How do I add classic pieces to my wardrobe? Or - do I even have to?

LJP

I've always had a literal fear of classic clothing pieces: button up shirts, cardigans, straight leg pants, pleated anything, long sleeve fitted t-shirts, short sleeve basic t-shirts, turtlenecks, trench coats, vests, v- or crew-neck fitted pullovers, plaid , polka dots, stripes , polo necks, almost all skirts, most classic loafers (especially with tassels )- to name many. Sounds like I don't have anything to wear, doesn't it?

And I've been thinking that this could be an issue - one that has been the "problem" with my wardrobe for decades. I'm missing what many of you consider the building blocks.

Clothes like those I mentioned above never fit me well and seem cut for a body I don't have. Sure, anything can be tailored for a perfect fit, but I'm not going down that road - at least right now.

I have a shorter torso, larger lower breasts, upper arms that remain shapeless regardless of my weight or level of fitness, and a "tummy" (what is the better word for that?? ) that also remains visible unless I am literally underweight. I'm not into fighting my body, but it sure feels like I have to when I attempt to wear anything considered classic. Shirts do not fit across the chest, t-shirts enhance my chest and upper arms and I feel matronly (yes I know that word is problematic so help me out with a better term) , unattractive and uncomfortable. Turtlenecks and fitted sweaters feel out of my comfort zone for many of the same reasons . I have a fear of looking masculine , severe, and , well, you know ( it's a short hair thing) .

I often admire women who dress in classic pieces as it can look so chic and elegant when done well. But I feel exactly the opposite in classic pieces. I have made one small step toward adding in classic basics with a pair of straight leg, lower rise, slouchy-ish (depends on my body on any given day) jeans that I've been cuffing and wearing all winter. My husband found them in his drawer and neither of us recognized them, and we are NOT the same size, so that was a mystery.

How can I add in some classic /backbone pieces that won't make me feel too strict and plain? Which pieces would those be? Or do I even need to do this? My goal going forward with my wardrobe is to increase its longevity . As I inch toward semi-retirement and then full retirement, my budget and need for clothing is diminishing . What I do buy has to be super versatile and last forever now.

1 day ago

Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from LJP

Irina

Veteran

Why should you add somebody’s classic pieces?I think longevity is in either cool pieces you will never want to part with or in your own “must have” items. What would you buy first if all your clothes disappeared overnight?

My “must have” are a trench, a wool coat, a pair of good black pants, wool and cashmere black & navy turtlenecks, a white t-shirt, black footwear.

1 day ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I am always still learning, and I go in all different, fun directions. But at the core, I am a classic dresser.

I do have one or two "essentials" lists that I consult, that usually work for me. But I hear what you are saying--not all these items work for you.

I have finally discovered the "brands that work for me" technique, where you know which are "your" brands. Really any classic American sportswear is good for me--Land's End, Gap, Calvin Klein, etc.

If there are one or two "classic" brands you like, you can really just focus on anything they have, rather than specific items. So instead of getting a button-down shirt, maybe it's a great peasant blouse, etc.

1 day ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

You don’t need to buy any “classics” if they don’t work for your style or body and don’t make you feel fab. I too have an aversion to straight/basic classics. I like classics only if they have a “twist” (color or details) that make it feel more like me. I used to read all these articles about “Essential classics that every woman should have in her capsule wardrobe” and it never felt like me. Like French blue stripe button down shirt, beige trench, tailored trousers, loafers, etc etc. Not for me! I had to learn that if I’m going to buy a classic it has to feel like me. What stores do you like to shop at? Do they have basics that fit? I’m still learning (though it’s difficult) that if the clothes don’t fit my shape, it’s not that my body is wrong, I need to look at different fits or brands. Like I was getting frustrated that the La Ligne stuff seemed to be cut for rectangles, I managed to find some things but it’s more work. I’m having more luck with AllSaints both in style and fit. And I bought a classic trench in a non traditional color (burgundy).

1 day ago

Bijou

Veteran

I don’t think you have to, and always think you have a great eye for fashion and what works for you. I love seeing your WIW posts.
I prefer classics with a twist that makes them right for my style, my white shirt has lace detail, my black cardigan has balloon sleeves and large buttons, my tweed jacket has fringe detail and a slightly oversized fit. Somehow those small details make what is classic feel right for me.

