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Timeless Closet Basics That Won’t Go Out of Style

Good morning! Is everyone getting back to school and work today? I was asked by a few of you to write a post on timeless closet basics that won’t go out of style, and I thought that was a great idea so here we are!

This post was UPDATED as of 1/2/20. ENJOY!!! 

I rounded up a list of 10 wardrobe basics that never go out of style and what makes them timeless. These are the closet classics worth investing in good quality for the long term.

At first I was tempted to say that everything goes out of style eventually — even trends that come back around in 10 years will be tweaked JUST ENOUGH that the old ones don’t quite work the 2nd time around. I’m sure it’s a ploy by the fashion industry to keep us buying new things!

But as I thought about it, I do have a few classic pieces in my closet that I love and have had for many years and have no intention of getting rid of. And I can think of a few things I did get rid of and now wish I still had. Also, as I’m getting older and more confident in my personal style, and I’m selectively making a few high quality purchases each season that I hope to have for a very long time.

Please note, this is not a “must have list.” Rather, it’s a list of things that I believe are worth investing in if you do choose to purchase them, because they should last you a long time. As always, be sure to take into account your lifestyle, personal style, climate, etc. when making purchasing decisions, and calculate cost per wear when deciding what to budget for each item.

Because we’re talking about timeless closet basics, I included some of the iconic designer styles that made some of these wardrobe pieces classics, but I’m not telling you to go out and invest in super expensive designer items for each of these categories. You can find timeless closet basics to suit any budget if you’re discerning and patient, and I tried to find examples at several different price points.

This is actually the best time of year to invest in quality basics because so many are on sale! I’ll do my best to find you some good deals as I make my product recommendations below.

11 Closet Basics That Should Stand The Test Of Time

#1. cashmere sweater

I often say that I think every woman should have at least one classic cashmere sweater in her closet. Nothing feels and looks quite the same. (If you’re allergic, a sweater made of cotton or other fabrics can serve the same purpose, but it may not last as long.)

Above you can see 5 outfits with one camel cashmere sweater, and they aren’t even that creative. You can also layer it over a button-down shirt, under a blazer or denim jacket for work, with a skirt or dress pants… the possibilities are virtually endless.

The good news is, these days you don’t have to break the bank for cashmere. Like anything else, you get what you pay for, and there are definitely different levels of quality, but even a “cheaper” cashmere sweater will still feel and look wonderful for a time. Most cashmere pills eventually, but better quality cashmere should last longer, so it really comes down to cost per wear and what your priorities are.

My favorite brands for “cheaper” cashmere are the store brands — Aqua and C by Bloomingdale’s at Bloomies, Halogen at Nordstrom, and Lord + Taylor’s essential cashmere.

For a higher quality cashmere that is thicker and denser and generally lasts longer, I like Nordstrom Signature, Theory, Vince, Equipment, and Naadam. I often find good deals on some of these brands at Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off Fifth — you can filter by designer.

For this purchase, I would go for a neutral that is super versatile like camel, grey, or black. I would also choose a classic style like a turtleneck, crewneck, or v-neck with clean lines, and of course make sure the fit is on point.

CASHMERE CARE TIP: A sweater stone reduces pilling and helps prolong the life of your sweaters.

Shop cashmere sweaters:

#2. suede or leather pumps

I’ve had a pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps for well over 10 years, and I still look forward to pulling them out of their box every winter. If you buy a quality, classic style, a good pair of pumps will be on trend for a good many years.

I realize not every woman has a need for pumps in her wardrobe, but they’re definitely a great piece to have if you work in a professional environment or have events to attend with any regularity. (They make some great looking lower heeled styles now too!)

Jimmy Choos and Louboutins are the stuff dreams are made of, but I’m a huge fan of Stuart Weitzman for a designer pump that isn’t quite as pricey and provides the perfect marriage of style and comfort. Good mid-price brands include Sam Edelman (LOVE their Hazel pumps), Nine West, and Michael Kors.

I wear pumps with everything from skirts and dresses to jeans and… okay I don’t wear them with shorts, but you can if you have the personality to pull it off!

For this purchase, I recommend investing in nude and/or black first, and if you wear pumps a lot, it’s nice to have a leopard pair and some fun colors as well.

