I previously wrote about the power of classic wardrobe pieces, and now more than ever want to shout this from the rooftops. Their versatility knows no bounds. Classic pieces can be molded and worked into any style, and therein lies their power. 

There is no need to wear classics from head to toe if that’s not your thing. Wear them with hot-off-the-press trends. Ground fashion forward ensembles with classic items. Add crisp classics to a bohemian, arty or avant-garde outfit. In fact, here’s my bold statement of the month: whenever you’re stuck about what to match with a particular item, reach for the classic piece because more often than not, it’s going to work. 

This list is by no means exhaustive, but the following items, when worn in tailored or loosely tailored fits, are true classics:

• Tops: button-down shirt, soft button-down blouse, denim shirt, silk shell top, lace shell top, plaid shirt, layering T-shirt, striped T-shirt
• Dresses: sheath dress, wrap dress
• Knitwear: striped pullover, fitted turtleneck, V-neck/crew neck pullover or cardigan
• Bottoms: knee-length pencil skirt, bootcut trousers and jeans, straight leg jeans
• Toppers: denim jacket, moto jacket, trench coat, peacoat, double breasted military coat, single breasted coat with revere collar, simple blazer with one or two buttons, cropped tweed Chanel jacket, tuxedo jacket
• Footwear: riding boots, cowboy boots, Frye harness boots, pointy or round toe pumps, the original Dr. Martens Boot, Converse sneakers, ballet flats, loafers
• Accessories: stud or hoop earrings, pearl necklaces, Chanel 2.55 handbag, Rayban Wayfarers, Rayban Aviators, animal print belt

Street style visuals speak louder than my words, so do look through these outfits on my Pinterest boards. You’ll see the classics incorporated with all sorts of trends, resulting in a thoroughly modern and interesting look.  

• Light blue button-down shirt and ballet flats worn with leather trousers. 
• Denim jacket worn under a cape with zippered skinnies and a 2.55. 
• Trench coat worn with a button-down shirt, pumps, boyfriend jeans and daytime clutch. 
• Simple wool blazer worn over a hectically oversized pullover with white skinnies. 
• Fitted turtleneck worn with a full flared skirt and trendy Valentino rockstud pumps. 
• Suit blazer worn with a button-down shirt, grungy sweater, jeggings and high-tops. 
• Peacoat worn with flares, chunky pullover and chain handle bag. 
• Super sexy button-down shirt with jeans and clutch. 
• Tweed Chanel jacket and 2.55 with faded jeans and tee. 
• Striped tee and peacoat with slouchy leather pants. 
• Button-down shirt layered under a cropped pullover with cigarette pants. 
• Neon pencil skirt with sweatshirt, neon hair and platforms.
• Denim jacket and pencil skirt worn with vintage coat, strappy sandals and Wayfarers. 
• White shirt worn with leather pants, stacked sandals and Aviators. 
• Trench coat with skinnies and Converse.
• Slouchy style with Converse. 
• Trench coat with plaid shirt, pullover, harem jeans and sneakers.
• Trench with striped pullover, skinnies and Converse.  
• Tuxedo jacket with bootcut trousers and silky shell top. 
• Burberry scarf worn with a biker jacket, sweater, jeans and crossbody bag. 

I also have an entire pinboard devoted to how the iconic Chanel 2.55 handbag is worn with just about anything. From the dressiest outfits to micro minis, sneakers, sweatshirts and jeans. 

The trick to keeping the classics looking modern and fresh is to update their silhouettes, wear them with trendy/arty/avant-garde pieces, and in non-neutrals. You don’t need to satisfy all three criteria at once, but it’s certainly a possibility. 

So here I am again, sticking up for the incomparable power of the classic piece. It is not my intention to convert you to a classic style. The point is that the classics can be transformed and integrated into YOUR look when mixed and matched YOUR way. For that reason they are powerful and have my unconditional respect.