How to perfect the timeless style

What is timeless style? Timeless style is mastered by creating a foundational wardrobe of classic silhouettes that have versatility and longevity.  Some women possess a certain fashion sense that never ceases to go out of style or look dated.  Most of us can’t look at a picture we took years ago and like the outfit in the picture, and we can almost always identify the decade or trend at the time the picture was taken. Women who master timeless style attain it by adding elevated basics and sophisticated centerpieces, and avoid outfits that are identified by a particular fashion trend or fashion decade.  Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy mastered this look. All of the pictures below were taken in the 90s, or as the kids say these days “the late 1900s,” but you could wear any of the outfits featured below today.

Here are four simple rules to help you master the timeless style:

1. Invest in quality basics

2. Move away from Trendy

3. Establish your own personal style

4. Don’t over accessorize

1. Invest in quality basics: The basics are the foundation pieces of any outfit that you can alternate over the years.

TOPS

1. White and black T-shirts and tanks
2. White button up
3. Pullover blouse and sweater
4. Cardigans (long and short)
5. Black and tan Turtlenecks

PANTS

1. Black tailored pants (cropped)
2. Wide leg trousers (tan or black)
3. Assorted denim
4. Black leggings
5. Joggers

SKIRT

1. Pencil skirt
2. Midi skirt
3. A-line skirt

DRESSES

1. A-line dress
2. Casual cotton dress
3. Shirt dress ( white, blue, black)

JACKETS

1. Denim jacket
2. Blazer
3. Utility jacket

OUTERWEAR

1. Wool winter coat
2. Dressy coat
3. Trenchcoat
4. Puffer coat and vest

SHOES

1. Pumps ( black and nude)
2. Black and tan boots (knee high and ankle)
3. Flats (ballet, loafer or oxford)
4. White tennis shoes
5. Sandals (flat + heel)

JEWELRY and ACCESSORIES

1. Everyday watch or smart watch with a variety of bands
2. Diamond stud earrings or dressy earrings
3. Necklace (statement + fine)
4. Sunglasses: black or brown framed
5. Black and tan leather belt

Watches differ in style and personal taste, and can range between $59 for a Fossil, to $3200 for a Cartier. If you love your smart watch as much as I do, I suggest investing in changeable bands – you can find these on Amazon. Anne Klein has a wide variety of bands and bumpers to choose from too:

Fun fact: 80% of all eyewear brands are made by the manufacturer Luxottica. Yes, most eyewear brands are all made in the same factory with the same materials, and then the brands’ logos are placed.

HANDBAGS

1. Tote – Black and Tan
2. Crossbody bag
3. Clutch

The LV Neverfull is not the only tote in town; please venture out.

2. Move away from buying trendy: “Here today, gone tomorrow” outfits make us spend too much money on pieces that we won’t want to wear in a year. Think “versatility and longevity” the next time you make a purchase from your favorite brand.

Below is an example of a trendy look. Cobalt blue is one of the hot colors coming out of fashion week, and small bags were everywhere last year. This outfit I would wear, but it’s definitely not a timeless look. It doesn’t fit the “versatility and longevity” rule.

This Balenciaga sweater for $1490, and this micro city bag that retails for $2200, are trendy and very pricey. It’s a great look, but definitely not timeless.

3. Establish your own personal style: This means to buy what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Do your research (visit itopea.com) and grab pictures from magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, etc., of looks that you like and will look good on you.

4. Don’t over accessorize: “Simplicity is the keynote to all true elegance,” – Coco Chanel. This means less is more, so focus on a few key jewelry pieces that add to your outfit, like a nice watch, staple necklace and bracelet, maybe sunglasses. Adding too many accessories can take away the overall outfit and comes across as overdone.

And to quote Coco Chanel again (even though ,allegedly, she was a terrible person) “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”