Shop classic pumps:

#3. ballet flats or loafers

Ballet flats and loafers are both timeless, and I would make a case for having some of each. I’ve loved a good ballet flat for as long as I can remember. They’re classy, feminine, and practical. Thank you, Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn, for making them chic.

Right now loafers are having a moment, and I’m getting on board with this more tailored, menswear-inspired look as well. Both are classics that have stood the test of time, and it’s worth investing in a good pair (or two or three) if you wear them often.

Gucci loafers are a huge trend right now, and Channel ballet flats are an iconic wardrobe piece if you’re a collector, but you can find good quality styles for much less. I definitely recommend buying leather, no matter what your budget.

A few of my favorite go-to mid-price brands are Sam Edelman, Frye, and Tory Burch. You can also find good prices on leather styles by Naturalizer and Lucky Brand.

Here are some of my favorites:

#4. classic trench

Worn by British Army Officers in World War I and made popular by Hollywood’s hottest leading men in the 40s and 50s, the trench coat has become an iconic wardrobe staple for both men and women.

The easiest way to elevate a simple outfit is to throw a classic trench on top. In fact, I don’t do this often enough.

When choosing a trench coat, don’t rule out single breasted styles. The traditional double breasted style with bulky epaulets isn’t flattering on a lot of women, but there are some really pretty options if you look around.

Camel and black are the traditional colors, but don’t rule out grey or brown or even a fun color. I love a bright red trench coat in springtime!

Of course a Burberry trench is iconic, but there are a lot of more budget-friendly options so I’ll include a range.

Shop classic trench coats:

#5. denim jacket


A jean jacket is a rugged all-American classic, inspired more by working America than the streets of Paris or a Hollywood icon, but it’s a wardrobe classic nonetheless. The Levi’s trucker jacket made it famous, and many have since copied it. Since the trucker style denim jacket doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, I decided to include it in this post.

I wear my denim jacket over t-shirts with black jeans and sneakers for casual daytime looks, over silk shells with white jeans and pumps for church, and even over dresses and skirt outfits. You can see many of my denim jacket looks in this post: How to Wear a Denim Jacket.

My two favorites are the Kut from the Kloth Helena and this Two by Vince Camuto jean jacket. I have the Helena in white and a dark wash shown, and I have the Camuto one in a medium wash that is probably the most versatile of the three. A denim jacket will be in style for many years, and I can attest to how well these fit and hold up over time. You can find more budget-friendly options at Old Navy and Kohl’s.

Shop denim jackets:

#6. wool peacoat or car coat

Another military-inspired wardrobe classic, a wool peacoat in a traditional fit, will never be out of style. The original peacoats were worn by British naval officers, but where the name is derived seems to be up for debate. Nevertheless, it’s a wardrobe staple worn by both men and women. While navy is the original color and still the most classic, they come in every color under the sun.

A similar style is the car coat, and both are classics that never truly go out of style. Car coats were designed to keep drivers warm from the wind while driving old-fashioned open cars. They’re usually thigh-length and button up the front, although they sometimes zip.

A 100% wool coat will always be the warmest and best quality, but there are many wool blends that are great quality at much lower price points.

A word about peacoats (as with trench coats above) — be cautious with double breasted styles when you’re bosomy on top, as they can add visual weight. Sometimes they’re okay, but it depends on the lapels and how they’re designed. I usually opt for a single breasted style, as I find them more slimming.

Shop wool coats:

#7. quality leather tote or satchel

There are basically two kinds of women in the world — those who appreciate a quality handbag, and those who don’t. Ha! I’m sure you know which camp I’m in!

The nice thing about a quality handbag is you can gain weight, lose weight, or even get pregnant and have a baby, and it always fits. Plus, when you buy a quality bag and take good care of it, it really does last. And if you get tired of your old bags and want to sell a few to fund your next purchase, it’s pretty easy to do so on Poshmark or Ebay.

I always advise buying handbags on sale, unless of course you’re going for an iconic designer bag that never goes on sale, and even then, there’s a huge market for pre-owned designer bags if you’re open to that.

This could easily be a post unto itself, in fact, I did a Splurge/Spend/Save posts for handbags not too long ago. Feel free to reference that if you’d like! I also have a Fight the Frump post all about handbags that is a good read.

