Forever Favorites

Every smashing wardrobe is anchored by timeless, trend-proof staples that remain stylish season after season, year after year and decade after decade. We all have them, wear them and love them. Perennial pieces not only rescue you in a pinch, they save time and money in the long run by simplifying wardrobe and yielding low cost per wear. They are indeed worth the investment, so consider filling any wardrobe gaps with one of these iconic forever favorites:

  1. Little black dress
    Every wardrobe is incomplete without an LBD. It’s a chameleon that transitions effortlessly between any occasion with aplomb. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it often and keep it for years. Look for fabrics with a touch of stretch to optimize fit and consider a wrap style that is universally flattering to every body. Make sure hemline drops one inch below the knee for the most timeless length. Keep it simple by styling with classic black pumps and a glitzy choker and huggies matching set. Or, dress it down with black equestrian boots, a wide statement belt and cropped wool cape.

  2. Trench coat
    It doesn’t get more iconic than the classic trench coat. It’s seasonless, trend-proof and ageless, proving it’s one of the best investments you will ever make. Consider classic khaki, or one of your most serviceable light or dark neutrals like olive green, putty, stone, black or winter white. Cinch the belt to accentuate waist, or keep it open with belt tied in back to create a tapered waist that minimizes bulk. Wear it with anything and everything — jeans, suiting, date night looks, cocktail attire, weekend wear — and pair with chandelier earrings to level up the sophistication.

  3. White shirting
    A clean, crisp white shirt is a perennial staple beloved for its versatility. It can be worn as a base layer tucked in to suiting, untucked over leggings, layered under sweaters or over tanks. It can even be a beach cover-up in a pinch. Make sure it’s nicely pressed for each wearing, or stock up on wrinkle-free ones that work well for everyday and travel. Wear it buttoned up with a statement choker poking out from under the collar, keep the neck unbuttoned and style with a pendant necklace or pop the collar to frame the face and draw others’ gaze up and toward it.

  4. Pea coat
    The classic pea coat is unisex and surprisingly chic on everyone. Its iconic midnight navy color is a much needed break from black, not to mention a less harsh dark neutral against aging faces. Try a high-low look and pair a classic pea coat with frilly party dresses or flowy boho maxi dresses, or keep it traditional and team with classic suiting to relax the stiff, stuffy edge. Always consider length, making sure coat hem stops either above or below the widest point below waist.

  5. Chelsea boots
    Chelsea boots not only deliver comfort and style, they guarantee it forever. Embodying an “anything goes” attitude, they pair with everything from suiting to skirts to prove they’re one of the most stylish and practical everyday, all-weather shoes of all time. For a smart casual look, try a stiff, high-polished leather pair with a sweater set and wide-leg trousers. Or for a rugged, off-duty look, opt for a chunky lug sole and team with an A-line corduroy skirt and tights for a cool, artsy vibe. Or try the ultimate city girl’s weekend uniform — boyfriend jeans, a black turtleneck, black moto jacket and black Chelsea boots. The formula never gets old!

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here and here.

Elizabeth Kosich Styling