Timeless Fashion: 10 Classic Wardrobe Essentials That Never Go Out of Style

(ABOVE) In this post and video, I talk about the 10 timeless, essential items I would want to have in my wardrobe if I was starting over, from scratch.

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For YouTube Video & Outfit/Makeup Details Scroll to Bottom of Page

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January 7, 2023 / Video Post Notes

THE 10 ESSENTIALS THAT NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

These Are the 10 I Would Choose; What About You?

During the last several years, I’ve seen countless videos and articles on “capsule wardrobe”–a small collection of clothing (and sometimes accessories) that the presenter believes should be in a woman’s closet, because it contains the basic, interchangeable essentials that mix and match well with each other.

Of course, everyone has her own idea about what are truly “essentials”, depending on her age, style, and body type. But, the idea of it got me thinking: what would I choose if I were starting over and could choose only 10 items? Narrowing it down was a challenge, to say the least. Nevertheless, I thought it was an excellent exercise, both to get me back to the root of my style, which is classic/timeless, but also to get me more organized.

So, the items you will see here are those timeless items with which I, personally, would want to begin my wardrobe, if I were starting all over again. Because I live in a region that, unfortunately, does experience hurricanes, it’s something for which I do need to be prepared.

What do you think? If you were beginning again, what would you choose? I look forward to hearing your feedback, because I believe we can learn much from one another.

I hope your New Year is going well so far!

~ Janis

Janis Lyn Johnson
Classic-Style Lover. Happily Married. Born in 1960. Fan of Understated, Timeless Fashion and Healthy Living.
Editor
JLJBackToClassic

My Previous Posts:

Vlog: What’s In My Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Bag; Khaki Pants, Sweater & Tee OOTD / Classic Casual Style
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir LGP XS Top Handle Bag, Denim Shirt, Jeans; Lunch Waterside Shops, Naples, FL / Classic Style
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Crossbody Bag, Oxford Cloth Shirt, Jeans OOTD; Shopping Whole Foods / Classic Preppy Style
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Makeup GRWM: Using Honest Beauty, Mineral Fusion, RMS Beauty / Clean, Classic Beauty
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: Ferragamo Pink Gancini Minibag and Scarf, Black Pants, White Tee, Lunch Waterside Shops, Naples, FL / Classic Style (FYI: This Bag Is On Sale!)
Blog Post, YouTube Video

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Scenes From The Video / The Items

#1

White Cotton Long-Sleeve or Three-Quarter Sleeve Tee

(ABOVE & BELOW) Talbots White Crewneck Tee. I’m wearing size PP. If I could have only one casual top, it would be a cotton long-sleeve or three-quarter sleeve tee, because it goes with so many casual and also dressier items. It can be worn alone or under pullovers, cardigans, scarves, shawls, ponchos, and blazers. It’s so versatile. This one is made from pima cotton and is a crew-neck style, but a v-neck or bateau-neck tee also is a timeless option.

Talbots White Crewneck Tee

#2

Neutral-Color Chino Pant

(ABOVE & BELOW) Talbots Relaxed Chinos. I’m wearing size 2. A pair of chinos is a wonderful alternative to jeans. Although they are a casual pant, they make an outfit a bit more refined and elevated than jeans, which is why it would be my first choice if I could have only one pair of casual pants besides jeans. You can choose between a looser fit or slim fit. It’s up to you. If you are a casual person, you might prefer a relaxed fit. If you tend to be a bit dressy even on casual days, then choose a slim fit. These are a relaxed fit (and come in several different colors), but I also have slim fitting chinos, because I like to have both options. If you would prefer a pull-on style, consider these J.Crew Pull-On Chinos, featured in my last post.

Talbots Relaxed Chinos, Light Color

Talbots Relaxed Chinos, Dark Color

J. Crew Cotton Pull-On Chinos

#3

White Silk Concealed-Placket, Button-Up Blouse

(ABOVE) White LilySilk Concealed Placket Silk Shirt, c/o LilySilk, grade 6A mulberry silk (more colors available). I’m wearing size XS.  A white silk shirt is so versatile, because it can be worn with jeans and flats for a casual look or paired with a taffeta ball skirt for a black tie event. If I could have just one dressy top, it would be a silk button up like this. NOTE: Use code 15JLJ to receive 15% off all purchases at LilySilk, or 20JLJ to receive 20% off all purchases over $/£500.00 at LilySilk.

