Let’s talk about a classic wardrobe that stands the test of time. Now that I’ve reached 40, I’ve become more and more aware of the joy that classic style brings me. I love having timeless fashion pieces in my closet that I can pull out year after year and know that they will look great and make me feel confident. Don’t get me wrong, I love to dabble in trends. But, at the end of the day, I always return home to classic clothing staples that I can wear on repeat and know they will never go out of style. Today I’m going to share 23 classic wardrobe staples that every closet needs (my own included!)
For even more classic style inspiration, be sure to check out some of my other timeless fashion posts!
How to Build a Classic Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Classic Style at Every Age: The Ultimate Guide to Classic Fashion
14 Tuckernuck Dresses That I Own, Love, & Recommend
Italy Outfit Ideas: What to Wear for a Trip Abroad
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Capsule Wardrobe Essentials for Timeless Fashion
By now you’ve most likely heard of a capsule wardrobe, but if not, let me introduce you. A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of classic clothing pieces that maximizes the number of outfits by allowing you to mix and match the items. Everyone’s capsule wardrobe should reflect their own personal style, which for me is classic and timeless. By choosing classic capsule wardrobe essentials, you are able to create multiple outfits for every season without having to constantly purchase new clothing. All of the 23 classic wardrobe staples that I’m sharing today would make excellent capsule wardrobe essentials. You can find additional favorites in my curated fall capsule wardrobe.
What Does Classic Style Look Like?
Everyone’s definition of classic style will be different, but for me it’s timeless fashion pieces that I can easily wear today and again 5 years from now, knowing they will never go out of style. Classic style is also fashion that spans different ages and stages of life. My mom has always been such a wonderful example of timeless fashion. Over the years, I’ve learned how to put together a classic wardrobe using basics through her influence mixed with my own sense of fashion. Here are some tips I’ve come up with for creating a classic wardrobe filled with timeless basics.
Tips for Creating a Classic Wardrobe
- Look for clean silhouettes with a tailored fit that flatters your body. In order to feel confident in clothing, it’s important that it fits well and you’re comfortable.
- Don’t be scared to invest a little extra money into classic staples. I’m not suggesting you have to spend a ton of money on your wardrobe to make it timeless. But, over the years I’ve discovered that if I pay a little more for higher quality basics, they last longer and are worth the investment.
- Keep it simple. A classic wardrobe is heavily focused on the basics such as a neutral blazer, the perfect pair of jeans or a high-quality linen shirt. This doesn’t mean your outfit will be boring! Add in jewelry and fun accessories to make it your own.
- Take good care of your wardrobe essentials. If you’re investing money into creating a closet full of timeless fashion, it’s important that you also spend time taking care of these pieces so you can wear them for years to come. Pay attention to the care instructions and be sure to hand wash or dry clean as recommended.
23 Wardrobe Staples for Classic Style
Okay, it’s time for the fun part! I’ve put together 23 closet staple pieces that every woman needs. These are all items that I own and love and highly recommend to anyone looking to create a closet full of timeless fashion. I often find myself reaching for these classic basics multiple times a week and for all types of occasions. Whether I’m throwing on a quick and easy outfit for school pickup or dressing up for a fun night out with JB, these are the classic wardrobe staples and basics that I wear on repeat.
1. A Great Pair of Sunglasses
These oversized tortoise sunglasses are the definition of chic. The cat’s eye shape is flattering, but not overwhelming and the fact that you will wear these classic sunglasses year-round makes them worth the investment. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, I also own and love this pair of affordable green sunglasses. And if you’re looking for a modern take on the classics, this style is a new favorite.
2. A Breton Shirt
A Breton shirt is a top that has simple horizontal stripes, historically navy and white, but now you can find them in other colors as well. Breton shirts have been around for hundreds of years and are ultra-classic. I love this timeless shirt so much that I own it in two different colors! Worn here in London – a lot!
3. A Classic White Tee
Every woman needs a high-quality, classic white tee for her closet. This is the ultimate timeless wardrobe staple piece! This cap sleeve white tee has become my favorite over the years (after testing out many). I love that I can pair it with workout shorts, jeans or even a skirt for three different classic outfits. It’s the perfect capsule wardrobe essential.
4. A Flattering Pair of Blue Jeans
No classic wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of blue jeans. I can say with certainty that jeans are going to be in style for many, many years to come. Obviously, there will be trends for different styles and silhouettes of jeans, but nonetheless, a great pair of blue jeans is a timeless fashion must. These flattering straight jeans are one of my favorites that I’ll be wearing for years to come.
5. A Sophisticated Pant
A pair of sophisticated pants is a classic look for all ages. You can create so many different outfits from a single pair, making them such a versatile staple. These drawstring waist pants are both chic and comfortable, and these structured pants instantly make me feel put together.
6. A Classic Pair of Heels
A classic pair of heels are absolutely a capsule wardrobe essential. When you think of the amount of times you wear a great pair of high heels, it just makes sense to invest in purchasing a high-quality pair that will last for years to come. I love these classic espresso brown heels that look just as great with jeans as they do with pants. I styled them here as a simple and sophisticated fall outfit paired with a favorite pointelle sweater.
7. A Cashmere Wrap or Cape
A cashmere wrap or cape is the perfect classic wardrobe essential to always have on hand, ready to grab at a moment’s notice for a dinner out or to stay warm while traveling. This cashmere knit cape is elegant and cozy all at once and instantly elevates anything you’re wearing. And this lightweight cashmere wrap comes with me everywhere I go.
