What does Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton and Marylin Monroe have in common besides their famous status? They all have a classic fashion style. In the ever-evolving world of fashion, trends come and go, but one style that remains timeless and relevant is classic style. But what is classic style exactly? If you want to be known for sophistication and elegance, this classic style guide will help you create a timeless wardrobe.
What is Classic Style
Classic style is rooted in a timeless aesthetic that transcends passing fads. It embraces a refined and polished look that exudes confidence and understated glamor. If you want to create a timeless wardrobe, there are key elements to understanding what is classic style and what it’s not:
- Timeless Silhouettes: Features clean lines, tailored cuts, and well-structured garments that flatter a range of body types.
- Neutral Color Palette: Outfits tend to incorporate neutral colors such as black, white, navy, beige, and gray, which create a timeless and versatile foundation.
- Quality Fabrics: Clothing emphasizes high-quality materials that not only ensure longevity but also enhance the overall appearance and feel of the garments.
- Minimalist Approach: Champions simplicity and avoids excessive ornamentation or flashy embellishments, focusing on the beauty of understated details.
- Versatility: Clothing is known for its ability to seamlessly transition from one occasion to another, effortlessly adapting to different settings and seasons.
Why Has Classic Style Endured?
Classic style has stood the test of time and continues to endure for several compelling reasons:
- Versatility and Adaptability: Classic pieces offer endless possibilities for styling and can be easily mixed and matched with other wardrobe essentials, making them suitable for various occasions and settings.
- Investment Value: Classic style encourages investing in high-quality, enduring pieces that stand the test of time. While they may initially come with a higher price tag, their longevity and versatility make them cost-effective choices in the long run.
- Sustainability: Classic style promotes sustainability by advocating for well-made, timeless pieces that reduce the need for excessive consumption and frequent wardrobe turnover.
- Confidence Boost: Wearing classic style exudes a sense of confidence and sophistication. Knowing that your outfit will always be tasteful and appropriate allows you to focus on showcasing your personality and individual flair.
- Cultivating Personal Style: Classic pieces serve as a solid foundation for building a personal style. They can be infused with individual touches, accessories, and statement pieces to create unique and personalized looks.
- Heritage and Legacy: This style often draws inspiration from fashion icons and timeless eras, connecting wearers to a rich sartorial heritage and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
- Future Proof: While fashion fads come and go, this style has always endured because of its timeless silhouette and high quality.
Classic Style and Its Relevance Today
If you are wondering if classic style is boring or too conservative, think again. Many of today’s fashion icons live and breathe classic style. Classic style doesn’t mean being confined to a rigid set of rules. It seamlessly blends with contemporary fashion, allowing for creativity and self-expression. Some tips for creating your classic wardrobe and staying relevant include:
- Mixing Classic and Trendy Elements: Incorporate classic pieces into your wardrobe while experimenting with trendy accessories or statement pieces to create a balance between timeless elegance and current fashion.
- Embracing Modern Interpretations: Look for classic silhouettes with modern twists, such as innovative cuts, unexpected details, or contemporary fabric choices, to infuse a fresh and updated feel into your outfits.
- Customization and Tailoring: Tailor classic pieces to fit your body perfectly, enhancing their timeless appeal and ensuring they reflect your personal style.
- Accessorizing with Flair: Elevate classic ensembles with carefully chosen accessories like scarves, belts, statement jewelry, or handbags to add a touch of individuality and contemporary flair.
- Embracing Individuality: Use classic style as a canvas for self-expression. Mix and match classic pieces in unique ways to reflect your personality and create a distinctive style.
Pro Tip: Understanding your body shape is important when buying clothes in any style. For example, if you have an hourglass shape, opt for a soft white shirt that has a drape instead of a stiff material. Here are some tips to dressing in a classic style based on your specific body type:
- Hourglass Body Type:
- Highlight your defined waist: Opt for fitted dresses or tops that cinch at the waist to emphasize your hourglass figure.
- Choose tailored silhouettes: Classic sheath dresses, A-line skirts, and high-waisted pants can accentuate your curves beautifully.
- Avoid overly boxy or shapeless garments that may hide your waistline.
- Rectangle Body Type:
- Create curves with structure: Look for classic styles with structured details like peplum tops, belted dresses, or jackets to add the illusion of curves.
- Experiment with volume: Play with voluminous skirts or tops to add dimension and create the appearance of a more defined waistline.
- Opt for tailored pieces that create shape and structure.
- Pear Body Type:
- Balance your proportions: Choose classic styles that draw attention to your upper body, such as boat necklines or statement collars, to create balance with your hips.
- A-line and fit-and-flare dresses or skirts can accentuate your waist while skimming over your hips.
- Choose darker colors on the lower half to minimize emphasis.
- Apple Body Type:
- Highlight your assets: Choose classic styles that accentuate your legs, such as A-line skirts or dresses that fall above the knee.
- Create vertical lines: Choose V-neck tops or dresses that elongate your torso and draw attention upward.
- Look for empire waistlines or wrap dresses that cinch just below the bust and flow over the midsection.
- Inverted Triangle Body Type:
- Balance your proportions: Choose classic styles that add volume to your lower body, such as flared or wide-leg pants, A-line skirts, or pleated dresses.
- Opt for tops with softer shoulder lines or draping to minimize emphasis on the shoulders.
- Experiment with prints or details on the lower half to draw attention downward.
What Classic Style is Not
Classic style is not trend-driven: Unlike other styles such as romantic or sporty, classic style does not rely on fleeting fashion fads.. It transcends the ever-changing trends and focuses on timeless elegance and enduring appeal. If you want to truly create a timeless classic wardrobe, it’s important to know what classic style is not:
- Overly Ornate: Classic style is characterized by its simplicity and minimalism. It avoids excessive ornamentation, flashy embellishments, or over-the-top details that may be more associated with ornate or maximalist styles.
- Classic Style is Not Superfluous: Classic style prioritizes quality over quantity. It steers away from impulse buying or following the fast fashion culture. Classic pieces are carefully chosen, well-made, and have enduring value, reducing the need for frequent wardrobe turnover.
- Limited to a Specific Era: While classic style can draw inspiration from iconic fashion eras, such as the 1950s or the 1960s, it is not confined to a particular period. Classic style endures beyond time and can be adapted and modernized while still retaining its timeless essence.
- Classic Style is Not Limited to a Single Look: Classic style is versatile and can be adapted to suit various personal tastes. It can be mixed with contemporary elements, customized with accessories, or infused with individual touches to create unique and personalized looks.
Pro Tip: You may find classic styles in fast fashion stores like H & M and Zara but always do a quality check to ensure cost per wear.
Never Be Out Of Style
Classic style holds an enduring allure in the world of fashion due to its timeless elegance, versatility, and ability to adapt to changing trends. It offers a foundation of polished looks that transcend time and will empower you to cultivate your personal style. If you’re a classic style, be assured that you’ll never be out of style and can walk into any room with confidence and sophistication! Now that you know what is classic style and what it is not, visit the below retailers to get inspiration today!
Fashion Forward Classic Brands
There are many designs and retailers known for classic style. Here are a few:
