Do you love the classic style looks of Audrey Hepburn, Kate Winslet or Princess Diana? They all have a classic style personality.
Many of the world’s most recognizable beauties chose a classic wardrobe style and for good reason.
A classic wardrobe lasts, rarely goes out of style, and a few well selected pieces can take you just about anywhere.
How to be sure you have a classic style personality
Are you certain of your style? Do you know you have a classic style personality.
If you aren’t 100% sure, you could try this fun style personality quiz.
Here are some other ways to determine if you have a classic style personality…
As a classic style personality you prefer timeless looks
While you are aware of the trends, you prefer classic looks which are totally timeless. The clothes, shoes and accessories you wear look stylish year after year.
You don’t like throwaway fashion
You aren’t one to hit the shops every weekend. You would rather have fewer, quality pieces in your closet that you know will last you for seasons.
Michelle (above) wears a classic blazer with her jeans.
Find these similar classic blazer, jeans and snake print loafers to cop her look.
You tend to have classic colors in your closet
If I opened your closet, I would likely find a lot of neutrals, but you do like classic shades such as red.
You also like classic patterns like polka dots, leopard print and stripes. I’m unlikely to find more unusual hues such as orange or purple.
Cheryl (above) combines classic pieces with some elements of the romantic and the preppy style personalities.
Check out this similar gray sweater, satin midi skirt and slingback snake embossed pumps.
As a classic style personality you probably have lots of these
Also, if I were to take a peak into your wardrobe, I would probably see you have many of the items from my list of 28 essentials every woman over 40 should own.
You always look elegant and well put together
You aren’t bothered about being the trendiest person in the room.
But you do always look elegant, refined and your outfits are well put together.
That’s partly because your outfit choices suit any occasion and partly because you tend to gravitate towards well-cut pieces in good quality fabric.
Lesley (above) shows that a white shirt will never go out of style.
Get her look with this similar ruffle sleeve blouse, wide leg pants and heels.
celebrities with a classic style personality
Kate Middleton, Princess Diana, Kate Winslet, Audrey Hepburn, Victoria Beckham and Angelina Jolie (although she combines elements of the minimal style personality) all have a classic style personality.
Here are tips on how to build your own classic capsule wardrobe
If you have a classic style and you really want to hone your closet, here’s how.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
Start with a neutral palette.
Black, navy, grey or tan work as an anchor color to build your classic capsule wardrobe.
Choose wardrobe staples in one of these neutrals and build your capsule wardrobe from there.
Karen (above) opts for a stylish monochrome look.
Check out this similar black dress, white blouse and booties.
Choose classic shapes
A classic capsule is built from tailored classics that flatter the body.
One of the best investments is a fitted blazer; a flattering style that works on just about any size or body shape.
Select a blazer style jacket in your chosen neutral shade.
Make sure the blazer buttons comfortably and doesn’t pull across the bust line, and it’s loose enough through the arms and back to allow ease of movement as well as allow you to comfortably layer a shirt or sweater underneath.
J. Crew has many well made blazers in classic shapes and materials.
Jona (above) wears a blazer that manages to be both on-trend and timeless.
Check out this similar plaid blazer.
A stylish pair of cropped pants are another classic wardrobe staple.
A flat front style with a side zip is flattering for most body types.
They work with flats, booties or heels, and can transition easily from daytime to evening with a simple change of jewelry or shoes.
Choose fabrics that can work year round
If you’re a classic style personality, I’m sure you agree with me when I talk about why I have a problem wearing synthetic fabrics.
A crisp cotton poplin shirt can be worn knotted with a pair of cropped pants for summer, or worn underneath a sweater and jacket for fall.
Karen (above) wears a classic combination of black, white and leopard print.
Cop her style with this similar black skirt.
A cashmere or lightweight wool sweater can work during winter months when layered with other shirts and jackets.
Invest in a few high quality timeless pieces
It may actually save money in the long run to invest in a few well made pieces that will work for years to come.
A leather or suede jacket in a classic shape, a wool overcoat, trench coat and merino or cashmere wool sweaters are all pieces that will stand the test of time.
Patricia (above) has invested in quality leather pieces.
Check out this similar leather jacket, straight jeans, booties and printed scarf.
A capsule wardrobe for the classic fashion personality
Here you will find all the tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories the classic style personality needs to build a capsule closet.
Tops with a classic look
Start with a classic white shirt that you can layer underneath jackets and sweaters.
Add a silk blouse that can be dressed up with slacks or worn with jeans for a more casual look.
Choose a cashmere or quality wool sweater and think about patterns which won’t date when choosing tops and blouses.
Anne Klein button front blouse – Anne Klein tie neck blouse – Halogen cashmere sweater – Boden ponte top
When selecting knits, select styles that are not too clingy, especially if you tend to carry weight in your stomach area.
A longer cardigan sweater can help camouflage a tummy area without clinging, and cover your arms when wearing a sleeveless top or dress.
If you carry weight around your hips, avoid sweaters that hit above your hip, which can draw attention to that area and make you appear fuller.
Sweaters that fall at or below mid hip work well on most women and flatter lots of body types.
Pants and Jeans for classic fashion style
When selecting pants and jeans think about shapes, shades and patterns that won’t date.
While you may find that skinny jeans are “in” one season and “out” the next, a pair of bootcut jeans will stand the test of time.
You could also add black pants, white jeans and a pair of pants in a subtle pattern such as a check.
La Vie Rebecca Taylor bootcut jeans – Nic+Zoe wonderstretch straight leg pants – CeCe plaid straight pants – Fidelity Denim high waist crop skinny jeans
Dresses and Skirts to create classic outfits
Invest in a classic dress. A sheath or wrap style are both classic shapes that will quickly become wardrobe staples.