While there is no need to spend a fortune on a bag to be stylish and classy, a woman’s handbag does say a lot about her, so make sure whatever bag you carry is in good condition.

If you’re making a big purchase that you intend to carry with everything, I recommend sticking with cognac, grey, or taupe because they’re the most versatile. Of course, black is good to have as well, but I’d make that one secondary to a lighter neutral. And a red bag is always fun to have!

Shop leather carryalls:

#8. leather crossbody or clutch

While totes and satchels make great carryalls, there are times when it’s more appropriate to carry a smaller bag. A crossbody or convertible clutch (a clutch with an optional shoulder strap) are also essential wardrobe pieces, and many styles are timeless.

A Chanel Boy or Classic Flap are the most coveted among collectors, and right now the Gucci Marmont bags are having a moment. Then of course there are lots of contemporary options at more affordable price points. The R Minkoff Love crossbody is a good quality bag, and it reminds me of the Chanel Boy. Tory Burch does a nice camera bag, a style that is trending right now, and Coach has one too.

Shop leather crossbody bags:

#9. Little Black Dress

A classic black dress will serve you well for years. The trick is not to gain or lose any weight. Ha! If you don’t like to wear black, navy is a good alternative.

A sheath or A-line are both timeless styles. I prefer a dress without much embellishment, and then I can add accessories to achieve the look I’m going for each time I wear it.

I’ve worn the dress pictured above to church, to a funeral, and on a date with my husband. It’s so flattering and versatile, AND it is still available as of January 2020!!!

Even though my three looks are fairly similar, I could also add a leather jacket for an edgier look, a blazer for a professional look, or a trench for a classy event. I will link mine along with some other good options below.

Shop LBDs:

#10. seasonless black pants

Even though the silhouette that is trending may evolve over time, a pair of 4-season black trousers is certainly a timeless closet essential. For a truly classic pair, look for a “4-season” or “seasonless” wool blend that is designed to work for you all year-round.

Ankle-length slim pants are all the rage right now, but don’t rule out a traditional trouser style either. I featured some of both below.

Shop seasonless pants:

11. pearl or diamond studs

Pearl and diamond stud earrings never go out of style, and they go well with most necklaces, making them pretty handy to have.

If budget limitations don’t allow for the real deal, there are some nice imitations out there. I wore this pair of faux pearl earrings several times a week for a year or so and finally decided I could justify splurging on a real pair. I stalked the Bloomingdale’s website until this 11mm pair was 60% off, and that’s when I snagged them.

Shop diamonds and pearls:

In conclusion . . .

I decided to cap this list at 11, but I definitely could go on. Certainly a quality wool or cashmere scarf is a wardrobe piece that can stand the test of time, as are leather gloves and aviator sunglasses. Then there is a leather jacket and a classic black blazer.

I didn’t include jeans because denim trends change too quickly to be considered a classic, and I recommend updating your denim regularly. Still, I have jeans I’ve worn for 3 or 4 years, so it all depends on what you consider timeless.

Again, this isn’t a list of wardrobe essentials, but rather items that stand the test of time, so it’s worth investing in quality pieces.

I hope this post was helpful, or at least a fun post to read. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!

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68 Responses

  1. Your point about not changing weight is the funny part. I know for me, it’s a constant change both up and down, which is one of the reasons I don’t spend a ton of money on my clothes. Even on the basics. Either that or I stain them or damage them somehow.
    But they are classics for a reason, since they really don’t go out of style.
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  2. Love this post!  I have been trying to be better about investing in certain pieces. I received my first cashmere sweater for Christmas and with that I now have everything on your list except the pea coat. But I have enough coats already to make up for it! Lol!

  3. It seems that the trench coat always appears on these lists of basics, but here in Colorado you rarely see anyone wearing that style.  Most women opt for more of an outdoorsy kind of rain jacket or shell.
    For me, a white button down shirt is a must have. As I stand in my closet each morning trying to decide what to wear to work, the white button down just seems to solve a lot of problems and is a classic look that always works.

    1. I hear ya. I think a trench coat is kind of an east coast thing. I don’t wear mine often, but when I do, I’m glad I have it. Much classier than an outdoorsy rain shell. 🙂 (I have one of those too, tho!)

