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 choose 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 at any time.
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. Most women find they have one main style personality but are drawn to elements of others.
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.
Kim (above) looks fabulous in classic neutrals and pumps.
Get her look with this similar cardigan, skirt, pumps, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.
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.
If this sounds like you, you might also like to take a look at my article on how to do more with less.
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.
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.
Sara (above) wears all neutrals, but adds interest with her animal print skirt.
Check out this similar oversized shirt, skirt, booties and crossbody bag.
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.
Sally (above) opts for a perfectly fitting blazer with classic straight leg jeans.
Recreate her look with this similar tank top, blazer, jeans, sandals, handbag and necklace.
Celebrities with a classic style personality
Are you drawn to the style of the celebrities below? If so, you are likely to have a classic style personality yourself.
Kate Middleton (who also loves some preppy styles), 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.
You may also like to read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
Start with a neutral palette
Black, navy, gray 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.
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.
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.
Jona (above) wears a well-fitting neutral suit. She could easily mix and match the blazer and pants as separates with other outfits.
Check out these coordinates from Reformation (blazer and pants). Here is another option for plus size women from Amazon. Complete her look with a Gucci handbag, similar white top, kitten heel pumps, sunglasses and headband.
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.
A cashmere or lightweight wool sweater can work during winter months when layered with other shirts and jackets.
Karen (above) exudes classic elegance.
Steal her look with this similar shirt, pants, leopard shoes and crossbody bag.
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 in neutral shades.
Check out this similar leather jacket, straight jeans, booties, handbag, sunglasses and printed scarf.
A capsule wardrobe for the classic fashion personality
Now that you are thinking about your style and what will work best for your every day outfits, you will find all the tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories below that the classic style personality needs to build a capsule closet.
The classic style capsule below has been especially updated for spring and summer 2020.
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.
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.
Bev (above) shows how simple classic separates can look fantastic when worn together.
Check out this similar shirt, jeans, pumps, handbag and sunglasses.
Eileen Fisher classic collar shirt – Lafayette 148 silk tank – 1901 shoulder button detail top – GUBERRY deep v-neck long sleeve top
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 also could add a pop of color with a red jacket.
Jas (above) chooses a coat which will be on trend for season after season.
Steal her look with a Chanel handbag and pair it with this similar lace trim top, coat, jeans, leopard pumps.
Halogen drape collar faux leather jacket – 1.State plaid blazer – Halogen ponte jacket – VERO MODA trench coat
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, polka dot or stripe.
Sarah (above) wears cropped jeans with a blazer featuring a very subtle check.
Get her look with this Gucci belt and handbag and pair with this similar tee, blazer, jeans and pumps.
EDWIN high waist crop jeans – Wit & Wisdom high waist ankle jeans – Lucky Brand stripe linen blend pants – Seventy polka dot pants
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.
Monika (above) looks stunning in her cobalt blue dress which will definitely stand the test of time.
Check out these blue dress options from Vince Camuto and Chiara, and wear with this similar pair of pumps and clutch.
Halogen wrap midi dress – Forest Lily sheath dress – Treasure & Bond tie waist midi dress – Eileen Fisher pencil skirt
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 (above) opts for a pair of red sandals which easily be dressed up or down for all sorts of occasions.
Steal her look with this similar top, jacket, drawstring pants and sandals.
Tory Burch ballet flat – Sam Edelman sandal – CC Corso Como pump – Superga sneaker
Accessories to add to your classic wear
Add color to your classic capsule wardrobe with tops, jewelry and accessories. Or layer other neutrals to add texture and interest.
Pair your basics with statement necklaces, scarves and bold accessories to add emphasis and personality.
Melinda (above) creates impact with neutral accessories.
Check out this long necklace that you can wear with this similar top, pants, sandals, clutch and sunglasses.
Kate Spade leather tote – Tory Burch clutch – Brixton woven top handle bag Tickled Pink scarf – Kate Spade New York sunglasses – Eric Javits visor – Billabong fedora – Kate Spade New York pendant necklace – Halogen hoop earrings
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
Below you can see many of the separates shown above put together in one capsule wardrobe for spring and summer. You could easily mix and match to create countless different outfits.
While the capsule below is from previous seasons, you may also like to take inspiration from the looks here:
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:
- The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Capsule Wardrobe That Works For You
- French Fashion: 14 French Style Secrets To Steal
- Understanding The Different Styles
Do you have a classic style personality? What are your go-to pieces?
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Feature image by Jona
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I am 5’2, weigh 183, and I am 65 years old. I am retired and I stay at home so I wear pajamas a lot. When I do get out, I prefer leggings over jeans and I wear tunic tops with my leggings. I love dusters. Because I am so short, dress pants are too long. I hate my legs so I wear maxi dresses when I wear dresses. Also I have had two knee surgeries so I want to cover up my scars. Any suggestions?
There are many tips for you on this site. Start by looking at https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-leggings-over-40-an-extensive-guide/ and https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-dress-when-you-are-short-petite/ Wishing you lots of styling fun!
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.
Knowing your “colors” is as essential as your style. Back in the 80’s, many of us had our colors done. The palettes were named spring-summer-fall-winter. We received a sample set of our colors that we could take to the store with all the hues and shades that work for us across the color spectrum. I never made color mistakes again!
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.