I recently hit the seventh year mark since I joined Instagram, a wild thing to think about. What began as an innocent photo-sharing app has become an essential resource for my career, but also an unintentional photo album commemorating all of the moments I’ve chosen to share. I recently decided to take a stroll down memory lane via my profile. In tandem with cringing over my choice of photo filters (I was regrettably a consistent fan of Nashville), I noticed there were a few items of clothing that have made cameos in my feed year after year.
I don’t need to remind you how easy it is to get swept up in the short lifecycle of trends. Zara pieces have come and, quickly, gone, but there are some closet staples I own that have transcended my ever-evolving approach to style. They’ll be rejoiced to know I have no intentions of shipping them off to a resale site anytime soon. While these classic items are far from groundbreaking, together, they make up a useful list to consider when working on creating a well-rounded closet. Ahead, check out the six items I recommend you hold onto.
I don’t know how I ever once thought cardigans were best left to my grandmother. Since getting this fitted Aritzia cardi over a year ago, I’ve worn it down to its last thread. It’s one of those pieces I find a way to wear every season; as a light layer in fall, worn over a plain black turtleneck in the winter, with nothing but a bralette come spring and summer. Luckily the cardigan is still available to purchase prompting me to buy another two as backups for when this one inevitably unravels from wear.
I’ve waxed poetic about my love for Vans for years. While my (shamefully) massive collection includes a range of the brand’s Sk8-His, Old Skools, and more, it’s the Authentic sneakers that magically pair well with everything in my closet.
I own a legion of cropped denim jackets, but the vintage one shown here has been with me since 2011, and I don’t plan on tossing it any time soon. To make sure your denim jacket will still look good in the years to come, choose a classic fitted or cropped fit and avoid any trendy frills like colored denim, acid wash, added hardware, etc.
I’m pretty sure I picked up this H&M Studio coat three years ago, which, at the time, was a major splurge. Coming in around $200, it felt like an investment piece. But if we’re playing the cost-per-wear game, it probably comes out to pennies. This coat has been my go-to piece of outerwear every fall through spring, has seen plenty of travels abroad, and has been worth every repair I’ve subsequently paid tailors for.
This yellow dress was also a vintage find, but it’s a silhouette I’ve been hoarding ever since. Now my summer wardrobe consists of a rainbow assortment of short-sleeved column dresses. Where some dress shapes come and go—I can’t look at a skater dress without being warped back to 2009—this more simplistic cut transcends the seasons.
Chain belts, slider belts, sequin belts, D-ring belts—I’ve been through them all. The sole belt that’s made it through many rounds of Marie Kondo–esque cleanouts is this simple-as-day leather belt. It may not spark joy, but it certainly has never looked dated.
Up next: 4 ageless trends you, your mom, and your grandma can wear.
Source: Who What Wear – Ray Lowe