Timeless vs. Trend?: An Ageless Question
Are you a ‘timeless’ or a ‘trend’ dresser?
The recent return of the 90’s trends, plus this season’s re-emergence of the late 80’s ‘bubble’ skirt has prompted me to reflect on the cycle of fashion, and how we can at times get swept up in buying into the trends we see in the stores, ultimately to the long term detriment of our wardrobe.
Buying too many ‘trend’ pieces can result in a wardrobe full of incompatible pieces that do not help us mix and match outfits seamlessly together. That’s when we end up saying “I have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear”.
I love watching the latest trends coming off the runways each season as much as the next person, and get excited watching the new seasons clothing dropping into stores however, if we focus more on building a ‘capsule’ wardrobe of pieces that will still look appropriate when we wear them next year, and that will work together to create many outfit options we will ultimately feel more confident when getting dressed every day. It is also the best way to contribute to the sustainability focus that is emerging in today’s fashion world. Buying too much into the trends every season often results in spending money on ‘fast fashion’-cheap, poorly made, badly fitting clothing where the style and quality doesn’t stand the test of time. Is clothing that you get one season’s wear out of really worthy of your financial investment?
I am an absolute advocate of buying ‘timeless’ when it comes to clothing, shoes and accessories. But what does that mean, and how do we go about creating a ‘timeless’ wardrobe?
‘Timeless’ style is usually considered to consist of classical style, simply structured, well tailored and neutral coloured clothing.
Here are my top tips for creating a ‘timeless wardrobe’:
1. Invest in great basics
Essentials that you can use to mix and match within your wardrobe-for example-a great pair of coloured tailored trousers, a blazer, cotton button down shirts, a pair of great fitting dark denim jeans.
2. Pay attention to the ‘fit’
Investing in good tailoring and quality fabrics will make a huge difference to how your clothes sit, drape and fit your body.
3. Know what your dominant style personality is
What style of clothing are you always drawn to? More classic and tailored, romantic ruffles, creative and bohemian?
4. Choose cuts that suit your body shape
Clothes look great on you when they fit your body well. Make sure you know your body shape and buy clothes that are cut to fit your curves and proportions.
5. Avoid buying too many ‘trend’ pieces or ‘fast fashion’ clothing
It’s fine to give a nod to the latest season’s trend by perhaps buying a top in the ‘colour’ of the season for example. Spending on too much fast fashion will result in a wardrobe full of cheap, poor quality clothing that won’t look good for long.
6. Simplify your accessories
‘Timeless’ accessories include a classic watch, simple understated jewellery in gold and/or silver, a black handbag, plain tan and black belts will all stand the test of time and provide maximum versatility.
7. Prioritise a neutral colour palette
These colours are the easiest to mix and match together, and also work with your pops of colour and pattern. Tip- if you want to buy into the latest trend-eg a boxy blazer-buying it in a neutral colour will ensure you can wear it for longer without it looking dated.
8. Invest in separates that can work together to create a multitude of outfit combinations
If you have a few good quality neutral toned trousers, jeans, shirts, and outerwear pieces you will always have a multitude of outfits that you can easily pull together for a cohesive outfit. Having these capsule pieces allows you to add in the odd colour and pattern if you have the neutral basics to ground them.
10 Essentials to include in your ‘timeless’ wardrobe:
A wool coat
Tailored trousers
A white button down shirt
Straight leg jeans
Wide leg trouser
Cashmere knit
A great fitting white tee
A classic cardigan
A neutral coloured blazer
Turtleneck jumper
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