Each season we see a plethora of trends come and go on the runways. With some designers offering new propositions in style and design, it is easy to be swayed by current trends. But despite the rapid movement in fashion, we still return to the tried, tested and widely celebrated classics that have stood the test of trend and time.
1. Little Black Dress
Who better to champion the LBD than Audrey Hepburn wearing a Hubert de Givenchy creation? A piece that can be worn regardless of season and occasion, the LBD has long been a symbol of refined elegance and austere sophistication.
2. Skirt Suit
When talking about the skirt suit, the name Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is the first thing that comes to mind. While certainly this is a boardroom ensemble, the way to add flare to an otherwise predictable number is by breaking them up in pieces.
3. Silk Scarf
It’s amazing how the silk scarf can be a part of one’s life in countless ways. Some women wear them on their heads, tied on to their handbags, as a belt or around the neck in multiple ways.
4. Rock and Roll
Fashion and rock are worlds that collide every so often. What the industry loves about Karl Lagerfeld is that he is able to seamlessly meld these two seemingly opposing sensibilities onto his creations.
5. Tuxedo
Androgynous pieces best exemplified by Yves Saint Laurent’s groundbreaking Le Smoking jacket in the ‘60s have become definitive of the contemporary, empowered woman.
6. Bohemian
A style representative of the dynamic ‘60s and ‘70s, bohemian pieces have always evoked the feeling of freedom and nonchalance. Missoni prints, caftans and tunics pave the way for heady and luxurious escapes to the world’s best summer destinations. Yves Saint Laurent’s Rive Gauche collection established the benchmark for this highly inspired style.
7. Monochromatic
Putting together pieces of the same color in different shades is one instant way to glam up a look. A look that was once heralded by basic blacks, whites and grays, monochromatic dressing has now began to cover other lush hues like green, orange and purple in equally varying fabrics to create depth and texture.
8. Cocktail Ring
Every girl loves a little sparkle — whether it be a masterpiece from Harry Winston or a faux rocks from your favorite boutique. The cocktail ring has become an instant favorite among the stylish set, taking inspiration from Prohibition days when women would wear a large ring on their fingers to let the world know that they are modern individuals who dare to break a rule or two as long as it’s in great style.
9. Minimalist
Clinical cuts, structured lines and crisp colors are what set apart minimalist labels like Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta and more recently, Celine under the direction of Phoebe Philo. In minimalism, the focus is on the work of each piece from inside and out, superior tailoring and fabric technology. Austerity over detail, minimalism is one fashion proposition that will continuously celebrate hush elegance and superiority of craftsmanship. This is precisely why its early propagators in the ‘90s, Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein, will always insist that minimalism never dies.
10. Investment Bags
Any fashion ally will attest that a bag can make or break an outfit. In a time where “It” bags make all the fashion buzz, the investment bag still continues to rule over those legendary waiting lists in maisons like Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
11. Cinched Waist
In 1947, Christian Dior changed the shape of fashion — quite literally — when he introduced The New Look. What most might consider as the anti-thesis to Chanel’s loose silhouettes, Dior proposed a shape that would highlight the natural curves of every woman with a cinched waist.
12. Pearls
Whether real or faux, pearls are best worn when layered one over the other in varying lengths. Think Lanvin in 2005 when pearls were merged with grosgrain ribbons. In a modern context, pearls are ideal when worn in a fun and playful manner.
13. Jersey
A fabric that now seems to be dominant in both high and low fashion, jersey is one of the most versatile choices. Inspired by the need for a woman to move freely and function, Chanel pioneered the use of jersey in 1913 when she created the first series of active wear for women in Biarritz and Deauville.
14. Nautical
So as not to look like you’re putting on a costume of sorts, remember this very basic equation when putting together a nautical ensemble: Gaultier stripes and K. Jacques sandals. Nothing can quite capture the spirit of a full season out in the sun and seas like a sailor shirt and outsized sunnies.
15. Lace
One of the most timeless forms of embellishments were created with lace. Originally used for trimming, lace was born in Flanders and Italy way back in the 15th century when fine linens and threads of gold and silver were woven together.
16. Ballet flats
It’s a known fact that fashion is hardly kind to the feet, hence the dominance of sky-high heels. If there was one exception to the rule, it would be ballet flats which French actress Brigitte Bardot made popular in the ‘50s.
17. Pumps
Any well-heeled individual will tell you that the foundation for a good wardrobe is a pair of quality black pumps. A staple in women’s wardrobes for centuries now, pumps have taken on a number of variations through time. With this classic, do not hesitate to invest on the best possible pair you can get your hands on.
18. Diamond Studs
The diamond stud — whether real or faux — can be worn on any occasion on any given season. The perfect everyday accessory, diamond studs can go with just about any outfit and perfectly complement any other piece of jewelry.
19. Great White Shirt
The foundation to any well-rounded wardrobe is, without doubt, the great white shirt. Over the years, it has evolved from being a Hanes product to actually becoming a fashion statement, thanks to the likes of James Perse. Despite all these changes, the great white shirt keeps its highly coveted place in the world of style because of its ability to convey an easy and effortless vibe that can be matched with just about anything in your closet.
20. Animal Prints
We are all creatures of the urban jungle, which probably explains why zebra, leopard and cheetah prints make the occasional appearance in our wardrobes. Pick out pieces that are well-executed (as best done by Dolce and Gabanna or Roberto Cavalli) so as to avoid looking garish.
21. Evening Clutch
Your evening ensemble is best topped off with fun evening clutch. We have a wide array of locally designed and produced clutches such as those by Aranaz or Celestina.
22. Denim
One of fashion’s greatest mysteries is determining which kind of jeans to buy. Does one go for the classic 501s or splurge on designer brands like True Religion or J Brand? Try out every brand, style and size out there and you, too, will understand what Diana Vreeland meant when she said, “Blue jeans are the most beautiful thing since the gondola.”
23. Wrap Dress
Diane von Furstenberg is the undisputed queen of wrap dresses. An idea that sprung in the ‘70s, these colorful printed pieces fit every woman of size and shape. One of the most flattering dresses introduced to date, the wrap dress can be worn to just about any function when appropriately accessorized.
24. The Trench
Film noir introduced to our fashion consciousness the femme fatale who donned a trench coat, a pair of stockings and high heels. It was this suggestive quality about this coat — leaving much to one’s imagination — that immediately placed the trench in the fashion classic category.
25. Preppy
The Ivy League appeal is certainly one that is easy on the eyes, across the board. When putting together this look, think oxfords, pinstripes, khakis and polo shirts. The tricky thing about this look is that you may tend to look more geeky than stylish.