankle boots can go with everything from midi dresses, to trousers and jeans, and are suitable for most occasions; they are an investment piece, and if you find the perfect pair, they’ll last you for years to come.
Pick a subtle and clean design, with a flat sole or a low heel that will be comfortable for hours of wear.
The Structured Bag
Every woman needs a high-quality structured leather bag.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to own an expensive designer piece (although you can), but there are a lot of excellent quality bags made out of beautiful leather and sold for a reasonable price.
The perfect timeless bag is a “plain”: without big logos, patterns, or embellishments.
When selecting a bag, make sure it is in the right size, practical for everyday use, and in a neutral color that match your go-to shoes.
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