Some looks (high-waisted acid wash jeans and shoulder pads) scream ‘80s, while other looks can be stylish without getting sucked into a specific timeframe. What makes an outfit timeless and stylish? Some fashion-forward people shared what they believe makes clothing pieces timeless and stylish. Keep reading to find out what those characteristics are.
Fit and Design
The fit and design of an item are the two main factors that make it timeless. Take a suit for example. There have been several fashion trends when it comes to suiting and most of them are related to the fit. Baggy jackets and wide leg pants, as well as super skinny and tight fitting have each been trendy.
However, when it’s tailored properly to hug the body in all the right places without being too tight, or too loose, it is timeless. When the proportions are correct such as the position of the jacket button to the natural waist and the width of the lapel to match the chest size and shoulder width of the wearer. That is timeless.
Classic Design Elements and Colors
There are two things that make a clothing item timeless and stylish: the classic design elements and the colors. A timeless design retains its appeal today just as it did twenty years ago. It's characterized by clean lines, simple silhouettes, and subtle details such as quality buttons and necklines.
Additionally, it should incorporate timeless colors such as black, white, navy, and gray. These hues are universally easy to match and consistently remain in vogue. They're staples in almost everyone's wardrobe, establishing them as a classic and versatile choice.
Quality of Fabrics Used
Pieces that don’t call attention to themselves are timeless. For example, a button-down shirt will never go out of style. While there will always be colors, collars, or sleeve treatments that are trendy, a basic shirt will never use its usefulness. Because it's basic, you can dress it up or down, and you can wear it with pants, jeans, skirt, trousers, layered under jumpers, sleeveless dresses, and the like.
Classic pieces are versatile. A tailored women's suit or blazer can always be integrated into your wardrobe rotation. Another factor that makes a garment a classic is the quality of the fabrics used and how well-constructed it is. In fast fashion, cost-cutting and speed drive production. The result is a low-priced garment that is of lower quality and that will not remain in your closet for decades.
While price doesn't necessarily dictate quality, you still need to expect to pay more for a well-made piece. Quality garments embody the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and fine materials that are missing in the trendier items. It's reasonable to expect to pay a higher price for them.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors' statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.