Classic clothing pieces are your style BFFs. Trends may come and go, but dependable essentials are here to stay. These timeless choices offer numerous styling options. Use them as the foundation for all kinds of outfits and enjoy enduring, everlasting style.
1. Line Up.
Stripes will always be in fashion. Eye-catching stripes are a perfect way to add color and pattern to your wardrobe. They don’t require a lot of accessories, making getting ready a snap. Made of deep and medium blues, this striped sweater is ideal for layering. Wear it over a button-down shirt and combine with cropped pants and flats for a sleek look, or use at it as a base layer underneath a tailored trench coat. Pair it with your favorite jeans and sneakers for cool casual style, or try a pleated skirt and heels for a dressy, sophisticated ensemble.
Lenox Stripe Crewneck Pullover, $79.50, Talbots.
2. Button Up (or Down).
It’s all about the details. This button-down shirt has a straight hem, perfect for tucking in or hanging out. Wear it with tailored pants, a bold belt and heels for a stunning look. Rolled tab sleeves let you choose long or elbow-length. Choose classic white for a clean, crisp style or try a pinstriped version. Both are made to mix with patterns. Combine with a breezy polka-dot skirt, a pencil-cut plaid, or a leopard print mini. Leave the buttons open and pair with a colorful cami and your favorite gold pendant and hold on to summer vibes.
Women’s Nine West Structured Long Sleeve Shirt, $40, Kohl’s.
3. Tote-ally Stylish.
Here’s one bag to rule them all. This tote has plenty of space for a laptop and an interior zip pocket to secure your wallet, phone and keys. The 8-inch strap drop lets you wear the tote on your shoulder or carry it in your hand. Wear it with a tailored suit or a pencil skirt for a stunning work-ready look. The soft, vegetable-tanned leather ages beautifully, making this bag look even better with time. For weekend style, pair with distressed jeans and a soft sweater or a skirt and ballet flats.
The Transport Tote, $168, Madewell.
4. Rev up the Creativity.
Motorcycle jackets epitomize cool. Since its debut in 1928, this iconic garment has been worn by rockers, movie stars and anyone who wants to take advantage of endless styling possibilities. For an instant boost to your look, add this cream-colored moto to your favorite jeans and a vibrant tee. Wear it with a dress for an edgy style that will keep you warm on a cool fall night. Or play with proportions and pair it with a cropped top. For a chic look that’s work-ready, go for an all-neutral palette and combine with pants and a button-down shirt.
BB Dakota Going Places Moto in Cream, $99, Be Mine Boutique.
5. Go For Gold.
It doesn’t get more timeless than gold hoop earrings. For thousands of years, people have been styling elegant gold hoops with an array of outfits. This jewelry classic has ancient roots going back to 2500 B.C.E. Made of warm yellow gold, these hoops will draw attention to your face and look amazing with a sleek, pulled-back hairstyle. Accessorize a little black dress and heels for a glamorous evening out. Add them as a finishing touch with jeans and a colorful top for an elevated look. Or wear this pair with darker hues to add a glow to your workday ensemble.
Marlyn Schiff hollow gold hoop earrings, $35, Bella Jules Boutique.
6. Denim Forever.
Dressed up or down, there’s a reason jeans have been popular for nearly 150 years. These cigarette jeans feature a slim, body-flattering fit and a straight cut from knee to ankle. Combine them with a white tee, leather jacket and ankle boots for a chic ensemble. Or pair with a colorful top and kitten heels. Wear them with a cozy, soft sweater for a fall coffee date. Rock your favorite graphic tee and sneakers on the weekend. Add a tailored blazer and pumps, or go with a breezy top and strappy heels. With jeans at the center, anything goes.
Pistola Leon Monroe High Rise Slim Cigarette Jean, $128, Bella Jules Boutique.
7. Pulled Together.
Channel a vibe that’s effortlessly chic. Blazers are an easy way to create a fashion-forward look in the office or around town. This denim version offers the ideal mix of dressy and casual, along with a tailored fit to accentuate your waist. The deep indigo shade complements colors, prints and neutrals. Top it off with a vibrant silk scarf, mixed with reds and golds for autumn. Pair it with colorful dresses or skirts of varying lengths — long and flowing or shorter, slim and straight. Wear it with leggings or skinny jeans. Combine with graphic tees and send a stylish message.
Tailored Jean Jacket in Grace Wash, $119, Talbots.
8. Back in Black.
Black dresses exemplify timelessness. Long or short, this closet staple comes in a variety of versions to suit every personality. This neutral hue is the perfect counterpoint for cool details like a geometric cut-out design, puffed sleeves and dainty fabric-covered buttons. Let your creative mind run wild — the sky’s the limit when styling a black dress. Wear a dress like this all year round: strappy sandals in summer, boots and leggings in fall. Bracelets add a pop of color and dynamic contrast. The deep V-neck is perfect for highlighting a sparkling necklace with your favorite gemstones.
Black Dress, call/visit for pricing and specifics since inventory is ever-changing, The Store at Bell Tower Salon and Spa.
9. Look Sharp.
Pencil skirts entered the scene in 1954. This flattering cut provides a graceful silhouette, whether you’re at work or out with friends. Made of classic corduroy, this pencil skirt proves that two timeless styles are better than one. This versatile piece is made to carry you through cool weather year after year. Ending just above the knee, the skirt comes in three neutral shades, made to mix and match with your closet. Pair it with loafers and a colorful button-down shirt, or go for a sophisticated look with heeled boots and a soft cashmere turtleneck.
Women’s Lands’ End Sport Corduroy Pencil Skirt, $34.95, Kohl’s.
10. Sweater Weather.
With a power combo of cozy and stylish, sweater dresses are a go-to choice for cooler weather. This dress features a body-hugging silhouette and a wine-colored hue that matches autumn leaves. Ruched sides and drawstring ties offer added flair and adjustability. Pair it with sneakers for a casual look, or go with heels for date night. This piece is super-versatile and made for layering. Add leggings or tights and wear with your favorite boots — from ankle booties to tall knee-high boots. Wear with a colorful scarf for a walk around town, or top with a blazer for an office-ready outfit.
BB Dakota #1 Crush Sweater Dress in Merlot, $59, Be Mine Boutique.
Sources
Bella Jules Boutique
700 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.208.0600 | bellajulesboutique.com
Be Mine Boutique
637 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.816.5360 | shopbemine.com
Kohl’s
2700 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing | 610.371.0237 | kohls.com
Madewell
The Store at Bell Tower Salon and Spa
18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing | 610.372.6379 | belltowersalonspa.com
Talbots
728 Woodland Rd., Wyomissing | 610.478.8701 | talbots.com
