Three classics you own.... - YouLookFab Forum

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Three classics you own....

Sal

Veteran

We all want pieces with longevity - something that lasts that we want to wear, year after year. Not all classics are like that, shifts in fashion can make some classic items not feel as current. But sometimes our classics can be just wonderful...

What is?

1) Your oldest classic piece still in rotation
2) Your most worn classic piece still in rotation
3) Something newer that you hope becomes a classic

For me:

1) My oldest piece still worn is this black merino turtleneck sweater. It sat in the ski bag for a few years unworn, but is back in rotation now. It dates from 2008. I didn't track wears for all of the time but I think it is well over 60 wears - it is showing some wear now and will probably only last one more year.
2) My most worn is my Veronica Maine wool coat purchased in 2022 - 95 wears to date. Thanks Brooklyn who spotted as an option for me!! I do have some jeans with more wears and denim is a classic, but I think the coat is even more of one.
3) My newest purchase that I hope becomes a classic is this black Harris Tapper blazer. I have worn it four times to date.

Over to you - what are your classic pieces that have served you well, and will continue to do so?

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Cookie

LJP

Veteran

Interesting!

1. Oldest classic would be my Fendi flapfront shoulder bag - purchased in 2001. I use it every winter . It's (to my surprise) offered on Far Fetch at about the same price I paid for it 24 years ago (now it's deemed "vintage", lol).

2. Most worn classic still in rotation - same as above. Close second is a double faced wool Eileen Fisher car coat . Purchased wholesale in 2010-ish.

3. Something newer that I know will have staying power- black linen lined , fitted, Smythe blazer with leather elbow patches. Not worn often now but I'll never pass it on as long as it still fits. Purchased in 2015-ish. I haven't invested/spent in/on clothes or accessories to this extent in recent years so newer pieces don't really qualify as classics in terms of quality. A plush cashmere boyfriend sweater in olive green from Aritizia purchased last year has worn remarkably well so far, and will be in my wardrobe until it no longer looks nice. Which will hopefully be far off in the future. Can't screen shot.

As to yours, I agree that all three are guaranteed classics - and great purchases.

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Runcarla

Veteran

Due to experiencing a 25lb weight loss and a change in physique since ‘retiring’ from hard training for triathlon, I’ve few garments older than 4 years. That said, most of my wardrobe is made up of classic pieces.

Probably my oldest classic garment candidate is a red merino fluid fit crew neck from ‘22 (47 wears). I picked up the identical sweater in black in ‘24 (28 wears). I’ll probably have them until the elbows wear out - but for now they look like new!

Most worn would be 501 jeans. Two identical pairs picked up in ‘24 (97 wears).

I thrifted a lightweight wool St. Michael’s double breasted blazer jacket and suspect it is from the ‘80’s. It was in excellent condition with the exception of several missing buttons. The silouhette is long, but fluid fit - neither oversized nor snug. Blazer jackets are classic, but I’d like to see this longer silouhette return to mainstream - maybe styled in some new creative ways?!

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LJP

Veteran

Uniqlo is rumoured to be opening a store here in Winnipeg in the new year - finally! Eager to see what the clothing looks like - I've never had luck ordering from their website.

Dee

Veteran

Haha, my closet is chocker blocked full of classics, however;

Oldest Classic- a denim utility-style jacket that was bought when shopping with my mom back in the 1990s. It still sees the occasional wear.

Most Worn Classic- My 501 Levis medium wash jeans. A favorite despite the button-up fly, cause I'm a jean gal, I'm wearing them today.

New but Hopeful Classic-
Just purchased fresh today, my Lambert black crossbody bag. Love its clean style.

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cat2

Veteran

A zillion travel miles over the years means most older things were worn out and discarded. I do still have a lot of classic pieces in rotation acquired within the last decade. I have been mostly shopping my closet for trending classic pieces rather than buying the new version. The exception has been refreshing flat shoes and boots when classics are readily available.

