Building a Classic Wardrobe With a Modern Slant
© 2024 LoveToKnow Media. All rights reserved.
Classic, ladylike clothing is one trend that will always be in style. When building a modern version of the classic wardrobe, get inspired by style icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Many of the clothes they wore in their heyday can still be found on today's catwalks. By building a few of the classic pieces into your wardrobe, you gain a greater versatility as well as pieces that will never fade. Even better, you can mix and match the latest styles with all the following classics to create modern takes on a tried and true ladylike look.
Seen here, a classic button-down and a ladylike skirt offer timeless style that gets a modern touch with a statement necklace.
To learn more about the items in this gallery, click on the "More Details" link above each image.
This chic and stylish button down shirt (about $130 from J. Crew) is a seriously versatile addition to a lady's wardrobe. The soft shape and the ruffles give this top a decidedly feminine feel, and its classic shape allows it to be paired with skirts as well as pants. Thanks to the small-scale polka dot pattern it can be dressed up or down.
Not only is wool one of the all-time classic fabrics, but the silhouette of this button-front skirt from J. Crew (under $100) has undeniably stood the test of time as well. A knee-length skirt is very versatile -- it pairs beautifully with an array of different tops. The wool fabric is best worn from fall through winter, although chilly spring climates call for a nice wool skirt as well.
A fit and flare skirt and boatneck three-quarter length top make this dress (approximately $160 from Macy's) a consummate classic. Though the polka dots are a classic pattern, the large-scale print and mesh effect modernizes the dress.
For formal events, choose a dress with a classic cut in neutrals. This Maya fit and flare dress is a vision thanks to the duality of the nude base and black patterned overlay. It's a beautifully modern take on classic shapes and colors that make it a go-to pick for dressy events. At just under $250 it's a bit of an investment, but a classic little black dress can last for a decade in your wardrobe.
For a bold modern take on the classic sheath dress, consider this pretty option from JS Collections for $350. A beautiful lace dress is modernized by the oversize geometric patterns and combination of blue and white hues.
This velvet and jacquard ballgown by Theia (just under $1000) is the epitome of a modern classic. While silk and velvet fabrics are two very old-world textiles, the modern shape of the dress (complete with pockets) make it perfect for the forward-thinking, trendsetting woman.
Channel Grace Kelly in this floor-length classic dress by Eliza J. (approximately $280). As with the previous gown, this one features a traditional jacquard fabric. Though the cut is also more classic, the pearl-embellished neckline sets it apart and makes it a great pick for upcoming formal events. Thanks to the pearls around the neckline, you also won't have to worry about accessorizing -- simply pop on a pair of heels that will keep you comfortable all night beneath the sweeping skirt.
The classic ballgown skirt of this stunning dress (about $240 from Nordstrom) is modernized with the simple black three-quarter length top. The oversized bow and large-scale floral pattern are also contemporary takes on classic looks, bringing the look of this into the present day.
Though this dress is certainly formal, there are ways to dress it up or down via accessories and hairstyling. Wear your hair down with loose waves to embrace a less dressy air. Or, go ultra formal by adding bejeweled bangles, a pair of large sparkly earrings and a high-swept chignon.
These gorgeous floral Coach ballet flats (about $175 at Bloomingdale's) are the perfect complement to a ladylike wardrobe. A comfortable pair of flats are a total workhorse -- they go just as well with jeans as they do with a skirt or dress.
While traditional ballet flats have an aura of sweetness (thanks in large part to the soft rounded toe and traditional bow), these Michale Kors ballet flats (about $125 at Bloomingdale's) take no prisoners with their sleek and assertive shape. They offer a serious, more modern take on the stereotypical ballet flat style, and help dress up whatever you are wearing on top.
Houndstooth is one of those classic patterns that has stood the test of time. What makes these Ivanka Trump heels (available at Bloomgindale's for about $140) so fun is that typically houndstooth is on clothing, not footwear. If the sheer wearability and the classic nature of these isn't enough reason to add them to your wardrobe, the heels are also a great value at under $150.
Ralph Lauren is known for their mastery of the classic ladylike look, including their accessories. This dome satchel (under $200 at Macy's) is oozing sophistication, yet still makes a modern statement with its bold red hue. Keep this purse as a background player in your outfit by wearing it with other rich fall and winter colors, or let it stand out and make its mark by contrasting it with black and white clothing.
The classic satchel shape gets a modern update with a pop of blush pink. What works well with this handbag (just under $300 at Macy's) is that the simple shape paired with the feminine color creates a nice balance; it's not too girly, and not too business-like. Thanks to this, along with the handles that can be worn over the arm as well as across the shoulder(s), make this satchel an easy favorite.
A quilted satchel is one of those eternal handbag classics. The shape, color, and quilting in this Vera Bradley bag (about $200) are all classic. This purse can be worn daytime to nighttime with almost anything, and deserves a prominent place in any lady's handbag collection.
Not only are these J. Crew pants a flattering cut and a classic color, but they also contain the holy grail of womenswear: two-way stretch. The usual reservations about purchasing wool pants (i.e. an uncomfortable fit) are thrown to the wind thanks to the Lycra blend from which these pants are constructed. The medium-high waist is another reason these pants are perfection - they are high enough to eliminate concerns about love handles without being so high that you feel constricted.
Few coats are more classic than a wool topcoat, especially when that coat is in a beautiful camel color like this one from J. Crew (about $350). Describing what this coat looks good with is nearly impossible because the options are truly endless. A topcoat looks great worn open over a tee, jeans and Keds sneakers, but can be thrown over a ballgown as well without looking out of place. Of all the classic, ladylike items to have in one's closet, this ranks among the best of them.
A long cardigan, like this J. Crew style for about $50, is a classic ladylike piece that has stayed relevant since the 1920s. It's extremely versatile, flattering and can be worn with so many different types of outfits that it has claimed its place in women's wardrobes across the Western world as a fall and winter essential.
Even if you prefer trendy styles, adding a few pieces that have an updated classic look and ladylike sophistication can help you expand your wardrobe with versatile, polished clothing for every occasion.