Clothing Styles that Stand the Test of Time

Six Essential Wardrobe Pieces

Lisa White ISSA & AFPA CPT
When it comes to your staples, think longevity. Although it's great to be stylish; trendy items are often in one season and out the next. Long tunics in bright geometric colors are great but not many women will be wearing these for more than two seasons. Thankfully fashion is cyclical and buying a piece of good quality clothing will last years and quite possibly come back as one of the strongest items on the market. Here are some great pieces that should be in every wardrobe.

A fitted white button-up blouse/shirt is can come in handy for quick fixes or for everyday wear with slacks, jeans, skirts and leggings. The white button up can be dressed up with the traditional pearls or belted to fit the trends of the time. When the trendy pieces are no longer trendy then pairing your white button up with bold over sized earrings, a camisole and jeans can make a casual but sexy statement.

Trousers are a staple for the woman's wardrobe and although women usually think menswear when it comes to trousers; it's not exclusive to the other gender. Look for pair of trousers that fits your body type the best. Often this type of pant can be found with a natural waist line or couple of inches below and can have straight, wide or cuffed legs.

A classic blazer never goes out of style. Blazers come in many colors and fabrics but navy, black and charcoal are choices that can go with any ensemble. Jeans, skirts, khaki's or even leggings can be updated and sharp looking with a good fitting blazer. If the traditional double breasted blazer seems too ordinary try a single breasted style in distressed leather or camel hair.

Jeans are a must-have in the everyday wardrobe but that doesn't mean they have to be as trendy as the Miley Cyrus skinny jeans. Just as trousers come in many styles jeans come in an array of styles such as skinny, wide leg, trouser, boot let, relaxed fit and so on. Finding the best fit may be difficult but once you find a pair that's right for your shape then purchase a pair that can be worn with most of the items in your wardrobe.

The little black dress is the essential wardrobe dress. Although your closet may be cluttered with dresses that have been purchased for single events the black dress is one that can go from morning 'til night for multiple occasions. Sheaths and wraps are just two styles that can be found on the market. If dresses don't work because you're structure is an apple or pear then replacing the dress with a black skirt may be better suited for you.

The cardigan or twin set may seem old school to some fashionistas but these pieces have stood the test of time. Either of these pieces can be worn with a casual approach or dressed up for more formal occasions. Although there are many that come with patterns; it may minimize what you can mix your cardigan with. A solid cardigan in black may seem boring but can be spiced up with a splash of red from a scarf, a studded belt or a tangerine camisole.

Published by Lisa White ISSA & AFPA CPT - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness

White is the owner of www.cptlisamwhite.com; a health and wellness site. She is an ISSA certified personal trainer, as well as an AFPA pre- and post natal exercise specialist. White freelances for Yahoo! Spo...  View profile

3 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Cathy A Montville3/26/2010

    Bobbie cracks me up! I have a few "timeless" wardrobe pieces and ya know what...nothing like a good wool blazer paired with my favorite sweats! (Good work)

  • Lisa White3/16/2010

    Bobbi- you are too funny! I agree with you!

  • Bobbi Leder3/16/2010

    My essentials: sweatpants, PJ's, slippers, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. LOL!

Displaying Comments

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.