What I consider classics

Sisi

Angie's post of yesterday about classic pieces has been enlightening and made me think. This is what I consider classics:

white shirt (with long or short
sleeves)
V-neck pullover
dressy jacket or blazer
pencil skirt
sartorial trousers
little black dress
knee-high boots
Chelsea booties
loafers
ballet flats
pumps
not sure about sandals - maybe plain dainty thong sandals?
dressy knee-length coat
trench
equestrian square silk scarf

Jewelry: pearl strand, pearl
earrings, studs, engagment ring, chain bracelet.

I don't know about bags and accessories in general.

What do you say?

At present I have very few classic pieces in my wardrobe and I think this is one of the reasons why sometimes I have difficulties in putting together an outfit. Investing in some good classics will be my goal from now on.

10 months ago

General

8 replies

Latest reply was from Carol

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This list sounds like the lists we used to see of what every woman supposedly needs in her closet, ha! And any of these items could be classic if in a traditional streamlined cut. But someone's white shirt could be puff sleeved with lace (and then it wouldn't be classic). So it's more about the cut of the item and its details than the fact that it is a white shirt, that makes it classic. I think.

10 months ago

Sisi

Veteran

Right, Suz. I have in mind a traditional streamlined cut for these pieces. Hehe, I wrote the post in a hurry. In Italian a "shirt" is always a shirt in a men's cut - maybe I should have said button-up.

10 months ago

Star

Veteran

I think your list is spot on. I would add a cardigan and a striped breton T. Personally I would include a white T, black T and grey T. Not sure if others consider Ts classic... As for sandals, could a gladiator be considered a classic? They were trendy some time ago but I think now are classic.

10 months ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sisi, the items need more detail

What Suz said.

What I wrote on Helena's thread:

If we take cardigans and jeans as an example - it’s a specific type of cardigan and specific silhouette of jeans that is modern classic. Other types of jeans and cardigans can be on trend and fashion forward.

More examples: a simple knee-length pencil skirt is a classic. A maxi or midaxi pencil skirt with a long front slit in on trend. A cabled or non-cabled long sleeved pullover – with any neckline – in a fluidly tailored fit that is hip length is a classic. A cropped version in a body con fit is on trend. An oversized version in any length is on trend too.

What muddies the waters is when a classic has a fashion moment and becomes trendy for a while! Birkenstocks and black Docs are a great example. Wayfarers and Aviators too. Very on trend, and so, sooooooo classic.

The cut and silhouette makes something a classic. Fabric and colour contribute too. Neutrals are MORE classic.

A non-neutral - especially a bright - makes a classic item look LESS classic, yet it is still a classic. Simply a more playful one!

10 months ago

Anonymous

I'd think a classic is something that could fit right in any decade- or at least the last 50-100 years.
I'd say definitely yes to basic t's in black and white and same for tank tops. Blazers in a simple cut. A leather moto jacket. Straight full length jeans. Basic white or black sneakers.

10 months ago

Jules

Veteran

Sisi it sounds like you might need more of what Angie calls essentials for outfit building? And maybe you are identifying a need for some classic essentials specifically.

But in the end the terminology doesn’t matter, it’s the thinking and ideas we get out of it that helps us build our wardrobes…

10 months ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m not sure if the garments in your Finds are wardrobe items or a sartorial wish list. There seem to be some good foundational basics - including classics - in what you’ve collected.

10 months ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I enjoy the "exclusivity" of classics, meaning not very many items are universal enough, and well-designed enough, to make the cut. It is a limited list.

At the same time, it got my brain cells pumping reading a couple snippets of Angie's recent posts, and her comment above, that the list can also include items you wouldn't think of as classics: aviators, Doc Martens, Birkenstocks. It kind of...opens up the attitude of the style, I guess.

That's a good list! I might add: dark jeans, sun dress, strappy heels, black turtleneck...there are many.

10 months ago

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