what makes a classic a classic? there’s been plenty of discussion on this topic since the inception of the blog. because one thing is crystal clear: this girl has loved classic style since that first blazer slipped over my shoulders as a young teenager. it’s crazy to think how one gray blazer started a love affair with timeless, tailored, and elegant clothes that endures to this day. i know many of you feel the same way about classic style as i do. it’s one reason i’ve shopped at Talbots since my twenties. i’ve come to rely on this brand to deliver classic timeless pieces i reach for year after year.
over the next five weeks, we’ll take a closer look at classic style as i’m thrilled to partner with Talbots as their Fall Classics Guest Editor. are you ready to see what made their top ten list? let’s take a peek at ten classic items we’ll be discussing over the course of our partnership:
since my love affair with classic style began all those years ago with a blazer, it’s only fitting that i kick off this classic series wearing a Perfect Ponte Blazer. blazers have been an integral part of my style uniform for years. nothing beats a blazer and blue jeans in my book. it’s a timeless look i reach for time and again because blazers add instant polish to any outfit, including denim.
blazers are an investment piece so a neutral color like black will go with many other items hanging in your closet. and give you bang for your buck. look for special details like a jazzy lining (this one is foulard), so the cuffs can be turned up for a chic contrast. functional or workable buttonholes are a sign of a well-made blazer and a must-have. the notched collar on this Ponte blazer gives this classic a fresh, modern look. but what i like the best about this particular blazer is that it’s made of ponte – one of the most comfortable and forgiving fabrics in the market. blazers can be dressed up for the office with a pencil skirt or sheath dress. or if you prefer to dress it down for the weekend with ankle jeans and a striped tee for a casual chic look. now that’s what i call versatile.
c/o denim | c/o tee | c/o blazer | c/o belt | c/o boots | c/o scarf | c/o brooch | c/o bracelet | c/o scarf | c/o handbag
with the long Labor Day weekend at hand, it’s perfect timing to take this outfit for a spin. mr. style and i love to do a bit of exploring so we hopped in the car and headed to Helen, GA, a mountain town in northeast Georgia that’s known for its vineyards and Bavarian-style buildings. here’s a fun fact: with a population of only 430 residents Helen, GA is the third most visited city in the state. Helen is rustic and charming and lined with cobblestone streets and good eats at every corner. and the 48th annual Octoberfest is fast approaching with live German music, food, drinks, and dancing. guess who just might make another day trip in a few weeks?
c/o denim | c/o tee | c/o blazer | c/o belt | c/o boots | c/o scarf | c/o brooch | c/o bracelet | c/o scarf | c/o handbag
but i would be remiss if i didn’t point out another timeless classic piece that makes up this chic and casual ootd. yes, this blue jean mama is more than happy to wear slim ankle jeans in baxter wash. it’s an easy silhouette that flatters every body. and Talbots carries sizes from petite, misses to women. there are even women’s petites. blue jeans are an essential wardrobe staple of mine that i especially love to pair with a blazer for an effortless modern look. today, i added a striped tee for contrast underneath the black Ponte blazer, black ankle boots with an easy low stacked heel, and quilted leather hobo bag. let’s not forget to add a few baubles to add some pizazz to this outfit. take a peek at this London charms brooch and matching charm bracelet that’s certain to be a conversation piece. but the pièce de résistance is this beautiful scarf in a classic pattern – paisley. don’t you think it adds a bit of pizazz?
c/o denim | c/o tee | c/o blazer | c/o belt | c/o boots | c/o scarf | c/o brooch | c/o bracelet | c/o scarf | c/o handbag
stay tuned for next week’s post where we’ll discuss what makes a pencil skirt a classic. love Talbots spin with this wardrobe essential.
a big thank you to Talbots for this sponsored post. and thank you lovely readers for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you new ideas.
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.
Love how the jeans dress down the outfit. You’ve got all the glam covered with the jewellery, a silk scarf, smart top, and blazer. The jeans are otherwise unexpected in what could be a dressier outfit. Good choices!
that’s what i love about blazers – they add instant polish to a pair of blue jeans but can go to the office with ease. xo
Beth, recently “rediscovered” your blog. Totally agree with you about Talbots. Have been shopping with them since the 80’s. Classic clothing that stands the test of time.
hi cindy! so happy you landed back on my site. welcome! and the classics do stand the test of time. love how Talbots always add a fresh modern spin. xo
Oh, you always look so good in what ever you wear. Your’s outfits always just look right. I don’t think I look good in blazers, Maybe to short, maybe to front forward. But I love seeing them on you. How are you enjoying Athens? Miss you.
hi sandra! i was just thinking about you and here you are! blazers can be tricky to wear. and it’s all about the fit. have you ever considered having a custom made blazer? it makes a big difference when your shoulders and sleeves are fit to perfection. miss you too!
p.s. we love athens!
The first petite sizes I found which send to
Australia and found them through you. I think of you every time I put on my favourite jacket
aww, that makes my heart happy! one reason i love Talbots is that they have a size for every body under the sun. from petites to plus size. xo
My classics are the ones I reach for again and again. Versatility seems to be a part all the beautiful classics that have stood the test of time. I agree with the other ladies, Talbots have it down pat. One of the things I especially appreciate about their pieces is this….They always have a unique twist.
that’s what i love about Talbots, too! i can always count on them for classic style with a fresh and modern spin. xo
I have so many Talbots pieces that have stood the test of time. They’re typically well made, long-lasting, and classic. I’ve shopped there for years. Congratulations on the joint venture with them!
I’ll have to ask my sister if she’s ever headed to Helen–she lives in GA, but I’ve not visited there–looks quaint.
helen is an adorable town, sue! and so much cooler since it sits at the foot of the mountains. i know you and i share a love of classic style that stands the test of time – like us! xo
I was happy to see you style your slim ankle jeans with boots. I just found these great jeans this summer and I adore them! They are perfect with flats and sandals but I wasn’t sure how to wear them through fall- never sure if it’s okay to show a bit of skin between boot and hem. Seeing you look so great in them I can see that it’s okay to have that little bit of a gap between. Your blog is new to me and I love it! Thanks!
This is so helpful. I am excited about this blog. I really do need help in putting things together and this will be so beneficial in that way to me. 🙂
Congrats on your collab with Talbots- all of the looks were lovely.