My Forever 15

My style philosophy is rooted in buying less and better, an approach that builds trend-proof wardrobes chock-full of classics that can go the distance. Despite trends coming and going, there are certain pieces worth hanging on to to either keep in rotation or sideline for their next day in the sun. With that in mind, here’s my curated list of my forever 15 wardrobe must-keeps:

  1. LBD “Little Black Dress”
    Every woman needs a reliable, timeless little black dress that’s at the ready for absolutely anything — job interview, cocktail party, wedding, funeral. Never, EVER be without one!

  2. Pearls
    Pearls cycle in and out of popularity, but never style. They polish any outfit and always present as stylish, never too “over the top”. From a single strand to gobs of them from neck to bust, pearls elevate any look in a pinch. Pair with your LBD to channel Holly Golightly — another timeless classic!

  3. Trench coat
    The classic trench is where form and function intersect. Born of necessity, it’s so chic you’d never know it. Have it within arms reach for rainy days, date nights or weekend errands and let it do what it does best — provide protection and add style at once.

  4. Cashmere sweater
    Every woman deserves a touch of luxury and cashmere is a good place to start. The classic cashmere sweater is a wardrobe chameleon that can be dressed up with silk or sequins, or dressed down for travel, weekends or hot chocolate by the fire. Quality cashmere lasts forever, so it’s the ultimate wardrobe workhorse you should never be without.

  5. Driving moccasins
    Stylish, classic and timeless, the driving moc is the most comfy and chic footwear essential that can carry you through seasons, years and decades of wear without ever looking dated or off-trend. Keep them on standby as a foolproof sneaker substitute for more elevated looks.

  6. Pea coat
    Pea coats never go out of style! Navy blue is an excellent dark neutral with all complexions and the pea coat cut is a style that never looks dated. Think Robert Redford in The Way We Were.

  7. Bootleg jeans
    Every wardrobe should never be without an all-American bootleg-cut pair of jeans. It’s the most universally flattering jean cut for all body shapes, making it a favorite staple that perpetually remains on-trend year after year, decade after decade. These must-have, forever classics must NEVER be tossed out! Dress up with stilettos, dress down with sneakers, cinch for “paper bag” look or cut to jean shorts for a totally transformed look. And don’t forget patching well-worn holes with fun, colorful iron-on’s is a stylish way to prolong their lifespan.

  8. Red “Revenge Dress”
    A red “Revenge Dress” should be in every woman’s closet. Red attracts more attention than any other color so, when you want to telegraph a strong message, make sure you have a red dress on deck. Highly recommended for first dates, high school reunions and gatherings where you’ll see your ex.

  9. Cowboy boots
    Listen, y’all, a closet without cowboy boots is just plain un-American. Throwing them out might be a crime in some states! Keep them on hand for the occasional horseback ride, western BBQ or Texas two-step. Always make sure they’re dusted, polished and ready to shine.

  10. Aviator or Wayfarer sunglasses
    From Maverick to Holly Golightly, a classic sunny is the ultimate style statement. Both aviators and Wayfarers are timeless, chic styles, though for different face shapes. If you have a round-shaped face, invest in a quality aviator frame that will last a lifetime. For angular faces, the classic Wayfarer is a your most flattering go-to style and forever look. These are worth the investment so buy quality!

  11. Leather moto jacket
    From Marlon Brando to Winona Ryder, this iconic staple endures as a unisex, trend-proof classic for the ages. Its flattering cropped cut keeps body proportions in thirds, while the biker-vibe can be styled tough to sweet or formal to causal. And the more you play with its versatility, the chicer it gets. Pair with biker boots to skew hard, wear with a flowy maxi dress to soften, dress up for black-tie for a high-low look, dress down with joggers to be casual but polished. Love it, wear it, keep it forever and always, ALWAYS push its boundaries.

  12. Panama hat
    The timeless Panama hat is both practical and stylish, not to mention unisex and travel-ready. Its minimalist black and white color palette and chic design pairs perfectly with solids, prints, suits or dresses, making it one of the most versatile and reliable wardrobe basics. Never let it go!

  13. Statement cocktail ring
    A single cocktail ring packs a big punch. It’s enough bling to deliver a statement but without going overboard. It should be big, shiny, sparkly and make you feel fancy. Why would you ever get rid of that?

  14. Leopard belt
    Ah, leopard. The most fabulous neutral of all! Yes, I said neutral. Think of it as a wardrobe essential and just as basic as The Little Black Dress. A leopard belt adds a splash of style and kick of va-va-voom at once, which is a lifesaver in a pinch. Never, ever get rid of it as it will serve you for years. You’re welcome.

  15. The EveryBody Wrap®
    Obviously I’m biased, but The EveryBody Wrap® was built to be the wardrobe essential for every body shape, size and age. It combines flattering design, innovative fabrics and versatility to make it the ultimate basic that’s multi-function, multi-purpose and made for longevity. It’s the most essential of all essentials and should always be in rotation — the dress, the swimsuit, or both!

See published article from Insider.com here.

Elizabeth Kosich Styling