8. A Little Black Dress
There’s a reason a little black dress has been a closet staple piece for many, many years. It’s a must-have piece of timeless fashion! This Staud dress is a favorite of mine that I own in multiple colors. For a night out, this black strapless dress is a stunner, and I love this belted linen dress as a summer option.
9. A Timeless Blazer
Blazers are fun and versatile pieces of classic style. They make for a wonderful addition to a timeless capsule wardrobe because they can easily be dressed up with pants or dressed down with jeans. I love the chic design and gold buttons on women’s navy blazer.
10. A Fair Isle Sweater
A fantastic fair isle sweater is a fall and winter essential when it comes to building a classic wardrobe. This brown fair isle cardigan is one that can be worn year after year — I love the brown and blue color combination.
11. A Great Pair of Loafers
Speaking of great shoes, Rothy’s loafers are the perfect combination of comfort and style. There are so many fun and classic styles to choose from such as Houndstooth (perfect for fall) or Olive Camo, along with tons of pretty solid colors. A classic pair of Rothy’s loafers will last for years.
12. A Classic Wool Coat
If you’re looking for the best basic to complete a fall or winter outfit, look no further than a classic wool coat. This wardrobe staple piece has been around for hundreds of years and I foresee it being around for hundreds more. I love the shape and style of this double-faced long coat. The tie waist makes it ultra-flattering.
13. A Pair of Sneakers
I’ve always loved a great pair of sneakers and it seems like they have become even more popular to wear in the last couple of years. The right pair of sneakers will look just as cute with a pair of gym shorts as they do with jeans and a basic sweater. I love Veronica Beards’s Valentina sneakers – they look great in every season!
14. Veja Sneakers
Continuing with sneakers, it doesn’t get more classic than Veja sneakers. What’s so wonderful about these shoes is that they are extremely versatile. I love pairing my white Veja sneakers with jeans just as much as I enjoy pairing them with dresses.
15. A Neutral Handbag
A great handbag is a timeless fashion must and I especially love a neutral one that spans all seasons. Don’t get me wrong, I also have bags and purses in my closet that I pull out for specific seasons. But, investing in a classic neutral handbag allows you to create a timeless capsule wardrobe all year long.
16. A Classic Pair of Sandals
The last shoe on my list of wardrobe staples for timeless style is a classic pair of sandals. Living in Florida, it’s no surprise that sandals made the list. I love these leather wrap sandals that I’ve worn for years. You really can’t beat their quality and comfort!
17. A Linen Shirt
A great linen shirt is a classic closet essential, especially for the spring and summertime. I love the soft, airy style of linen in the warmer months and I also love that it can be worn multiple ways. This timeless linen shirt looks great tied up in a knot with high-waisted shorts and also tucked into jeans, as I did for this basic fall outfit.
18. A Crisp White Button-Down Shirt
Simple, classic and sophisticated…these are the words that come to my mind when I think of a crisp white button-down shirt. This is absolutely a capsule wardrobe essential that can be worn season-to-season for years to come. I love the length and elevated neckline on this white button-down shirt. I own multiple colors and they all instantly make me feel chic.
19. A Barn Jacket
A timeless barn jacket is an essential fall and winter staple piece for classic style. I love a Barbour jacket and I swear, the same one I purchased 5 years ago is just as stylish today as it was then! This neutral quilted barn jacket is really speaking to me this year with its feminine shape and corduroy collar. I love a classic piece that is stylish, while also being functional (these keep you extremely warm!)
20. A Dress You Feel Fantastic In
This classic wardrobe essential will be a different for everyone, but a dress you feel fantastic in is absolutely something every woman needs in her closet. This should be a dress that you can throw on and instantly feel put together and beautiful. The Wells dress and Calluna dress (both from Staud) are two styles that I can always count on. I love the timeless design and shapes of these dresses so much that I own each in a few different colors! I also love the Esme dress from Tuckernuck, (shown in the image above). The Dupioni silk fabric is gorgeous, and comes in some great color options.
21. A Timeless Raincoat
A must-have basic for classic style is a cute and practical raincoat. No matter where you live, there will be rainy days and oftentimes these are the days when we’re feeling a little “blah”. Having a classic raincoat to throw on can help make you feel a little more put together and most importantly, stay dry! I love the classic style and tie waist of this one.
22. A Basic Turtleneck
The minute the weather starts to cool down, I can’t wait to reach for one of my favorite closet staple pieces, a classic turtleneck. A high-quality turtleneck is a wardrobe basic that can be worn in so many different ways. I love pairing them with skirts and tall boots in the fall and layering them under cardigans with jeans in the winter. This soft basic turtleneck comes in tons of great colors and the quality is excellent, preventing it from being too sheer.
23. A Little White Dress
Last, but certainly not least, a little white dress is a classic staple piece that every closet needs. There’s just something so simple and timeless about white dresses, especially in the spring and summertime. And a little white dress doesn’t mean it has to be short! I love this classic white midi dress the details are stunning!
Timeless Fashion Basics Every Woman Needs
There you have it, my list of 23 classic staples every woman needs! I hope this guide has been helpful in aiding you to create a wardrobe full of timeless fashion or maybe a capsule wardrobe of seasonal essentials. Most important of all, my biggest piece of advice is to invest in pieces that make you feel most like yourself, ones that bring you joy, and that happiness will radiate and shine to others! For me, these are often the classics and I don’t see that changing anytime soon!
For additional classic wardrobe inspiration, be sure to check out these posts:
How to Build a Classic Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Classic Style at Every Age: The Ultimate Guide to Classic Fashion
14 Tuckernuck Dresses That I Own, Love, & Recommend
Italy Outfit Ideas: What to Wear for a Trip Abroad
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