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1 day ago

Dee

Veteran

Looks like you've certainly identified which classic items don't work and why, but I think now you should probably identify some of your favorite items that you already own and explore why you actually prefer them.
They might not classics, but they could still serve as a great foundation to build a wardrobe of longevity.
What's your preferred silhouette?
What colours do you enjoy the most? You get the picture. You just need to figure out a few anchoring pieces and they certainly don't have to be classics and then build on it from there.
Elegance can come from quality fabric choices, fluid fit and proportions, monochrome styling, playing with textures and thoughtful accessories.

1 day ago

Debbie

Veteran

I don’t think you need the classics if you don’t want them. If you want to try them
I would find a funky button down or cardigan. Classics don’t have to boring!
I love your outfits. I don’t think you need to change anything.

1 day ago

slim cat

Veteran

I don't feel right in traditional classic pieces but I have my own"classic" items in my wardrobe - like black moto leather jacket, black velvet wide leg ( not too wide ) pants, graphic tees in white, etc. You have your own "classic" things - just need to identify them ( that's my two cents ).

1 day ago

Penny

Veteran

Although one might describe my wardrobe as classic, it has none of the items you mentioned (other than a trench, although in dark navy instead of classic beige). I bought all those “must have” items way back when, and later ditched them all! They just weren’t for me. If it’s a question of building blocks and longevity, which are great considerations, perhaps considering your personal wardrobe essentials may help, which reminded me of this and other posts from Angie on the topic: https://youlookfab.com/2019/01.....ials-2019/

1 day ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Your essentials don't need to be classics. They just need to be the backbone of YOUR closet. I'd do as Dee suggests -- think about those items that you truly love or those that you literally feel like you can't get dressed without -- and go from there.

A good pair of jeans, is one. What "good" means will vary over time as styles change. That's ok. Jeans are still an essential in your closet. Probably blue jeans but maybe also jeans in another neutral. That's one essential.

Probably a good pair of black trousers of some kind, too?

Some kind of black shoe for each season maybe? Or possibly a bookending colour for your hair?

And go from there. Think your neutrals for all these items, whatever they are.

You may find that a few classics do make it into your essentials list in the end -- maybe a beautiful V neck sweater?

But either way, if you know what makes you feel great and you buy it in your own fashion neutrals, then you'll be on the way.

1 day ago

Star (Lise)

Veteran

LJP I strongly advise that you don't add pieces that you know are not you. Classic style pieces are not essentials for everyone. SUZ and DEE are dead right. Figure out your own essentials for your glue. I remember that you have a classic button down shirt that you never wear so I think that is telling. Not everyone is comfortable in classic pieces. I know you know this stuff but sometimes we all need reminders :).

1 day ago

Sal

Veteran

I think we all need essentials - typically neutral simple pieces. And often they are more timeless pieces - often classic -but not always.

Could be elevated black joggers or a white linen shirt instead of a button down for example. I struggle with crisp white shirts but love a linen collarless shirt.

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1 day ago

Star (Lise)

Veteran

SAL I agree that we all need neutral coloured pieces in our wardrobes. I used to have many orphaned pattern skirts because I did not have enough neutral coloured tops. They are definitely glue or essential. But they don't have to be classic in style. Your example is great, leans more boho-lite to my eye.

1 day ago

Chris987

Veteran

Maybe you should go to a retail store that carries classic styles, wearing your favorite things from your closet, pick out a handful of classic pieces, and do a big try on session. Take photos, don't buy. Then review the photos at home (or post here) and see what you think. That way you'd be assessing specific pieces (crewneck pullover sweater, straight leg trousers, button down shirt for example) alongside your existing items. Maybe some classic pieces would work for you, maybe not. It seems to me that would be a better way to approach it than a very broad/general "wanting more classic pieces".

1 day ago

Helena

Veteran

Echoing others comment to focus on personal essentials rather than classics. BUT if you *want* to experiment with a classic or two, this might be one of those times when looking for body shape modifications might actually be useful, to find modifications the work best for your needs. Or, perhaps play with classics in a way that doesn't bring body shape into play at all - colour, fabric, or accessories.

Is your goal more outfit cohesion? If so another option might be color complements? Those are really effective in creating pulled together looks imo.

1 day ago

kkards

Veteran

So I think you probably already own a lot of “classics”, you just don’t see them that way.

The black & brown outfit you posted back in November-the sweater and the boots, 100% classics. The straight leg pants, currently on the “classic” list.

Anyway that’s just my opinion.