      I’ve never had a white button down shirt, but I know it makes every list of wardrobe basics ever created – besides mine. Haha! I hate button downs on me, but it’s definitely a key piece for most closets.

  4. I love this post! The only thing I am going to add is about dry cleaning. I was always a big dry clean person until I worked in a high end home furnishings store. We sold really nice bedding and table cloths, etc. The owner is a woman that knows a lot about a lot. 🙂 She told me how harsh dry cleaning chemicals are for our fabrics. She hand washed all of her “dry clean only” things. I decided to trust her and try. I now do the same – unless something has a lining that I think my go weird. I don’t dry things and I wash on the hand wash cycle. I also use baby detergent. I wash my cashmere and lay it flat to dry. It holds up great and all still looks amazing. This isn’t to say I haven’t had “accidents” where things have gone badly, but I have had the same happen when I dry clean things. So just food for thought! I have so enjoyed becoming a part of your world!

  5. I love this post. Thank you for putting it together. I especially loved seeing how you wear all of these pieces. I have everything except the camel cashmere sweater.

  6. Question regarding pumps.  Most of the bloggers I follow say go with a pointy toe because it elongates orcsomethung like that. I have kind of wide feet and just feel weird wearing pointy toe shoes (feel like an elf or something ha).  Most of my pumps have a more rounded toe.  Is that bad?  What are your thoughts on one versus the other?  

    Love this type of post!  Lots of information.  

    1. I have both and wear them for different purposes. 🙂 I like a pointy toe with bootcut jeans and pants. I tend to wear the rounded toe with skinny jeans (although I do wear the pointy toe with skinny jeans too.) Either look nice with dresses and skirts, the rounded toe seems a tad more casual.

  7. Excellent and thoughtfully curated list. I wholeheartedly agree that these are the types worthy of investing. I have several of these and zero intentions of parting with them anytime soon. Although I don’t get the opportunity to wear it often, I’ve had a black wool peacoat for nearly 10 years, and it still feels current to me.
    I’d only add maybe a white tee and possibly classic, good quality riding boots. A white tee is not something I would necessarily invest in, but I do feel it is 100% classic and timeless. 🙂

  8. Wow!  Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into compiling this list for us!  One of the things I have gained from Kelly’s, Frustration to Functional Closet two week course is, to only buy clothing that suites my lifestyle.  Just because there is a certain trend that is timeless, if it doesn’t fit my day to day life, I don’t need to spend my money on it.  Have a blessed day!

    I really like the comment section in its new locale!

    1. Absolutely. And I usually add that disclaimer to any of these lists. This is not a must-have list as much as it is a list of things that are worthy of investing in good quality if you do purchase them. 🙂

      1. I always read your disclaimer.  In the past I have let myself be easily persuaded to add a piece to my closet that deep down I know doesn’t really fit my lifestyle.  I am no longer going to do that, which is a big step for me!  I can think it’s very pretty and makes a lot of sense to own a particular item, without buying it.  I have a hard head, so at times it takes a while for something to sink in.  You have done your job from day 1!  Now it’s my turn to do my job.  ????

        1. It’s hard to do! I get sucked into that as well. I love all the slouchy sweaters I see the skinny fashion bloggers wearing, and I KNOW I can’t pull them off, and they make me look frumpy, but I still buy them, and end up returning most of them.

          I am lucky that my lifestyle and my love of casual wear line up nicely. 🙂 I took Kelly’s closet challenge (didn’t comment in the group much b/c I didn’t want to attract attention, lol) and it was really good, but I realized by the end that I do love almost everything in my closet, and my lifestyle lines up pretty neatly with what I have in my closet. So that was cool! No homework for me. HAHA!

  9. Thanks for a great post on classics we all need. I got lucky a couple of years ago in Goodwill and found a Burberry trench coat for $9.99. I grabbed that baby up. ????

  10. Loved this post!  As I was reading, I thought about my very first Coach bag purchased by my husband 16 years ago.  It’s a basic black tote with no embellishments.  The leather still feels like butter and I still find myself pulling it out occasionally to carry.  I’ve moved on from Coach (I don’t love their styles as much now), but that first one is still one of my favorites…high quality leather and a classic style.  