Pair with heels for work or dressy events and tights paired with booties for more casual days.
Select skirts in a length that flatters you best (an inch or two above the knee is flattering for most women). Stay away from anything too tight or too baggy.
Leota print jersey wrap dress – Anne Klein suede sheath dress – Halogen bias a-line skirt – Reiss check skirt
Jackets and coats to add to your classic clothing capsule
Make sure the jacket fits properly, but not too snug.
Jacket and coat styles to give you a classic look include a blazer, trench and moto jacket.
You could add a pop of color with a red jacket.
Ann Klein trench suit jacket – London Fog long hooded trench coat – Tommy Hilfiger elbow patch blazer – BB Dakota moto jacket
Shoes to go with your classic style clothing
As with your clothes, you will want to make sure that your shoes are classic, timeless and versatile.
A pair of classic heels, some black booties and some flats, including a pair of classic white sneakers, should take you through most situations.
Sam Edelman ankle strap pump – Marc Fisher LTD western booties – Converse Chuck Taylor sneaker – 27 Edit pointed toe loafer
Accessories to add to your classic wear
Add color to your classic capsule wardrobe with tops, jewelry and accessories.
Pair your basics with statement necklaces, scarves and bold accessories to add emphasis and personality.
Kate Spade large leather tote – Tory Burch leather evening bag – Nakamol double layer pearl necklace – Madewell leather belt – Ted Baker London skinny scarf
Stores and brands for the classic style personality
Where do you like to shop if you are a classic style personality? Don’t forget to tell me in the comments below. Here are some of my own favorites.
Here are 9 looks created from these classic wardrobe choices.
A well designed classic capsule wardrobe will make you feel pulled together, chic and confident, and will make getting dressed easy and stress free.
Further reading:
- Want To Discover Your Style Personality? Take This Fun Quiz!
- Understanding The Different Styles
- A Capsule Wardrobe And Style Guide For The EUROCHIC Style Personality
Do you have a classic style personality? What are your go-to pieces?
Like this post on the classic style personality? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Jona
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
Took the quiz and came up with ‘classic.’ Color descriptors are wrong for me. I seldom wear black and certainly not near my face. Off white or winter white looks better on me than stark white. I have light ash blond hair. White washes out on me. My eyebrows are non-existent as in too light to see them so a gel brush and lip gloss are my makeup staples. I have 2 red tops in my entire closet and no red accessories. I don’t wear tan or brown as a single color either. Those colors can be in a mixed color top but I prefer jewel tones like bluish green, pink, rose, periwinkle, royal blue, etc. Bland colors don’t go well with my coloring and as I age, my light ash blond is light grey on my crown and white streaks up front. And yes my belly is expanding but for the last 10 years I have held steady in a size 16. I think your tips on asymmetrical and soft flowy fabrics will work for me and I intend to try soon. You will laugh. I haven’t bought any new clothes except for jeans and yoga pants in about 9 years. I do however, browse the thrift stores near me. I have 4 Coach bags and I rotate them with the season.
Thankyou very much for understanding my style
Brooks Brothers is another good place to shop.
I refer to myself as a casual classic personality. I combine elements of both. I enjoyed this post. I like to shop Ann Taylor, sometimes Talbots, J Crew and sometimes the J Crew Factory. I don’t wear wool sweaters though because my skin is super sensitive. I have several sweater cardigans and short sleeved crew neck cotton sweaters, like my other wore in the 40’s from Lands End. Used to be great quality and timeless colors.
It was hard to pick sometimes as I am a plus size woman and what I like may not be carried in my size. Luckily, I am mostly Classic style, but again, the stores cited rarely carry 2X,18-22 W…
I’ve apparently always gone for classic and timeless pieces because I’m still getting compliments on skirts and other garments I’ve had for 25 years!
Great article! I’m a classic at heart so this article resonates with me. Lovely outfit collages.
Another thing about colour, Sylvia…my usual ‘neutral’ is chocolate brown, but I find that I don’t enjoy white at all. It has to be cream or ivory – any shade but pure white…must be my complexion?
Really enjoyed this article..so helpful for our understanding.
It has talen me a while to get used to leopard trend but I just love your bag here. Just got myself some leo chelsea boots. So total fan now! Sabina
Very well done. My compliments. I am swooning over that J Crew leopard bag…
Hello Sylvia,
A question..why is dark brown not considered a ‘choice’ in the list of black, navy, grey, tan for a neutral color? Can it be a correct choice? If not, why?
Hi Kam, Yes you can use brown too. I think the other colors are just a little more associated with this style though.
I think, dark brown is especially nice for the so called “Autumn type”, as grey and black don’t suit this type. And dark brown is a timeless colour, that can easily be combined with stronger colours like orange or certain kinds of blue for an “eyecatcher” …
Thanks for another great article Sylvia.
I agree with Sherry and I’m definitely looking more towards Classic styles. But I also want to add a twist to the basic Classic style and use interesting jewellery, shoes or scarves. I now describe my style as ‘City Chic’ a little bit of Classic, with a bit of Natural thrown in to add interest, soften the look a little and steer it away from ‘boring’.
Sylvia, it would be great if you could write an article on the ‘City Chic’ style.
Thanks again.
Hi Aileen, Yes I’m hoping to create these articles for all styles.
I don’t have a classic personality style, however, as I get older I am trying to become more “classic”. I’m trying to introduce more classic pieces into my wardrobe. When I go shopping now, I look at a piece and ask myself is this something I can keep and wear for 5 years? It’s still difficult, however, I keep getting better with every shopping trip. Great article with a lot of food for thought.
Hi Sherry. You can also refer to it as timeless. Doesn’t necessarily have to be classic. It’s definitely good to have more timeless pieces and then just a few trendier pieces.