Style is a very personal choice that we make for ourselves and what we like to wear varies from person to person. Trends come and go faster now than ever, so it can be a worthwhile investment to create a style that is not only loved but is also timeless. This isn’t an article about giving advice on what types of clothing items to incorporate into your style as just about any item can be timeless. It’s about clarifying what attributes make for a timeless style in clothing, accessories and deportment. Creating a timeless style is to be able to look back at yourself throughout the decades and see a style that you would wear as much today as you did back then. When I think of timeless style I think of people like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and Aerin Lauder to a name a few. They embody their elegance and stick to these basic principles when it comes to creating timeless style.
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invest in classic items
Classic items are versatile pieces like a fitted blazer, trouser pants, button down shirts, polo style shirts, chino shorts, sheath dresses, fitted cardigans, and turtleneck sweaters to name a few. These items will give your overall outfit a timeless cohesive look, that’s why it is a good idea to invest in these classic items. You don’t need to purchase all of these items either, just pick a few that you already enjoy wearing and start to invest in higher quality for a better overall fit and look. With these items, you can mix in trendier pieces and still get a timeless look.
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choose an overall neutral palette
This isn’t to say that one should not wear any color at all, but when most of your wardrobe is neutral, the colorful items can be mixed in seamlessly with them. An overall neutral wardrobe will always be timeless and elegant and that is why it is still one of the most popular tips when giving elegant style advice. Black, white, brown, navy, beige, and even certain shades of blush pink will pull any outfit together for an overall look that is the essence of timeless style.
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find your size and cut
It doesn’t matter if you are investing a lot of money into an item if that item does not fit properly, it will simply not look timeless when wearing it. Finding what looks best is all about knowing your size and what cuts look good for your body type. You can learn all about body types in places like YouTube and Pinterest and what cuts and styles look best for them. If you have not researched this information yet, then I highly recommend you take some time to do so. Looking elegant and timeless is not about being a size 0, it’s about understanding what your true size and body shape is to find the items that best suit you.
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keep prints to a minimum and be very selective
Prints can a be a nice touch of visual interest to an outfit, but to create a timeless style keep the prints to a minimum as well as be very selective about which ones to wear. Solids will always create a more elegant look for outfits, but patterns can be incorporated if done properly. Some can be timeless such as stripes, but others can come and go with trends such as animal print, plaids, polka dots, geometric, florals, etc. A pattern that is not done well can make an outfit either too trendy or too busy to be timeless and elegant. I have some patterns in my wardrobe, but because I am careful to select elegant patterns, I am able to wear these pieces for years and still create timeless style.
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minimalist accessories
It’s not just clothing that creates timeless style, it is also about how an outfit is accessorized. Accessories can easily be cluttering if not done properly. It’s always elegant to keep accessories to a minimum and dainty jewlrey will always look best. However, if you would like to wear a statement piece such as a necklace, earrings, a bangle or a cocktail ring, be sure to keep the rest of the accessories small and minimal. For example, if you wear a statement necklace or a statement bangle/bracelet, wear something very small like stud earrings only to go with it. Don’t clutter up the look with too many accessories, keep it simple with just a few beautiful complimentary pieces.
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invest in good bags, shoes, belts and scarves
This tip does not mean that you need to go purchase Jimmy Choo shoes and Dior purses. While there is nothing wrong with those items, the price can be excessive for a person on an everyday income. There are so many quality brands and stores out there that are accessible for quality items such as Banana Republic Factory, Quince, Nine West, Mango, etc. I have even found some great finds at places like Target. You can also get pre-loved items on Poshmark or the RealReal for a fraction of the retail cost. What you want to try to avoid is purchasing things that will look cheap or poor quality from places like Shein. Try to get items in leather, suede, cashmere, silk, wool, etc. which are offered in the shops mentioned above. These materials will ensure that the item is quality and therefore will keep your overall appearance timeless.
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practice good posture
Timeless style isn’t only about the outfit, it is also about how you carry yourself. Having good posture will help you move elegantly as well as position you into a woman who has high standards for herself. Slouching or poor posture can negate a timeless look regardless of the price tag. Research good posture in different situations such as sitting, standing, walking, etc. and start practicing them in your everyday life, even at home so that when you are in public, the movements come to you naturally.
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a quick word on grooming
Make it a goal to have impeccable grooming for yourself. Being well groomed signifies to others the high standards you have for yourself as well as supporting the timeless style that you want to create. Have good hygiene with clean, styled hair and a fresh face of simple makeup. Keep it natural and polished and focus on having good skincare routines. Be sure to keep your nails clean, manicured and moisturized. If you choose to paint them, keep the colors natural and neutral such as soft pinks or blush pinks. These tips will create an overall polished and put-together look for timelessness.
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