  11. Thanks Jo Lynne, love this post. I have some pants that are just starting to fit again after losing some
    weight, but not sure if they are still in style-pleats, cuffs, wide around shoe etc. Any guidelines would be appreciated. Thanks!

  12. Great post Jolynne!  I would add wrap and faux wrap dresses to the list.  While other silhouettes come and go (like these loose flowy dresses that are all the rage right now), wrap dresses seem to stand the test of time!  Also I love your hair in the denim jacket pic!  Looks so pretty curled!  

  13. Just noticed that you not only moved the comment box but also kept the comments in chronological order.  Maybe you actually made everybody happy!  🙂

    1. No, not everyone. LOL! A few liked the comment box at the bottom, a few thought the comments should go in reverse chronological order if the comment box is on top, but most seemed to like the combination I chose, or didn’t care. hopefully it wont be a big deal. 🙂

  14. This may be my favorite of all your posts ever! I have a Burberry trench and a fun story about it. Mine belonged to a dear friend of my mom’s who was a flight attendant in the 80’s!! When she passed away much of her clothes were given to my mom and Mom gave the coat to to me. It was in true 80’s style…very long, shoulder pads and raglan style sleeves. I did have it shortened, but even though the cut is not up to date, I still wear it because it is just so iconic! The quality is superb and I get compliments every time I wear it! I thought this is a fun example of how even classics change with the trends, but if we are confident in our own personal style, we can still pull off most anything! Thank you for this great post, Jolynne. Blessings! Krista

  15. I have all these timeless basics in my wardrobe and reach for them often. I buy good quality but not super expensive ones, as my budget doesn’t allow for Burberry.
     I would add a black turtleneck – so versatile. I like my jean jackets to be a feminine cut so I look for those details – more fitted. 
    Cashmere can be hand washed, JoLynne. I wash mine in tepid water with a gentle soap. Just swish it around, rinse well, don’t squeeze please, and press against side of sink. Lay flat and shape on towel. I have four cashmere sweaters and all are still in perfect shape. 

    1. Yes, I was thinking of the black turtleneck in the cashmere section. But of course a wool blend or a silk turtleneck are nice too. It’s good to know some of you have good luck washing your cashmere. I hate to hear that drycleaning requirements prevent people from buying it. 🙂 I updated my post.

  16. Hi Jo-Lynne Great post!! I just wanted to mention that if you shop off season you can find great quality pieces at way lower price point. I recently purchased a beautiful pair of Frye boots at a fraction of the cost, just because the store was clearing out some of the more “ WINTER BOOTS”! Up here in Vancouver BC we have had a milder winter and I’m now on the lookout for a camel cashmere coat….????????! Keep up the great work ! Really enjoy all your posts!

  17. Awesome post – nice to hear about some of the history behind these styles. I am just getting some work pumps re-heeled (have had them for 8 years!) and have a trench coat on my list for this year. Thanks Jo-Lynne!

  18. Awesome post! Thank you for compiling this. I saved a screenshot of the graphic to my phone for shopping reference! 🙂

  19. This is an excellent Post Jo-Lynne and one I’ll keep! I was happy to see I have many of these in my closet. I’ve always wanted a trench coat but like one reader mentioned, we don’t see them veryoften in CO but every time I do, I’m always impressed; so maybe it’s time I take the plunge! I also enjoyed some of the other classic pieces other readers mentioned. I follow an older woman’s Blog and she wears only classic pieces but always looks completely up to date by adding trendy scarves and accessories. Not sure I could wear only classic pieces everyday but it’s been fascinating to see how she pulls everything together from casual to formal! Thanks for all your hard work on this as no doubt it took some time to put it together along with ading several history lessons, which I totally enjoyed!

    1. That is her style, tho. Maybe it isn’t yours? I love following Fashion Jackson – she wears all neutrals and makes every outfit look different. I am in awe. But I’d get bored, I think. Still, she inspires me to put those types of outfits together sometimes.

