are you familiar with my classic style series on instagram that started january 2019? here’s a low down. from time to time, i choose a classic style icon from the past or present (think jackie o, princess diana, or amal clooney), pick one of their outfits to replicate and post. today, i’m sharing 5 chic, classy and classic outfits from that series. outfits that stand the test of time.
what a fun series to create and work on each week! it challenges me to think about classic style in new (and old) ways. because we never want to look stodgy or dated, which can quickly happen when we don’t keep our outfits current and fresh. a reader recently asked if i have to purchase anything new to recreate the outfits seen on the classic style series. so far, everything is already hanging in my closet. which is one aspect i most love about classic style – it’s ageless, trendless, and timeless. a navy or black blazer never goes out of style. right? although you may have to update the cut. some years a fitted blazer is more to our liking; other years it’s a looser fit. does anyone remember puffed sleeves? that was so 1980s. they’ve come back with a vengeance the past year. which just goes to show you never know when trends might come back into fashion. my mother claimed that if you lived long enough, you would see trends cycle through three times.
bomber jacket | similar sweater | denim | shoes | similar handbag
chic, classy, and classic outfits
many of you may have noticed there’s lots of discussion about timeless classic style on the blog. entire blog posts are dedicated to timeless classics – timeless classic military coat or timeless classic riding boots. typically, there’s a backstory on how certain clothing items turned into classics. i love to share those bits of history with you. here’s a post that shares when the iconic, timeless classic pencil skirt came onto the fashion scene. many of you enjoyed the blog post that discussed how easy it is for a classic style to become dated or stodgy. there are definitely ways to prevent that from happening! two years ago, i partnered with Talbots as their Fall Classics guest editor featuring ten key classic pieces.
blazer | similar shirt | denim | shoes | similar belt
some of you may be scratching your head as to what classic style is all about? there are lots of style quizzes on the web that can help identify your signature look. but since a teenager, i’ve preferred classic style above all other styles. there’s something steady and true about pieces that never go out of fashion: trench coats, pencil skirts, anything nautical. the classics are simplicity at its best and are well designed. they can also be dressed up or down because they are forever stylish. classic style speaks to me, but they also keep me on my toes. i’m always asking, “how does a cashmere crewneck sweater go best with a blazer?” or “how does a pencil skirt go with a faux leather moto jacket?” there’s nothing i love more than reinventing classic pieces that are rooted in beauty and usefulness. remember, you’re in good company when it comes to timeless classic style. jackie kennedy onassis, grace kelly, audrey hepburn, lauren bacall, victoria beckham, amal clooney, princess diana, and kate middleton are all exemplary examples of classic style in motion.
today, i wanted to talk about how to shop for classic style. what designers or brands offer timeless classic pieces. in this post, i’ve rounded up a list of brands i gravitate towards. it’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s representative of those brands i love and shopped for years. most fall into the mid-priced brands’ category. but i’ve never been afraid to shell out a few bucks for a well-made piece from a luxury designer. remember, classic style stands the test of time. once you’re familiar with classic style and know what you love (read ten wardrobe essentials to get started), it’s easy to shop at Target, Walmart, or Kohls to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. there’s absolutely no price-point that defines the classics. whatever your budget, there’s a classic clothing item created just for you. so grab a cup of coffee and start scrolling through my list. the good news? in case you hadn’t heard (ha!) thursday is when many brands launch their sales. it’s a great day to shop.
similar coat | denim | similar tote | similar loafers
blazer | similar chinos | similar blouse | shoes | similar belt | similar necklace
brands i love
Talbots: since 1947, Talbots has been delivering timeless and timely fashion. i shop for many things at this store, but i particularly love Occasion.
Gap: founded by the Fisher family in 1969, Gap went from selling levi’s and lp records to private-label merchandise in 1974. there are several brands underneath the Gap Family: Gap, Old Navy, and my two favorites Banana Republic and Athleta.