I’ll always echo what others have said, what’s classic and essential to you is highly personal. Your classic list and mine will look really different.

1 day ago

SarahD8

Veteran

You are getting good advice here but I will add my voice to the chorus and beg you not to go in this direction! With the greatest of respect and friendliness of course. I think if you want pieces that are super versatile and will last forever, the very last place to look is among styles that you've long known don't work for you.

From your post above and other recent posts I think you are looking for polish and reliability. I can definitely see why classics would seem to offer that. But I also very much relate to your feeling of "wrongness" in many classic items. Whenever I put on a blazer I want to crawl out of my skin. What a relief to remember I can just crawl out of the clothes!

A useful approach can be to think about the *function* of pieces that end up on those lists of "classics every woman should own" and then figure out what pieces could serve that function for you. That is how I ended up with the idea that my cropped, boxy navy Aran cardigan with a broad collar is "my version of a jean jacket." My version of a "classic blazer" is a shawl-collar cardigan with a curved hem and shaping at the waist. Best part is that I now spend ZERO head space worrying about whether I should buy a jean jacket or a classic blazer.

I do think that having this sorted makes me *feel* more polished, and more confident about getting dressed (in certain ways/situations...in other ways I certainly don't have it figured out!). If I see a jean jacket outfit on Pinterest that appeals to me, I know exactly how to translate it to my wardrobe. If I put on a sundress to go out to dinner in the summer and want to dress it down a bit, I know exactly which topper to reach for.

The other thing that's worth thinking about is what exactly you mean by "versatility." Do you need a really warm sweater that can work in outfits across multiple levels of formality? Do you want ONE topper that will work with all your summer dresses? (I don't think you are a summer dress person but you get the idea.)

1 day ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’m nodding along with slim cat and Suz — I wouldn’t confuse essentials with classics. I have some essentials like fairly classic jeans, crew neck tees, and cashmere sweaters, that may read as classics, but in truth the backbone of my wardrobe is less the classic styles as it is the things that are most useful and versatile *for me* — wide leg pants, bootcut jeans, low heeled booties, slightly cropped sweaters… The basic item itself (denim, boots, knitwear) can be more classic in style, but I prefer ones with a slight twist towards my personal preference. The ones that really fit the bill tend to stay in my wardrobe for years and lend themselves to a variety of outfits as they can be styled in multiple ways.

So I would ask, what makes an item versatile and long-lived for you? Those may be *your classics*. If you’re not really a crisp white fitted button front shirt person, for example, there is a counterpart that’s specific to you. Maybe that’s a boatneck washed silk top with an easy drape. Just an example. It’s easy to work with and you feel good in it — that’s your classic.

1 day ago

RobinF

Veteran

I know exactly how you feel and would echo much of the advice you have been given. I do wear a lot of what you listed but also respond with a hard no to many of them. Finding your own version is a help. I tried many button downs but they never took until I tried a soft, over-sized one from Target (so quite inexpensive) and loved it and now have it in several colors. But I still can't wear a more fitted, crisp one. Same with a trench. I felt like a child playing dress up until I found one with a hood and cinch waist that felt more like me. But there are still many of those items that I won't wear (turtlenecks for instance - can't stand them on my neck). But I don't think it is necessary to have any of these unless you want to.

1 day ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Great question! And I agree with going back to definitions and just changing the words but understanding the “ function” in the wardrobe. Angie had a number of posts over the years, using her own terms, but wardrobe Essentials might be it. Sometimes “ core pieces”. Things you can’t get dressed without ( Angie I think does not use Basics for that, but some wardrobe/style writers do—so again, noodle on the actual category of items and kinda decide what nomenclature you want to use).
“ Classic” really has not much to do with it if that word is used to mean only tailored items and very limited types of styles and fits. Wardrobe Workhorses! Can be in all style types but function similarly for the individual. I like the term “ enduring style” for ME — what are futs and styles of garments that I have loved consistently over many years even if the style gets tweaked a bit. But there are also styles I no longer wear - pencil skirts used to be an essential, as I wore them “ de- bombshelled”, (haha), but I can no longer get the right fit and look so have moved on.

These items would have a big degree of versatility— but in YOUR style preferences. I think in general these would be neutral or near- neutrals but mainly because of having pieces that work together. So a better concept might be, “ colors that you like wearing together “ or mixing and matching. Angie (excuse me Angie for referencing you!) has lots more colors in her wardrobe that function together for her than I do, so again, color choices are personal.
The styles might be “ simpler” in some way just so that one can decide how much wow! or dressiness or other effects to build into the outfit with other pieces and accessories, or because one can combine that with something “ trendy”. Kind of what the 70/30 “ rule” (just an example- no rules, just right!)
is trying to get at.