  20. You did such a great job of covering all the basis. I need to invest in a camel sweater…would you believe I’m not a fan of cashmere. I wanted one and got one and then didn’t like the way it felt on. Oh well. I had to laugh about even numbers. My husband likes sparkling water and when we go buy it I like to buy even numbers. #wierdiknow He just loves making fun of me and trying to sneak in an odd one to drive me nuts. LOL

    1. WHO DOESN’T LIKE CASHMERE!?! That is tragic. Haha! A good wool blend sweater serves the same purpose, though. 🙂 I went YEARS not wearing camel, I didn’t really like it, and I thought it looked like skin. Now I think it is so classy and gorgeous paired with other neutrals and of course burgundy. Funny how we change over time.

  21. Fun post! I totally agree with your picks, although living in Colorado, I always add jeans to my list. It seems like skinnies have been around a while and are destined to be a classic. 

    Interestingly, I don’t have these exact items, rather variations on them. 
    Black Trousers: At the moment, mine are aubergine (Theory.) I had black Theory trousers for years, but I had them altered a million times and the fabric became a bit shiny. 
    Cashmere sweater: Again, mine is a cardigan, but not truly basic. Sweaters are my hardest thing to shop for…truly not feeling or missing a basic sweater right now. 
    Pumps: Yes! Stuart Wietzman=Love! Mine are dove grey peep toe. One day, I’ll invest in his pumps in black. 
    Ballet flats: My first and only pair are black AGLs. Somewhere along the way, my feet decided they only like expensive shoes, lol! I’m dying to try the white loafers you recommended. 
    Denim Jacket: I wear mine so often that I wonder if I’m being boring with it! 
    Wool Car Coat: I’m not sure if mine is a car coat or not, but it’s above the knee and is teal. I love all the midi coats so many bloggers are wearing now, but I like the ease of carrying a shorter coat when I am inside. (Like at the mall, lol!) 
    Quality leather tote/handbag: I desperately need a new black one…am going to check out your picks! 
    Cross body or clutch: Tough, because I have the world’s largest sunglass case. I can only carry clutches after dark! 
    LBD: I just bought a black dress, my only one in ages! I tend to rely on a black skirt for biz functions and colorful dresses for dressy occasions. 
    Thanks for a fun post, Jo Lynne! 

    1. Yeah, I didn’t put jeans on here b/c I feel styles do change, but a good pair of dark wash mid-rise jeans in your favorite cut (skinny, boot, or straight) will probably stand the test of time… at least 5 or 10 years, maybe not 20.

      1. That’s true. I think I’m thinking of jeans as more of a “must have” basic vs. a timeless classic. I’m a little restless with fashion, so I am always happy with a change in styles! I never go to the extreme with a style, but I always want a little twist. I forgot to mention…I have a trench coat, but it’s python print, lol! Then my neutral colored one is stone colored satin with a dramatic collar. Love it, but it needs to be dry cleaned almost every time I wear it. 

  22. Jo-Lynne, thanks so much for this post! I always enjoy learning more about fashion and this post gives me something to think about as far as my own closet. I’m very tired of cheap fabric, garments that shrink, and patterns that don’t match on the side seams. Nice to see that someone cares about the quality of a garment.

  23. Great post!  I’d add a classic black blazer and white shirt to the list. And maybe a great leather jacket. I’ve had my Jean jacket for 12 years and it still gets great wear. The style hasn’t really changed either!  

    1. I *almost* added a leather jacket. 🙂 I had a leather jacket 20 years ago that would still be in style now if I’d kept it. The quality wasn’t the greatest, so I eventually passed it on, but yeah. I love and wear mine so much! A white button-down shirt is definitely a good piece to include, I just never wear them. Same with blazers. And I feel like blazer styles do wax and wane, but maybe not if you get a classic cut. I just prefer more feminine versions that are trendy, but again, that’s me. I wrote this list more from my own perspective.

  24. This is a great list!  I do not wear heels often, and this year I pulled out my black pumps for a Christmas party.  They are several years old, so I was planning to replace them just for this event.  But when I went shopping, I realized they were really pretty close to the ones I would chose to buy.  I opted to just wear my old ones and save my $ for an item I would wear more often.  Classic indeed!

