YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Does fewer, better items = classic?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Does fewer, better items = classic? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:38:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Gaylene on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic/page/2#post-960336 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:24:30 +0000 Gaylene 960336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Something just clicked in my brain as well because of this thread. I'm beginning to wonder if most of us have an instinctive, innate style that exists, even if we can't fully articulate it even to ourselves. And, an item, somehow has to tap into that style sense if it is to become a "classic" for me. Give me someone else's version of a LBD, or a jacket, and I can feel (and probably look!) like I'm wearing a costume. Give me my version and I can't conceive of my wardrobe without it. My LBD is a pair of black, cigarette-legged pants, Janet's trench might be her blue leather moto, and so on. Maybe assembling a wardrobe of "classic" pieces requires reflecting on our individual representations of the famous items on the list instead of running out to buy the actual icons? Because, to be truthful, I can't see myself ever wearing a pair of ballet flats, or a beige trench, without feeling like I was dressing for someone other than myself. ETA: I just read Angie's distinction between "classics" and "workhorses" but I'm sticking with my idea that the term "classic" can refer both to the icon (a tan Burberry trench, for example) and a more free-flowing representation (Janet's blue moto) which, IMO,  is more likely to be a workhorse since the representation fits one's personal style. My rationale is that without being able to use the term both ways, talking about including "classics" in one's wardrobe leads to that lemming-like behaviour where everyone thinks a functioning wardrobe ought to include a beige Burberry look-alike. Classics are important for all of our wardrobes, but they don't have to be the icons as long as they fulfill its function and spirit. Angie on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic/page/2#post-960319 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:10:50 +0000 Angie 960319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You were, Janet! Janet on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic/page/2#post-960315 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:07:49 +0000 Janet 960315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, so I was correct when I said my blue leather moto was a classic. Good to know. Angie on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic/page/2#post-960312 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:05:23 +0000 Angie 960312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Una, I edited my last comment after just reading your reply! Angie on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic/page/2#post-960308 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:02:04 +0000 Angie 960308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Of course, Janet. The blue makes it more MODERN and amps up that aspect of it. The moto jacket has and will continue to defy time - for men and women. It's a Classic - that will over the years need to be updated. Classics need updating too. That's totally understandable, Una. You might like to read this recent post:   <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/06/07/the-power-of-classic-items-in-modern-style/" rel="nofollow"> </a> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/06/07/the-power-of-classic-items-in-modern-style/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2013/06/.....ern-style/</a> Anonymous on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic/page/2#post-960305 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:59:59 +0000 Anonymous 960305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've not read all the replies, but for me it's more perfect basic or workhorse than classic. When I find The One, it has good quality, fit, everything I want. Then I stop looking for that piece. When considering a piece I now ask myself , " If I buy this will I still be looking for a better one?" If yes, then I leave it. It can be a denim jacket or LBD. Janet on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic/page/2#post-960304 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:58:36 +0000 Janet 960304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Even if it's blue? Angie on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960302 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:57:24 +0000 Angie 960302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet -  a moto is a Classic :). catgirl on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960301 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:56:57 +0000 catgirl 960301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I do read your posts.  But I don't always have the mental skills to apply them to my own rudimentary thought process.  Sort of like using algebra to do first grade math.  I did miss all of last week as I was gone camping. Janet on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960298 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:55:23 +0000 Janet 960298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, thanks for stepping in, Angie. That makes total sense. For example: My BB fitted white shirt is a classic, and a workhorse. The blue moto, not so much classic. Angie on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960295 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:52:31 +0000 Angie 960295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think we're mixing things up here, which you just touched on Una. An updated modern classic is just that - a CLASSIC because of its shape and legacy. See my list from last week. (Do you ever read my blog posts, Una?) Iconic items in fact. But Janet's blue leather jacket - unless it's a moto - is not a Classic. It's a wardrobe essential (and workhorse). In some cases the Classics become our wardrobe essentials and workhorses - like they often do for me. High five, Rachy! Loved your pinnacle analogy. catgirl on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960280 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:31:30 +0000 catgirl 960280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, you are right.  Perhaps the distinction is between a classic item and classic as a style.  For instance, a black blazer is "a classic" wardrobe item, but that doesn't mean it has to be classic style-wise (my Helmut Lang blazer!).   