Roberta

Veteran

Most of my older clothing has moved on due to figure and life changes, but I have hung on to accessories.

The oldest - the Skagen watch I bought on my 40th birthday (27 years ago)

The most worn - the Louise et Cie riding boots that are at least 15 years old. My other tall boots don't get out much, but these seem to go with everything. They have a definite patina.

The newest? Probably these silver earrings with a little sparkle. I wear them a lot and hope tohave them for years.

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Skagen Signatur Slim Mesh Strap Watch

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Demi Fine Floating Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings

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Irina

Veteran

I don’t have many classic items in my wardrobe, so here my version of the most worn “classics’
1. COS pleated knit. Bought it probably in 2017. Wear it still despite that longer, tunic style sweaters are not my preferred silhouette at the moment.

2. Linen shirt, probably 9 years old. I still wear it every summer, high quality linen fabric.

3. COS t-shirts that I have in 4 colors and probably will buy another if I like a color. My go to tops for summers and also fit nicely under a blazer or a cardigan. Classic cut to me and I hope they will last for years.

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Sal

Veteran

Thats a true classic bag Lisa - and I love the shape of the black blazer. I find it interesting how some things do really last "style-wise" and others can look dated. That blazer has the perfect balance and is a wonderful piece.

Great classics Carla - you have a good eye for pieces that will last. And yes straight leg denim is something that really has longevity too. I mostly wear out my jeans before I get sick of them or they become dated.

Lovely new bag Dee - thats a great addition, and yes 501s are such a good style. Maybe I will try them again although I wonder if they would be good on my "muscular" thighs...

Cat2 - shopping your closet is the best thing! In 2026 I will need to update my low heel or flat dark boots and probably my straight leg denim and maybe my tall boots as well. All pieces that I want to last and last. Esp the boots given the prices.....

LJP

Veteran

Ha! Roberta I have that same watch although I bought mine about 7 years ago - obviously a classic style ! I wear mine split evenly with my Apple Watch .

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I feel mine are boring… they count as Angie’s “essentials” though.
The oldest is a black skivvy (mock-neck to non-Aussie or Kiwi Fabbers) from I think about 2007? Black Pepper brand, Australian. I had bought 3 at the time, black, pink and blue. Edited out pink and blue but kept this one. I bought a replacement black, a size down, plus a navy and a bright blue in 2023, all worn over 66 times each since. I keep the older black for when the new black is in the wash in winter and thus still wore it 15 times this winter while the newer was worn 25 times this winter. I like them under statement knitwear, what can I say?
The most worn is the soft Scope black jacket from 2018, 258 wears to date and looking tired. I have tried to replace it and bought 2 thrifted items not quite as good but which I am wearing, pleased to see that reduced the Scope one’s wears to 14 this year so maybe next year I could let go?
The newest is the 2024 Max dark green cardigan which replaced my long olive one. It is a thin sustainable merino wool and spans several seasons with layering. Already worn 51 times yay. Sits just below my waist and perfect length sleeves for me, one turn up at the wrist which looks just right. $150 so already under $3 per wear.

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Sal

Veteran

Roberta - those are three lovely pieces and I agree - totally timeless - haha maybe not the watch though which I hope can tell the time:) It's a lovely piece.

Irina - I love that linen shirt - such a good summer piece -and when a tee shirt cut just works isn't it wonderful!! I have one tee that I repeated in black and then bought a white and then a red.....

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, I can't decide which of my regulars are classic and which are not. I have a few Equipment silk button downs - I think the design has not changed since the 90s. I certainly have some jackets and coats that are from that era also. And sweaters. And boots. Are Pleats Please pieces classics? Oxford shoes and loafers? I could go on...

Star (Lise)

Veteran

I too have a black turtleneck and a black mockneck that are old (mid 00s) that are also most worn. They have been worn and through the washing machine hundreds of times and they still look fine. No fading, no piling, no thinning, no pulling out of shape. Excellent quality from the South African store Woolworths. I think because they are cotton blends they have stood the test of time . Last Autumn I thrifted a navy trench coat. I love the classic look but we just don't get enough of the appropriate weather to wear it often here.