White LilySilk Concealed Placket Silk Shirt (more colors available)

Blush LilySilk Tie-Neck Blouse (more colors available)

 

#4

Black Silk Dressy Pant

(ABOVE) Black LilySilk Heavy Crepe Silk Pant, c/o LilySilk. I’m wearing size 27. If I could have only one dressy bottom, it would be a black pant. I think this one is absolutely gorgeous. I love it. It’s elegant, but so comfortable, and could be worn to the office with a blazer or cardigan, dressed up for a date night out, or dressed down with a white tee and flat sandals. I will be wearing this pant for decades; it is so timeless. NOTE: Use code 15JLJ to receive 15% off all purchases at LilySilk, or 20JLJ to receive 20% off all purchases over $/£500.00 at LilySilk.

Black LilySilk Heavy Crepe Silk Pant

 

#5

Black Cashmere Sweater

(ABOVE) Black LilySilk Cashmere Sweater, c/o LilySilk.  I’m wearing size XS. Nothing can compare to a quality black cashmere sweater. It goes with everything from jeans to a little black dress (simply throw it over your shoulders). This one is woven from Mongolian, grade A-yarn, worsted cashmere, so it’s luxuriously shear and soft.  NOTE: Use code 15JLJ to receive 15% off all purchases at LilySilk, or 20JLJ to receive 20% off all purchases over $/£500.00 at LilySilk.

Black LilySilk Cashmere Sweater

 

#6

Black Silk Shirtdress

(ABOVE & BELOW ) Black Equestrian-Print LilySilk Shirtdress, c/o LilySilk.  I’m wearing size XS. If I were starting over and could have just one dress in my closet, it would be a shirtdress. I’d choose a shirtdress style because the fit-and-flare silhouette is flattering to any figure. This shirtdress features a timeless equestrian print, which makes it quite eye-catching. I like that I can style it to look office or date-night ready, but also casual. Just roll the sleeves above the elbows, replace the matching belt with one in black leather, and add black flats and a casual black bag, and it’s a cute, more casual day look. (You also could style it with brown accessories, picking up one of the colors in the dress.) NOTE: Use code 15JLJ to receive 15% off all purchases at LilySilk, or 20JLJ to receive 20% off all purchases over $/£500.00 at LilySilk.

Black Equestrian-Print LilySilk Shirtdress

 

#7

Faux-Fur Vest

(ABOVE & BELOW) Generation Love Faux Fur Vest. I bought this one last year, so it’s not available. However, it is available in midnight blue and black). I chose this as my final clothing item because it’s so fun. It provides a layer of warmth during fall and winter, and adds a bit of texture, luxury, and interest. It’s also a timeless piece that is always in style. I recommend a neutral color so it can go with more items. (See the Via Spiga Faux Fur Vest below, which is available in black, ivory, beige, burgundy or grey. Also see more faux fur vests at SaksOffFifth and Bloomingdale’s.)

 Generation Love NY Faux Fur Vest, Midnight Blue (also black)

Michael Michael Kors Faux Fur Vest, Olive

Via Spiga Faux Fur Vest ( (in black, ivory, beige, burgundy or grey; Nordstrom or Amazon)

 

#8

Black Leather Loafers

(ABOVE) Brooks Brothers Black Leather Penny Loafers. I bought these shoes 12 or so years ago, and I wear them a lot with ankle pants and short, casual skirts. If I could have just one pair of casual shoes, I would choose a black leather moccasin, ballet flat, or loafer, like these. All are timeless, good-looking choices for the wardrobe. I love this particular pair, because they have the slim profile of a ballet flat–due to the pointy toe–paired with the refined structure of a loafer. I like that combination, as I’m getting the look of two timeless favorites in one!