That means what I am looking for is more classic items (trench, shoes, etc), but not more classic style per se. Something just clicked in my pea-brain! Janet on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960267 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:20:30 +0000 Janet 960267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am relating to the remarks about "classic" items relating to the individual. Your classic will not necessarily be Angie's classic, or Gaylene's, or Annagybe's. One of my classics is my blue leather moto. I love love love that piece. I will wear it as long as I can. I have never seen "blue leather moto jacket" on any list of must-haves, but then most lists of must-haves include a tan trench, and the thought of that makes me yawn. Even my quest for a dressy multi-use pump ended up with the Rockstuds. I think those might be *my* classic. This is interesting to think about. I bought a couple of contenders for a replacement for a simple black tee, since the one I've worn for the last 4 years or so is looking worse for wear. The replacement was $15. Is it a classic? I think yes, but I don't expect it to last long. Gaylene on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960239 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:31:34 +0000 Gaylene 960239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I suppose another way of phrasing the question might be "Is there anything in your closet that you've had for 15 or more years that still makes you feel fashionable whenever you put it on?" We fall in love with items and keep them in our closets for many reasons--and we might even pull some of them out and wear them occasionally when the mood hits us, or we are feeling nostalgic. But, if I'm interpreting your question correctly, Una, a "THE ___" type item ought to keep enough of its fashion vibe  after a decade, or two or three, to give me the same style punch as it did when it was originally purchased. My physical appearance will have changed, as might some of my style preferences, but the item would still fit my fashion persona well enough to be a contender, if not a workhorse. Actually, I do have such an item, now that I think about it--and it's not that 80s Burberry coat, obviously. My "THE" item was, and is, my very conventional, English, tan-colored, Gloverall duffle coat. I've worn that coat (well, actually the original and a clone purchased about 25 years later when the original got snitched by my sister) almost every fall since the late 60s. With the exception of a brief period during the Mod 60s, a duffle coat has never really been an "IN" item, nor has it ever really looked odd enough to be out of fashion. I've seen pictures of that coat crop up in every decade, usually worn as I wear it--with tall leather boots, jeans, and a turtleneck. The style of the boots, jeans, and turtleneck might change, but that coat looks pretty much the same, decade to decade, slung over the person's shoulders. My mid-eighties Coach saddle bag might also be a contender. I just recently resurrected it and its classic look still gives me much pleasure--and even gets me a few compliments from passers-by. ElleH on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960221 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:09:49 +0000 ElleH 960221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not sure of the answers but I have thought about this myself. Some of my great things are not iconic because they suit me better. Wayfarers & aviators don't suit me so I have Tom Ford ones that look good on me. I still find that one pair aren't enough unless I curate my entire wardrobe. What I mean by that is I feel the need for gold & silver, black & brown, when it comes to sunglasses, belts, jewelry, shoes & hardware. If I had a smaller wardrobe & stuck to a signature like Emmanuel Alt I could wear the same black shoes, belts, bgs & sunglasses with everything. I'm not saying she wears the same ones but I don't have the ability to own as many versions of black shoes as she does. She also doesn't wear dresses or skirts. I don't know if I want to stop wearing skirts or dresses but every time I think I need more bags, shoes, belts, sunglasses etc in different colours & styles I think it would be much simpler if my wardrobe consisted of black, white, grey & tomato red. Then I could minimise my accessories. If I did stop wearing dresses & skirts I could do that even further. Isabel on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960198 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:34:12 +0000 Isabel 960198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to believe in "The One".  Now I believe in "The One for Now" or at least, a bit shorter term. I am finding, I think like you have, that things evolve and change. So your taste may not be forever.  Your body will change too as time goes on.  With that said, I think that a trench or sunglasses that will work for 5 years or 10 years is great. Something that you will use all the time.  Like sunglasses.   I think that there is room for a little of both.  shedev on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960189 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:18:45 +0000 shedev 960189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In my case it equals fit or details more than classic style. I tend to have my own version of classic. My tartans feel classic to me because the colors have been around forever and the zippers make them a classic in the context of my sartorial experience. Mo on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960184 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:05:51 +0000 Mo 960184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, phrased that way, I suppose a basic white tee, blue jeans, and combat style boots are my classics.  They may (or may not, in the case of my Oxblood Dr. Marten's) change every 5 or 10 years, but I will have them in my closet.  I agree that finding the just right one of each of these is preferable to having multiple versions that don't quite hit the mark. rachylou on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960180 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:58:33 +0000 rachylou 960180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm. I have a Queen Mum purse - what I call handbags like the Hermes Grace Kelly one. I'm pretty much done in that department, I must admit. But here's the thing - I don't suppose the Kelly bag is THE one. Except I don't really like it. I don't like Hermes' skinny handles. I've got a Hermes scarf for the sake of it, but that's about the only thing from their shop. Hermes has just never done it for me. My Queen Mum is not Hermes. My grandfather ordered a Rolls once and then sent it back. I guess it didn't turn out to be all that for him. When I think about it there are more iconic things that I don't like rather than do. Levi's, Rolex, Ray Bans, etc. etc. Iconic things I do like are a Timex watch and white Gucci loafers. I buy the same (now) $30 Timex over and over and over again. Gaylene on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960164 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:34:05 +0000 Gaylene 960164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I suppose if we never changed, that idea of "THE ONE" might be possible, but Rachylou and Angie, coming from slightly different perspectives, hit on the major problem inherent in that kind of quest. Material objects, unlike living creatures, are immutable, which means, unless we were to stop time and stay exactly the same (stagnation?), how we will perceive the item is also going to change. As an example, I offer up my mid-eighties Burberry trench that I bought when I was finally earning enough income to indulge in that kind of icon item. I felt amazing every time I wore it and loved the admiration it evoked in others. That was why I was so shocked when I dragged it out of the storage closet a few years ago. Both my husband and I couldn't stop laughing at how I looked in that coat. The coat hadn't changed, but my body and style had changed so much that the coat looked absolutely ridiculous on me--and on anyone else who tried to wear it!  