"The Fashion Fix: Timeless Pieces to Elevate Your Look"

"The Fashion Fix: Timeless Pieces to Elevate Your Look"

By Isabella Quelch 

Isabella’s style dictionary:

*Staples: They’re the foundations of your wardrobe—the reliable items that are forever fashionable and the ones that you will style frequently.
*Capsule wardrobe: a collection of clothing made of (mostly minimal) items of clothing that are timeless basics. Most importantly, they are wearable day to day and are interchangeable, hence the often “basic” pieces in a capsule wardrobe. 

---

Drowning in clothes, heart pounding, time ticking; it’s a pressure many of us have lived through: the notorious “what-should-I-wear?” crisis.

The question has been brewing all day and the impending doom has finally erupted: you’ve got an hour to leave the house and you’re staring at an array of clothes scattered around the bedroom. 

This "floordrobe" is ineffective, messy, and frankly, inconvenient. I’m here to tell you that, unfortunately (and rather unsurprisingly), the answer to your outfit dilemma isn’t ( and won’t be) the micro-trend-inspired top you bought in 2021 ( it’s time to repurpose your cow-print crop top).

What you really need, are some staple pieces, a few essentials that outclass all of those trends that we constantly scroll through on Tiktok. These staples will elevate that perfectly curated trendy outfit or assist you in building more of a minimalist capsule wardrobe, where all your clothes are effortlessly matching. The following staple pieces are my key to reducing outfit-stress, and shopping more sustainably by buying clothes that will last you longer than a single trend cycle!

This list of wardrobe staples will give you a collection of clothes you really couldn’t live without!

Denim Jeans

First up is that perfect pair of denim jeans. Vogue editors have recommended the Levi 501s for Autumn/Winter 2024. This recommendation certifies the denim jean as both stylish and classic, not to mention the fact that they are extremely wearable and go with almost everything! (Everyone knows denim is a neutral!)Whether it's 2024 or 2014, blue denims are undoubtedly a staple that every woman needs. While the wash of denim is up to you (let’s not bury personal style in the depths of this capsule wardrobe) a darker wash of denim (especially navy denim with gold stitching) seems to be extremely popular this Fall.

Some jeans that I am loving at the moment are these Rag&Bone bootcut jeans , these Arket wide straight leg jeans and these Minka Dink ‘Lila Jeans’. 

Finding the perfect pair of blue denim jeans could be what turns your “floordrobe”  into an effective wardrobe; you’ll never have to try on every outfit you own before going out. Not only will they match any top, accessory or coat - they are perfect for any weather.

No matter the cut: 

• Mom 

• Bootcut 

• Straight

You are assured a THE classic look. Jeans are a perfect fusion of personal style and simple essentials. The duality of denim solidifies it as THE chairman of the Department of Staple Clothing; they’re such a necessity that I don’t think you’ll find any woman without their perfect pair of denim jeans this Autumn. 

 The Perfect White Tee 

The T-shirt: A must-have-clothing-item-veteran, the white T-shirt is a pillar of any woman’s wardrobe. It is a staple all year round, surpassing every single trend! White T-shirts can be layered under coats, jumpers or even paired with your favourite pair of trousers ( a pair of denim jeans perhaps…) They are a vital and practical piece of clothing item that every woman needs! Whether your T-shirt is slim or has more of a boxy fit, is oversized or tight, the T-shirt will indisputably become your go-to piece once it is in your wardrobe. This unavoidable classic can easily be made a product of your own taste by the addition of colour to it; you could enhance your staple items collection by adding graphic tees to your wardrobe so that your plain white tee isn’t alone. Your plain white T-shirt or your more personal/elevated graphic tee is a critical purchase, something every woman needs due to their adaptability! 

 This LESET ‘Margo’ t-shirt has the same heavy look as an oversized t-shirt, but is true to size and therefore easy to style. Check it out for the perfect easy-going white tee!

off-the-shoulder Top 

You’ve come here for timelessness, and so timelessness I will give you: the Off -The-Shoulder-Top. The picture of elegance, the neckline of Off-the-Shoulder tops are sophisticated and apply  femininity to any look. Whether in a casual cotton top or a cosy knit jumper, this style can easily transition between day and night; paired with a pair of jeans for a casual brunch or dressed up with skirts or tailored trousers for a more polished look. I know I’ve used the word a lot but talk about versatile: easily layered with jackets or scarves to suit different environments or occasions, Off-The-Shoulder tops are PERFECT. They bring a chic touch to layered outfits without overpowering the entire look. This style transitions seamlessly across seasons—lightweight Off-The-Shoulder tops feel airy and cool during warmer months and in those colder seasons ( like the ones we’re heading into), they provide warmth while maintaining a fashionable silhouette. The off-the-shoulder top has an inherently feminine charm, it strikes a balance between casual and classy, making it perfect for women who want to feel both comfortable and chic.