Black Pointy-Toe Leather Flat

Black Slightly Pointed-Toe Leather Penny Loafer

 

#9

Black Leather Pump

(ABOVE) Black leather slingback pumps. I bought these about three years ago. They have a three and one-half inch heel, so they have the elegance of a very high heel but the comfort of a lower heel. If I could have only one pair of dressy shoes, they would be black and a pump–either slingback or closed heel. This style of dressy shoe goes with everything from jeans to dressy dresses and pants. I think a slingback in leather is a tad dressier than a regular pump, which is why it’s my first choice. I also find a slingback more comfortable, because the strap enables me to adjust the fit. It’s a classic that will always be in style.

4″ Heel Suede Slingback Pumps

4″ Heel Smooth Leather Pumps

 

#10

Black Leather Top-Handle Bag With Removable Shoulder Strap

(ABOVE & BELOW) Prada Galleria Black Saffiano Leather Mini Bag (with detachable/adjustable web strap and saffiano coin purse). When it comes to which handbag I’d choose if I could only have one, it definitely would be a small bag like this one, which is very structured, and has both top handles and a removable shoulder/crossbody strap. I prefer this style of bag because it can be worn crossbody, on the shoulder, or carried by the top handle. So I feel it’s a bit more versatile. But if this style of bag doesn’t appeal to you, a shoulder bag similar in width and depth to my Louis Vuitton empreinte leather Multi Pochette Accessoires below is also a timeless option. I realize the double-bag look is not necessarily timeless, but wearing just one of the bags definitely is. Also, you don’t have to have a designer label in your clothes, shoes, or bags to look stylish and timeless. More important is the material, shape, and quality of craftmanship.

Prada Galleria Saffiano Leather Mini Bag, Double Zipper (with detachable, adjustable saffiano leather strap)

Louis Vuitton Empreinte Leather Multi Pochette Accessoires (preloved Fashionphile)

Salvatore Ferragamo Leather Top Handle Bag

Talbots Chevron Quilted Leather Crossbody Bag

 

The Outfits

ZuZu Luxe Lipstick, Chocolate Cherry

Gold Dual-Ended Retractable Lip Brush, for applying lipstick

Mineral Fusion Powder Foundation, Warm 3

Honest Beauty Creme Cheek + Lip Color, Rose Pink, on cheeks (At Ulta, Amazon, Target)

 

Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette, used shade Burnt Mocha (At Ulta, Amazon)

Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer in One (At Ulta, Amazon)

Set of Four Portable Eyelash Combs, Pink, to comb out mascara

RMS Beauty Un-Powder Powder, for setting eyeshadow (At Nordstrom, Amazon)

 

Vaseline Triple Purified, 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly, applied onto cheekbones as highlighter (At Amazon, Target)

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MY JEWELRY
NECKLACE: Pearls, gift from my mother in law years ago / RING #1: Boucheron (similar Saks Fifth Avenue; preloved Fashionphile) / BRACELET #1:  David Yurman  (more stones/colors available) / BRACELET #2: David Yurman (David Yurman, Saks / BRACELET #3: Roberto Coin

MY MAKEUP (All Natural/Organic Ingredients)

FACE: Mineral Fusion Powder Foundation, Warm 3 /  CHEEKS: Honest Beauty Creme Cheek + Lip Color, Rose Pink (Ulta, Amazon, Target) / EYES: Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette, Burnt Mocha (Ulta, Amazon); set with RMS Beauty Un-Powder Powder (Nordstrom, Amazon) / LASHES: Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer in One (At Ulta, Amazon)/ LIPS: Gabriel Lipstick, Chocolate Cherry / CHEEKBONES HIGHLIGHTER: Triple Purified 100% Petroleum Jelly (Amazon, Target)

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YouTube Video

(ABOVE) If you are seeing this message, then I have published the video and it should be appearing above. However, if for some reason the video isn’t appearing above–and you have refreshed your page and cleared your cache–you also can view the video at my JLJ Back To Classic Channel on YouTube.

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David Yurman 18k Gold Pearl Bracelet (More stones/colors available)

David Yurman 18k Gold Bracelet With Hampton Blue Topaz and Pave Diamonds (David Yurman, Saks)

Roberto Coin 18k Gold and Diamond Bangle Bracelet (Variety of styles available)

Boucheron Quatre Classique Large 18-karat yellow, white, and rose gold diamond ring (Similar Saks Fifth Avenue, preloved Fashionphile