Sisi

Veteran

What interesting questions, Sal! Your classics are beautiful and ... classy.
Easy to answer your first and second questions: my oldest and also still most worn classic piece still in rotation is a MaxMara blue raincoat in a shiny fabric. I bought it in 2007 and every year, in Spring and Autumn, it comes out to play. 209 wears up to date, considering that I started tracking in 2015.
Something newer that I hope becomes a classic - I do not understand well the question. Are you asking whether I hope that a new trend will become a classic? Or whether I hope that something classic recently bought will go into heavy rotation? In the latter case it is my soft cotton lbd bought this past Summer. Super comfy and flattering - I love it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sal, your classics are perfect! How about your Aviator sunnies!!! I'd put those in the most worn category too.

I have many classics. I LOVE the classics! This is a tricky one for my Trendy Classic style. Fun questions though

1. Oldest: Ms. Valentino is 18 years old. BEST BAG OF ALL TIME!!! I wear many times a year. Burberry scarf is 16 years old. I wear it three times a year. Navy COS T-neck is 10 years old. It's impeccable all these years later and an essential.

2. Most Worn: Pearls, RayBans.

3. New Classic: RL Aviator Jacket is a classic and new this year. Although having a major trendy moment.

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Kate

Veteran

I guess my classics would be my beefy Uniqlo tees, which I bought about 8 or so years ago and are still going strong.

Also my red, cream, and navy merino wool sweaters (one turtleneck, two crew neck).

Classic to be I hope—all my balloon/barrel leg /horseshoe jeans.

JAileen

Veteran

I’m not sure how classic my items are. But they have stood the test of time, and are still going strong.
1. Patagonia raincoat with zip out liner. I’ve had it at least ten years. I wore it last week. It’s a real raincoat - waterproof, not just water resistant.

2. Kuhl utility jacket. I’ve had this one at least seven years. I love this kind of jacket, and this one is especially nice, with a zip out hood, and extra pockets.
3. Fair Isle vest. I designed and knit this about 35 years ago for my husband. It’s too warm for him, so I started wearing it more than ten years ago. It slipped into my wardrobe seamlessly.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

What a great question, Sal, and I love each one of your items. They are winners for sure! That coat is one of my favourite pieces in your closet. So elegant and versatile.

It's fun seeing everyone else's picks, too!

I own a lot of classic or what I might call "classic adjacent" (i.e. trendy classic) items. But my oldest I think is the Hilary Radley knee length coat in cranberry -- bought in 2012 or 2013, at any rate in the year I joined YLF. I wore it yesterday! I probably wear it 10 times or fewer per year now, though when I first bought it, I wore it far more often. All in all, it has shown its value.

Most worn are probably the 3 J. Crew tux shirts below. The fit slimmer than most current shirts (less oversized, more classic), and they are made of gorgeous cotton that barely wrinkles. I got them maybe in 2014? Somewhere around there. Wearing them regularly, still, and they are still going strong.

A newer item that I hope will prove a keeper is tougher for me. I haven't shopped at all this fall, really! And my summer items tend not to fall into this category. So maybe I will pick my cashmere zip hoodie from last season, which has certainly paid for itself in CPW already, since I use it as loungewear *and* regular wear.

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Bonnie

Veteran

My classics have withstood many purges and are still work horses, and my newest classic was hard to choose because recent purchases have been mostly wildcards. 1. OLDEST:A birthday gift from dh about 15 years ago. It's an olive swing jacket in a heavy linen that works well with my wardrobe. 2. MOST WORN: A wool blazer bought on an end of season sale at a boutique about 10 years ago. Recently, a lady at the Disney Concert Hall who complimented me thought it was Ralph Lauren because she had one just like it. I'm planning to wear it today for lunch. 3. NEWEST: I think red boots are classic and these will stay in my wardrobe a long time. I also bought a blue pair but I think the red looks more classic. This is a fun thread!!