So I love your question ! I agree would do the “ pull out your clothes that you love putting on “ thing and see what are their characteristics. But see if they do or don’t work in some way and why. Maybe perfect style but the color doesn’t work with enough other pieces. Maybe good style but not the right fit in that size or brand ( I do that because I don’t have much IRL stores to try on stuff and am overwhelmed by buy/ return online- kissing ing too many Retail Frogs to find “ the one”. Maybe favorite color but bought for the color and it’s not a style or fit you really will wear ( I do that).

Well, that is a lot of rambling, but I also feel inspired to take a go at more style curation myself.

1 day ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My 2 cents:

NOT every wardrobe needs classics.

Every wardrobe needs wardrobe essentials. Wardrobes without the right essentials do not function as well as they could. People who think that they don't have wardrobe essentials and have fully functioning wardrobes - DO have essentials. I guarantee it! They are simply not identifying them as such. They are intuitively buying, incorporating and wearing wardrobe essentials without knowing it.

Wardrobe essentials are NOT necessarily classics. They can be, but don't need to be. They can be on trend items. My jeans are trendy, and many of them are essentials. At the moment my wide legs and barrels are essentials. Trendy as all heck!

Wardrobe basics are neither essentials nor classics. People tend to mix up the three.

Your wardrobe essentials are PERSONAL. Everyone has a different set of essentials. They also change over time.

And everything Suz said!

1 day ago

Val MN

Active Member

Lisa, I hear you on the difficulty of finding a good fit in certain seemingly simple and "classic" items. Mass-produced clothing doesn't work equally well for all bodies. May I humbly recommend sewing? If I remember correctly, you have the skill set but it's not your preferred hobby, so feel free to disregard the suggestion. Adjusting sewing patterns to fit is a whole other learning curve, too.

Some examples of "classic" items from your list that work for me as wardrobe essentials if and only if I sew them myself to fit me:

long sleeve fitted t-shirts
short sleeve t-shirts
turtlenecks
skirts

I particularly recommend Blackbird Fabrics as a Canadian source for garment fabrics and modern sewing patterns.

1 day ago

Bonnie

Veteran

When you retire you will be leading a very different life so think about what you need for the different activities you will be doing. In my case, I need casual clothes for homelife, casual dressy for social gatherings, dressy clothes for concerts, sportswear for daily walks and sporty vacations, and a few special outfits that work for events not covered by the above categories. To me, Classics are a kind of style like Boho, or
Romantic, or Sporty.

1 day ago

judy

Veteran

I think we might be talking about the idea of an item of clothing vs the reality of the wearing of the clothing. Sounds like you have an idea you should own and wear some of these pieces you've mentioned, but don't like the way they feel on you. Or the way they look or hang on you. Me too!

Some examples that come to mind: I've never met a button down I loved wearing, not really. Long coats only work for me on outdoor walks, can't stand sitting on them in the car, though I do on occasion. I don't enjoy sweaters that are too fitted. I have two oversized turtlenecks and they have to be just the right amount of loose yet warm around my neck. I think this is called Kinesthetic dressing, or something like that, when one is very aware of the sensory feel of clothing.

You've gotten good suggestions above for how to sort it, both in the idea realm and in the practical. For me, getting reliable essentials has just taken a bit more time and energy to sort. But not for long...then it changes as my body and my preferences do, so it can sometimes feel like a revolving door.

p.s. I use the word belly instead of tummy

1 day ago

cat2

Veteran

Great question! Too often the solution offered by bloggers is to buy French girl classics. I am not a petite brunette who finds maritime touches charming.
My essentials are black pants, cotton poplin pop-over tops, jeans skirts and three quarter sleeve boatneck tees. Lila P is my current tee source. Everything else is from the usual mix of brands I shop. Nothing is preppy.

23 hours ago

Carla

Veteran

I wonder if you are getting ‘classics’ mixed up with ‘wardrobe essentials’, or possibly ‘prep’ style? Button downs work for me, but blouses don’t. Both are classic. High waisted jeans work for me, but low waisted denim doesn’t. Both are classic. Blazers are classic, but so are denim ‘trucker’ jackets, and Channel toppers.