The huge shoulders, mid-calf length, and over-sized look of that coat just looked odd given today's fashion sensibilities. So I'm nodding my head at Rachylou's comment that, instead of searching for that pinnacle item, it makes more sense to think of looking for a classic, or iconic, piece that has not stayed immutable and unchanging. Angie calls it a modern classic--which, to me, means a modern interpretation that has changed with the times as do we. catgirl on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960132 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:05:38 +0000 catgirl 960132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess my question related to items like "The Burberry trench" which is always iconic.  Each of us has our own "classics" in our closet, right?  For me the Theory Lanai blazer is a constant.  I guess I'm trying to parse out longevity, love, and signature style.  So that raises another question: What are YOUR classics? rachylou on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-960075 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:37:33 +0000 rachylou 960075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not sure I can even wrap my head around the concept. Contentedness is not very me. I may be quiet, but I'm feisty  (you have to pronounce that "FAY-stee" to get the full angry-hornet effect). I feel like "the one" only works with living creatures because they're mutable and, well, intrinsically lively. "Classic done classically" is to me deadly boring. Angie is really right-on for me when she talks about saying modern classic. In my world, the holy grail is quintessence - that's the word I'd pick. I feel it covers more ground - would include lyn's tutus, in fact. It addresses the capture of imagination. Anyways, what are we talking about? I'm off in the clouds obviously. When you say, The One - for example, in sunglasses - are we talking a pair of shades that universally elevates all? A design so iconic that the wearer practically becomes a part of a movement? The final word for all time? ...on the subject of the be-all, end-all... you know, I don't think "classic" and "pinnacle" are the same thing. And I'm not sure how I feel about pinnacles. I think I might prefer the classic in this case. Classics go on. Pinnacles end. Ah! Fashion and philosophy! Excellent question, Una! Angie on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-959946 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:49:09 +0000 Angie 959946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Rae and Suz said. And I resonate with what Shevia said too. Una, you are TOTALLY feeling the power of the classics - which is a message I scream from the roof tops. They can be molded into any style - and therein lies their strength. But even classics need to be updated - hence I like to use the word MODERN next to them. And we all enjoy fashion and style too much to settle for THE one to last us for 20 years. Where is the fun in that? Thistle on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-959914 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:55:55 +0000 Thistle 959914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Suz and Rae said. I otally agree higher end, nicer pieces do not equate to Classic Style. But best to make sure you have a long term love for them before investing. Sometimes higher price points mean better quality material, prettier drape, just an overall better fit and craftsmanship. Who doesn't like that?!? bj1111 on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-959909 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:50:26 +0000 bj1111 959909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ eta...i'm not sure how you are using classic?  i have a blue leather moto jacket that isn't a classic, but i'm not in a hurry to get another leather moto jacket--unless i can find one in a pale grey or barely white. bj1111 on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-959908 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:48:55 +0000 bj1111 959908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ works this way for purses and cocktail capsule wear (i change only if i change size) and jewelry. texstyle on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-959896 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:36:01 +0000 texstyle 959896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I usually have to compromise as I can't always find "the one" item that I have in my head - at least not at a price point I'm willing to pay. I just bought a navy polka dot silk tank from jcrew because I wanted a navy silk V-neck. I really wasn't looking for the dots but I don't mind them and when I tried it on, I really loved the way it looked and felt. It was also 30% off so it was at a great price point. I have an emerald green silk tank that I've owned for many years and have worn for several special occasions AND I'm able to hand wash it and iron it. If this new one makes the wash/iron test, I can see it being another classic workhorse for me. So for me, it's a style, cost and care consideration. And how much time I'm willing to invest in the search of course. My black trench is a full length London Fog I bought like 20+ years ago for about $100 and it still is going strong. I rarely get a chance to wear it, but it's so classic it always seems to work. Transcona Shannon on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-959894 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:34:40 +0000 Transcona Shannon 959894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz's reply is brilliant and well put.  Personally I'm finding my wardrobe to be smaller than it used to be but so much more satisfying. I suspect once we start to hone in on our style, our choices for what we add to our closet become much more thought out. Then we want to wear those items more and they then can become OUR classic. harmonica on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-959863 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:05:42 +0000 harmonica 959863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah said it. I also like the idea of finding the one piece, but in reality it is almost impossible for me. At least that is what I have experienced the last few years when I have payed attention. My style and goals seems to evolve and go through changes, so items I really loved can become less interesting after a while. ANd I like the hunt and I like getting new items once in a while. All in all, I try not to be that hung up on finding the one and only right piece (though I aim at super fit and high happiness factor ;-)) Jaime on "Does fewer, better items = classic?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-fewer-better-items-classic#post-959856 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:45:13 +0000 Jaime 959856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think about this sometimes too. I try to convince myself that once I have THE ultimate pair of jeans, bag, etc. I won't need any more. (At least I never tried to kid myself about shoes.) And you know what? It just doesn't seem to work for me. Instead of seeing myself as never satisfied I prefer to look at it as being in a state of constant evolution and refinement. (Well anyway my rationalization work for me!)