J.Crew: what started as a catalog company in 1983 has become one of the most iconic american retailers. this is one of the first stores i shop for blazers.
Everlane: this brand has a fabulous online presence and two brick and mortar stores on either coast. there are quite a few key pieces i like from this brand. but their cashmere and shoes and bootsare top-notch.
Levi’s: what can i say about this iconic brand that brought us the first blue jean other than i adore them! they still carry the original trucker jacket a.k.a. denim jacket.
Ralph Lauren: i could wear Ralph Lauren head-to-toe on any given day. but i always count on Ralph for classic outerwear.
Boden: founded in 1991 by Johnnie Boden Boden initially launched with eight menswear products. womenswear was introduced in 1992. their sweaters always catch my eye.
Ann Taylor: Ann always carries those ‘outfit basics’ every wardrobe needs. i’m a big fan of their denim.
Tory Burch: love Tory’s take on sporty casual. but i can always count on this brand for timeless handbags.
Theory: clean and sophisticated Theory has a nice compilation of best sellers.
Chanel: this luxury designer has delivered trends that turned into timeless classics since Coco was at the helm. Chance by Chanel is my go-to fragrance. i’m also a big fan of their lipsticks. and i love, love, love their costume jewelry. it’s pricey but gorgeous.
Burberry: this is one brand that has consistently delivered iconic elegance for decades whether it’s their signature trench or field jacket.
St. John: if you want classic knitwear look no further. love their take on sportswear.
Lafayette 148: this brand is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. yes, it’s a luxury brand but worth every penny spent.
Vince: timeless, simple, and classic. i am a big fan of their sweaters and blouses.
Alex Mill: this is a brand that’s new to me but i like what i see.
Frances Valentine: one of everything, please.
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Great post! You look beautiful. Love the copycat photos! Bobbi Jo
Happy Thanksgiving! You’re CLASSIC and classy! Very pretty girl! I think of you as being my personal Anna Wintour! ❤️
Fabulous looks!
Classics are great and timeless. You did a marvelous job of copying the outfits. That can be fun to do. I use to copy Jackie O. Just not the pill box hat. I loved Grace Kelly too. Audrey Hepburn.
If I still had my navy blue suit, white suit, crisp white shirt, black leather pumps, black leather bag and navy trench coat plus navy wool pea coat, every piece would still work today. Even the searsucker blue striped summer suit would still look nice. These were worn in 1961!
Great post – I am a classic and have been since my teens too – when everyone else was boho chic in the 70’s I was crew neck sweaters, levi jeans and loafer LOL – still now as well – thanks Beth – you look fabulous in all the looks – have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving, Beth.
Also love the photos. Thanks for the retail advice. Good, well constructed, wool blazers are hard to find these days. Polyester is not my friend.
Such a fun post. You look great in all of the photos. Classic looks are timeless. There are so many classic clothing pieces that are as beautiful today as they were 20, 30, 40 and more years ago. I have always fallen back on tried and true, classic styles.
Love this post! I also love Boden, Lauren, Talbots, Banana Republic, ect. for the classics. They have petites too for us short ladies.😊 Happy Thansgiving to you and your family!
Love all the outfits, but I think you actually win The outfit award in Beth vs Katie Holmes.
Hello Beth,
Your imagination and courage lift my spirit. I have always loved classic clothes but now in my 70’s had begun to feel dull. You inspire me with your way of adding interesting accessories and combining colours. Thank you!
This post really resonated w/ me! I, too, love classics (…w/ a little twist:). I, also, frequent the same retailers you mentioned. I just went through old picture albums for a project and could follow my classic choices over the years.
Thx for your efforts! I know this holiday season will be different; but know we are all wishing you a happy one!!
Love the classic looks. Another classic style icon is Michelle Obama. Hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving.
Well Beth, I frankly prefer your outfits and your poses. I’m not easily impressed by celebrities, and that is the reason I think you look nicer. You seem to embody the classic look. My two cents!