  25. Happy 2019 and what a great post to start the year with. I have a few of these items and your right they can be found at various price points. I love how you showed us how to style the camel sweater as I invested in one last year (oh so long ago) 😉 but I definitely need to buy the sweater stone as I’m seeing some piling under the arms, it’s now in my amazon cart. All these items are essential to have and as I reviewed them I remembered why I kept some of them for a while now. Like my trench coat and pearl erraings that I’ve had since the 80s. Okay I’ll stop talking now lol. 

  26. I am 5’1” and about 10 lbs (maybe more 😗) over ideal weight.  I love a trench coat but feel they make me look shorter and (rounder😊).  Especially with belt tied.  Are there some shapes that shouldn’t wear a trench coat?

    1. I think I’d look at the shorter styles, and maybe one without a belt. I also don’t love belted coats on me… although I do have a shorter quilted one with a belt that I wear a lot. I looked at a few sites – there aren’t a lot in petite sizes, are there???

      This is cute but not a classic cut: https://shopstyle.it/l/XDXD

      These aren’t petite but no belt and look slimming: https://shopstyle.it/l/XDXR or https://shopstyle.it/l/XDXT

      This is belted but petite and single breasted: https://shopstyle.it/l/XDX6

  27. What is the brand of the black bag (not the small crossbody) in the collage pic at the beginning of the post? I love it but didn’t see it listed as one of the options in the bag section.

    Thanks so much! Love this post!

  28. It’s always good to be reminded of the classics. I’ve dropped a trench coat off my list and out of my closet. Since I retired (at 54), I no longer wear one. Living on the West coast, we get our fair share of rain so an attractive rain resistant coat with a hood serves us better.  Another one I always have in my closet is a quality white shirt. I find they dress up even a casual pair of jeans. I don’t wear them often but they are there for when the mood strikes. I would suggest a pair of traditional pumps versus the new block heel if buying an investment pair. The block heel is trending now but won’t stay current. 
    Off to the gym to work off some of those Christmas pounds! 

  29. Happy 2019!
    Yes, back to work and back to reality…. Its good to get away from all the sweets and treats at home and other’s homes! I laughed with the many comments about keeping a steady weight/ size 😩 I am in that same boat too!! Its tough as we get older. I have two wardrobes in 2 sizes (winter vs summer) and struggle gaining/ losing the same 10 lbs.
    Living out west, dress more casually so the trench coat doesn’t fit my lifestyle and would look out of place here…. But the other ideas are relevant.

    Happy Hump Day! Nice to have a short week to transition back to work.

    1. LOL, how come you say that? I don’t have anything against Coach, but I feel like the outlets have cheapened the brand. And I actually don’t see a lot of Coach when perusing my usual websites. I actually included one intentionally in my Handbag Spend/Splurge/Save post b/c I know a lot of people like them. 🙂

  30. Hi Jo-Lynne!
    I’ve never had a cashmere sweater, but this might be the year to buy one!  Which do you recommend for a first time buy?

  31. Great post.  I realized by reading this that my life style really does matter.  It may surprise you, but I don’t own a pair of pumps anymore.  I’m mad I got rid of my comfortable, mid heel ones after the pointed toe came in big and then started to go out years ago.  I thought they were out of style then.  I don’t dress up much at all, as don’t work outside the home and our church is very casual.  So, I rarely wear dresses.  I really should invest in a pair, but don’t know if the pointed or more rounded toe would be best.  Do either ever go out of style? I know the heels do.  I know the chunky type heels are in now and have been for awhile.  As for the jean jacket, I bought one finally from Loft that fits great, but I think I got too dark of wash. I think the mid wash would be more versatile.  I wanted to be able to wear mine with black pants, skirts etc. but it too dark and doesn’t look right, or is that just me?  So, it hangs in the closet. I need to put it with white, burgundy and green pants more.  I see I should update my wool coat.  Great informational post.  I guess I just live a casual life, so just love my jeans, sweaters, booties and warm cute casual coat. 🙂  

  32. Good Morning, What brand are the flats with the heart logo on the side? I love the shoes but noticed that you didn’t provide a link to them. I have searched and searched but can’t find them. Thanks,

    1. Yeah, that graphic at the top was from the last time I ran this post. I updated the post, but I didn’t update the graphic. They were the Tory Burch Laila Driver Ballet Flat – but I can’t find them in stock anywhere this year. 🙁

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