(Linked tops: Baukjen Serena Top, Massimo Dutti ‘Linen blend boat neck knit sweater’,)

A Leather Jacket

Outerwear: The next timeless wardrobe staple every woman needs is a leather jacket. The leather jacket instantly adds edge to any outfit and has been a staple for decades, making it a great long-term investment. Whether your purchase is inspired by Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Debbie Harry or Rihanna, the leather jacket is an iconic essential that is perennially stylish! In fact, a well-made leather jacket is long-lasting, making it not only a great capsule piece but also incredibly sustainable!  Paired with a pair of fundamental jeans and t-shirt (that you’ve obviously gone and invested in since reading this article), the leather jacket adds style to every outfit. It’s iconic in its ability to convey personality and individuality. The leather jacket is a piece of outerwear that provides warmth without being bulky, making it ideal for those unpredictable transitional seasons like Autumn and Spring when layering is key. 

(Linked items: Kiwi&co ‘Hazel Leather Jacket- Black’, AllSaints ‘Lorel Shearling Flying Jacket’, AllSaints ‘Clay Funnel Neck Cropped Leather Jacket’)

The Trench Coat

THE coat. 

A true classic , the Trench Coat, is a testament to the beauty of timeless clothing. For those ready to fully commit to this style advice, don’t forget to incorporate your own style identity; perhaps you should consider allowing the trench coat in your wardrobe to take on a more versatile form: a cropped or of course,  full-length trench coat! 

Don’t be afraid to lean into that “Frazzled English Woman” aesthetic this Winter: pair your cosy knits with your waterproof trench that will hopefully help you to avoid any of the frazzle-inducing English downpour. Speaking of the rain, make sure you’re familiar with the notion of  hooded trench coats, which can add practicality to your classy wardrobe staple- this option is ideal for readers in the UK, or anywhere else where rainfall is both immanent, and unwavering throughout the year.

(Linked items: & Other Stories ‘Buckle-Belt Trench Coat’, Nobody’s Child ‘Brown Cropped Trench Coat’ , Sézane ‘Clyde Trench Coat’, Rains ‘ A Line Longer W Jacket’)

Trainers

One timeless wardrobe staple that can’t be missed is a pair of good trainers. This staple is the epitome of convenience by being suitable for both fitness, your daily tasks and also being ridiculously comfortable! 

Trainers combine pragmatism and fashion; they’ll walk you through the city on a busy day and keep you standing comfortably at a concert for hours! Your classic white pair of trainers are another staple that are always on trend and go with any outfit. In saying this, these Adidas Sambas are a personal favourite of mine- there are the perfect way to add colour and flare to simple outfits. Perhaps, for you, staple trainers are the ones that add your favourite colour to any outfit! Whether paired with your go-to dress or favourite jeans, trainers are perfect for dressing down a smart dress or skirt, making them an ideal choice for everyday wear.

(Linked items: Adidas ‘Stan Smith Trainers Sustainable White Mono’ Adidas ‘Samba OG Shoes’, Nike ‘V2K Run Trainers in White and Green)

Boots

The final staple that you NEED in your wardrobe is a pair of sturdy boots! They will serve as the most fun and timeless companion to your best summer dress, and as a classy companion to your jeans (that you now own because I featured them as “the” staple wardrobe item in this article). I’d argue boots are a year-round essential, and often find myself in awe of those girls who top their amazing outfits off with an equally as amazing pair of boots.

Again, I find this item is qualified as a staple item on account of its versatility. From chunky durable boots to the sleek kind  that are perfect for spring, boots are able to withstand all seasons and of course, all of your outfit combinations. Moreover, boots can instantly elevate an outfit by adding a modish edge or bringing a little bit of that Parisian sophistication.

(Linked items: Paris Texas ‘Roxy leather knee-high biker boots’, Proenza Schouler Bronco leather knee boots, Dr Martens ‘1460 MONO SMOOTH LEATHER LACE UP BOOTS’, WHISTLES ‘Holan Heeled Boot’, Free People ‘Pitchfork Point Western Boots’)

I hope this list has offered some inspiration while highlighting the essentials I believe that every woman should have in her wardrobe! These pieces go beyond trends, and while statement items certainly deserve their own special place, the importance of staple pieces cannot be overstated.

So, the next time you’re unsure about what to wear, lean into your capsule wardrobe and refer back to these classic items—they might just hold the key to your "What do I wear?" dilemma.