Today’s post is sponsored by Nordstrom
Have you ever wondered how to build a classic outfit? It all starts with the wardrobe staples. Those are the items that are workhorses in your closet. They’re the wardrobe essentials that will carry you from season to season and make getting ready in the morning a breeze.
When you take the time to invest in the basics, you are laying a foundation for a functional wardrobe that will prepare you for anything. Off to work on Monday morning? Headed to a charity luncheon? How about date night? Or a quick weekend getaway? If you have the basics on hand, there will be no more struggles to create a fabulous outfit for any occasion. It’s important to build your wardrobe staples with neutrals: navy, black, grey, camel, and white. ( olive and burgundy are great alternatives.)
The Summary
Today I’m focusing on how to build a classic outfit
I’m working off of a pair of bootcut trousers from FRAME
I’ve built an outfit shoppable via a text or image widget
I’ve also created two alternates shoppable via a text widget
How to Build a Classic Outfit
1. Le Crop Mini Bootcut Trousers
(FRAME)
Today’s outfit is a perfect example of a classic outfit anchored in a neutral color scheme. It’s a simple black tee and camel pants. Add a black blazer, key accessories, and this simple ootd is ready to take you anywhere. The retailer I count on to stock my wardrobe essentials is Nordstrom which carries affordable Nordstrom Made brands to luxury designers and everything in between.
Pants (Frame, four colors) | Tee (Frame, four colors available) | Handbag (Kurt Geiger) | Embossed crocodile (old Halogen, similar here) | Cuff bracelet (old Salvatore Ferragamo similar here) | Black blazer (Nordstrom)
Shop the outfit
2. Details & Accessories
Pants (Frame, four colors) | Tee (Frame, four colors available) | Handbag (Kurt Geiger) | Embossed crocodile (old Halogen, similar here) | Cuff bracelet (old Salvatore Ferragamo similar here) | Black blazer (Nordstrom)
Shop the outfit
3. Nina Notched Collar Blazer
(Vince Camuto)
When it comes to wardrobe staples don’t be afraid to invest in those pieces. A well made blazer, trousers, silk blouse, silk scarf, belts, or handbags will last for years and are easier on your wallet (and the environment) than fast fashion.
Pants (Frame, four colors) | Tee (Frame, four colors available) | Handbag (Kurt Geiger) | Embossed crocodile (old Halogen, similar here) | Cuff bracelet (old Salvatore Ferragamo similar here) | Black blazer (Nordstrom)
Shop the outfit
Alternative Stylings
Left Board: Stripe Cashmere Sweater (Vince) Platform Boat Shoe (Sperry) | Square Sunglasses (Fendi) | Right Board: Dobby Classic Shirt (Treasure & Bond) | Classic Jean Jacket (Madewell) | Dali Espadrille Flat (Saludos)
Style Tips
A few of my favorite things about Nordstrom.
- free shipping and returns by mail or in store
- buy online pick up in store
- curbside pick up (no muss, no fuss. Nordstrom brings your merchandise to you while you wait in your car)
- the Nordy club where you earn 1 point per dollar, status based on spend, and enjoy perks to beauty and style workshops, curbside pickup, and the first to shop select brands.
A big thank you to Nordstrom for this sponsored post. and thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, I showed you the 1 item you can wear all year. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Wear This 1 Item All Year
About The Author
You are a lovely woman, but do yourself a favor and go back to the last short hairstyle. This one adds 10 years.
In the past two years, I’ve had several hairstyles. Always love to change things up. But for as many women who like my hair shorter, just as many love the latest do. Go figure! But hairstyles don’t make us look older or younger, nor does makeup or clothes. What does happen is we become stale and stodgy if we don’t keep current and on-trend, which means trying a new hairstyle every so often, fresh makeup and adding a trend or two to our wardrobes.
Well said. I like your hair this way too, Beth … I guess I like the old adage, “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything.”
It takes a lot of courage for a person to step up with a channel and present themselves. As women of a certain age we can do better by reserving judgement and being supportive of personal style choices.
Do you have a source for the heels?
Same question!
Here is a link to a similar pair of slingbacks: https://rstyle.me/+h9gsQdWl-G0kASDfvVf0ug
Hi Beth – Great post on a classic. Where are your sling backs from?
Here is a link to a similar pair of slingbacks: https://rstyle.me/+h9gsQdWl-G0kASDfvVf0ug
Great outfit, Beth! Truly timeless!
Is there info. on your two-tone slingbacks?
Here is a link to a similar pair of cap toe slingbacks: https://rstyle.me/+h9gsQdWl-G0kASDfvVf0ug
I don’t like the pants I like the color but they’re too short I like them to come down a little bit more below the ankle for the fall
Lot’s of options for long pants. These cropped pants are trending this year, but if it’s not your thing, then it’s not.
Just love a classic outfit! Since I retired from full time teaching 3 years ago I’ve been purging my wardrobe and concentrating on building a capsule wardrobe with a few fun pieces. Your posts help guide me in that direction. Thank you!
Hi Beth,
Love those shoes!!!
I as den looking for something like I do not seem to find it anywhere.
Today you are wearing one of my favorite combinations!!!
Camel and black.
Lovev your new hair cut, even my husband notice
Thank you for sharing
Great outfit. I love the combination of black with camel.
How would you incorporate color into this classic outfit or wouldn’t you? …especially for right now in summer weather, where I wouldn’t wear a scarf (too hot).