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Star (Lise)

Veteran

BONNIE I love that you consider your red boots classic. I do think combat/similar boots are classic. I just got a new black pair. I always have a pair in rotation now for many years. My last pair was blue. I love your wardrobe and would love to see more of your pieces in action, as in WIWs, if you have the will and the time :).

Sal

Veteran

Jenni - black "skivvies" are so useful for work. Sleek, simple and warm - a total classic always.

Jaime - sounds like you are sorted with the classics. Silk shirts are definitely one - I have two and I love being able to pull them out for work or evening events.

Lise - we are on the same page! I like trenchcoats too but whilst our weather is right, my lifestyle is not. I think commuting by foot to work is perfect for a trench - not something I can do with a 15km distance.

Sisi - a LBD is most definitely a classic and I like your summer one. And so is a stylish raincoat.

Angie - wonderful classics that have stood the test of time! I forgot about sunglasses - and bags - both really good classics to invest in as they get so much use!!

Sal

Veteran

Kate - good tees and knitwear are my hardest items to find. So well done on getting something that suits. It will be interesting to see if barrel legs become a classic or not, but in this age of anything goes I say yes.

JAileen - total classics. Fair Isle is both a classic and a statement all at once which I think is a bit unusual.

Suz - wonderful classics - and perfect for you. This cranberry red is such a good colour for you. And good quality shirts stand the test of time as well.

Bonnie - ooh what nice pieces. Love the blazer and I think red boots are a classic - for a blazer or for shoes or a coat or a dress - but maybe not for a blouse? I don't know why. Great pieces.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I only have one to offer at present.

I churn a lot, because I'm more of a trendy dresser than a classics girl. I think this white faux fur Theory jacket is one of my pieces with the greatest longevity -- I never seem to get tired of it.

Theory Clairene Faux Fur Jacket

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Sal

Veteran

I see this as a classic UmmLila - faur fur is a perennial!! Lovely piece that would work over so many dresses and outfits.

I feel a bit like that about my pleated dress.

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The Cat

Veteran

Interesting thread on classics.

Sal, what an elegant wool coat! And that colour must be beautiful on you!

My oldest classic piece still in rotation: Light grey ribbed V-neck cardigan from 2000.

My most worn classic piece still in rotation: Medium blue straight leg jeans from 2010.

A newer item that I view as a classic and expect to wear for many years: Black & greige striped midi sweater dress from 2025.

Sal

Veteran

TheCat - so interesting that a cardigan has lasted that well for 25 years. Must be such good quality. And the jeans too have had a good life - my oldest jeans date from 2020.

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Oldest--black palazzo pants, only 3 years? I tend to rotate through stuff.
Most worn--Lee Mom jeans, like they sewed them onto my legs.
New classic--Express black ankle jeans. Unfortunately, the fit is not as perfect as I want.

I do think....that a style hurdle I need to get over is the quality issue. It makes complete sense for a modest-income person to get jeans at a place like Express, but jeans is an area where maybe I would commit more money for a better fit.

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Lisa

Veteran

This is a great question and I enjoy reading about everyone's classics.

1. Oldest classic still in rotation is a Coach bag. It's 20 years old and was my first ever Coach bag. I no longer use it daily but it comes out every year at least a couple of times for special occasions or date nights with DH.

2. My most worn classic item is aviator sunglasses. I am a big sunglasses girl and wear them daily. I have aviators in two colors and the brown are my older pair.

3. My newest sunglasses are pink aviators. I stalked them for over a year and finally pulled the trigger. I adore the bright color on the classic style.

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Sal

Veteran

Carol - I like your classics! Not being based in the US I don't know all the brands but I know that in the past my cheaper jeans sometimes last as long as more expensive ones. My go to for good quality at a fair price is still Levis....

Lisa - bags and sunglasses are some of the best classics because they last, get a lot of wear, and always fit.

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