Irina’s - question: What would you buy/replace if your current wardrobe disappeared is a good one. I’d go for dark blue 501’s, a pair of black ankle cuffed sweatpants, tan and black shorts, fluid fit sweaters in black and red, a long sleeved navy and striped t-shirt and a novelty t, a medium blue chambray button down, a 3/4 trench in tan or red, a 3/4 puffer in ‘not black’, low profile sneakers, combat boots or Chelsea boots.

FWIW, from your posted OOTD - I’d say you no’re a MODERN classic dresser - with emphasis on the MODERN. Denim (a classic) but in an on trend silouhette - loafers but with an on-trend lug heel…that sort of thing.

I suspect Yin stuff might be more your vibe than Yang stuff, or maybe it’s the other way around? LOL!

20 hours ago

Jonesy

Veteran

It sounds like you have this longstanding fear of these items, but you've sort of fallen in love with the mystery jeans--you are wearing them a lot and they perhaps fill a wardrobe gap. So now that you've dipped your toe in, you are thinking you might want to try some more pieces in a similar vein? But don't know where to start or what items might be the most versatile/have the most longevity, and you don't want to feel plain or too masculine?

Let me talk up the button down in its current iteration: Yes, button downs for women used to typically be tailored and have these darts that made them narrow and fitted. And those were tough if you had a chest, big shoulders, a belly, etc. etc. And they tended to feel constricting, at least to me--they seemed designed for work, underneath a blazer, so it could feel difficult to integrate them into a more casual lifestyle.

But many button downs today are cut quite loose and--dare I say it?--oversized :). They are designed to be more casual, and to skim over chests and bellies. Their woven-ness makes them perfect for that task! (Way superior to knits or t-shirts, IMO.)

I agree with others who suggested window shopping or trying on a bunch of different options, with bottoms (jeans, whatever) you already own, just to see what feels right and works with the rest of you. For example, I have big, curly, sort of fluffy hair that goes below my shoulders, and a long neck, so I like a strict button down with a collar because it juxtaposes nicely with my hair. If your hair is more "strict" or structured, and you fear looking more masculine or plain, then maybe a less structured button down in a drapey fabric, and/or with a banded collar, could be a nice fit.

Here are some examples from the brand TWP, across a range of styles (and two different seasonal collections). I find them to be so comfortable and versatile for layering and everything, really. Heck, I even garden in button downs :).

ETA: Of course, you don't have to wear any of these items on your list that you've avoided for years. But if you want to try, because the jeans have been an unexpected hit, or you feel like your wardrobe is just missing some key elements, or you're thinking a few classic pieces might work well at this stage of your life, then yes! Go for it!

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19 hours ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, I love those shirts, Jonesy!

And Lisa, your summer BR shirts had a similar vibe to a few of those.

19 hours ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I like the variety Jonesy posted. And as recall, you wear a V- neck very well, so Sal’s example shirt/ blouse is good. So again, “ woven button front shirt” can apply to a lot of different items, none being the “ classic” tailored, collared shirt.

And the lengths are negotiable- I have a plaid flannel shirt that is just a tad shorter than my usual shirts, getting a ton of wear, partly because tops overall are shorter these past few seasons, but mostly it works better with fuller cut pants. Yet the very boxy short button-fronts are too short on me— they SHOULD work but don’t , because of my shape, the lack of drape.

18 hours ago

Echo

Veteran

I have to agree with the majority in that I don't do "classics" much, either; they just don't work for me. However, if you feel pulled in the direction of trying some, there are variations on the styles that may work. For example, I don't wear crew neck cardigans, but V neck cardis tend to work for me; turtlenecks are VERY unflattering for me, but mock necks or just higher crew necks fill that spot; I used to think skirts weren't for me at all until I found flouncy skirts, or skirts with more volume than pencils; pleats are often unflattering, but variations on paper bag type waists can give a similar look; normal button-downs are terrible on me, but highly stylized ones with asymmetrical hems or button structures can sometimes work (though this is far more hit or miss); many standard tees don't work for me, but there are some that are built with more volume through the bust and shoulders without being boxy all the way down, and sometimes those work.

Otherwise, if you don't feel you're MISSING anything, then I agree with everyone else in that your wardrobe basics don't need to the be the same items that are on so many "lists." You need to go with what works for you and what feels fab to you, not arbitrary lists of what "everyone" needs.

18 hours ago

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