Dressed：A capsule wardrobe for the classic style personality

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.

Cathy @themiddlepageblog above (read her style interview here) opts for a timeless look of bootcut jeans, a blazer and t-shirt.

Get her look with this similar top, blazer, jeans, sandals, bag, necklace 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 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.

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 33 essentials every woman over 40 should own.

Celebrities with a classic style personality

Are you drawn to the style of the celebrities above? 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.

Nora @jacketsociety above (read her style interview here) opts for neutral shades of black and tan, and adds a print scarf.

Steal her look with this similar cardigan, jeans, heels, handbag, scarf, earrings and sunglasses.

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.

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.

Nikki @40notfrumpy above tucks in her white shirt to her beige pants and accessorizes with a monogram tote.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, pants (other options here and here), sandals, tote and earrings.

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.

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 2022.

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.

Beth @styleatacertainage above (read her style interview here) wears a wrap shirt that would go with all the pants and skirts in her closet.

Check out this wrap blouse that you can wear with this similar pair of jeans, pumps, bag and necklace.

Made by Johnny Wrap Front Drape Dolman Top – GRACE KARIN Lantern Sleeve Peplum Top – Lafayette 148 New York Hayward Stretch Cotton Blend Shirt – L’AGENCE Holly Stripe Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt

Jackets and coats to add to your classic clothing capsule

Urban CoCo Open Front Blazer – GRACE KARIN Lantern Sleeve Peplum Top – PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut Jeans – L’AGENCE Jeanne Block Heel Bootie – Madewell Knotted Tote Bag – Nordstrom Graduated Cubic Zirconia Collar Necklace – Lafonn Pear Cut Simulated Diamond Earrings

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. For cooler weather, look for a longline, belted wool coat.

Urban CoCo Open Front Blazer – Halogen Open Front Long Blazer – Club Monaco Soft Trench Coat – Halogen Belted Wool Blend 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.

Sylvia @sylviacolella (read her style interview here) chooses jeans and wears with a blazer in a look that you could wear for spring or fall year after year.

Get her look with this similar turtleneck top, blazer, jeans, booties, bag and sunglasses.

PAIGE Manhattan High Waist Bootcut Jeans – Karen Millen Soft Tailored High Waist Pants – Karen Millen Satin Crepe Wide Leg High Waist Pants – Nordstrom Essential Ponte Ankle Leggings

Dresses and Skirts to create classic outfits

Halogen Belted Wool Blend Coat – TAHARI ASL Stretch Crepe Side Knot Dress – – Kenneth Cole New York Levon Knee High Boot – Madewell Knotted Tote Bag – Lafonn Pear Cut Simulated Diamond Earrings

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.

TAHARI ASL Stretch Crepe Side Knot Dress – Fraiche by J Flutter Sleeve Faux Wrap Maxi Dress – Stine Goya Lola Polka Dot Long Sleeve Dress – Kate Kasin Wrap Front 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.

Adaline @sdmomstyles above opts for a pair of black pumps that you could wear with your dresses and skirts, or to dress up a jeans and blazer outfit.

Recreate her look with this similar wrap dress, pumps and necklace.

Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat – JOY IN LOVE Block Heel Pump – L’AGENCE Jeanne Block Heel Bootie – Kenneth Cole New York Levon Knee High Boot

Accessories to add to your classic wear

Halogen Open Front Long Blazer – Lafayette 148 New York Hayward Stretch Cotton Blend Shirt – Nordstrom Essential Ponte Ankle Leggings – Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat – Kate Spade New York Carson Convertible Crossbody Bag – Jenny Bird Nordi Oval Hoop Earrings – Kate Spade New York Dot & Stripe Square Silk Scarf

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.

Madewell Knotted Tote Bag – AllSaints Kita Leather Shoulder/Crossbody Bag – Kate Spade New York Carson Convertible Crossbody Bag – Nordstrom Graduated Cubic Zirconia Collar Necklace – Lafonn Pear Cut Simulated Diamond Earrings – Jenny Bird Nordi Oval Hoop Earrings – Kate Spade New York Dot & Stripe Square Silk 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.

Ralph Lauren
Ann Taylor
Eileen Fisher
PAIGE
J.Crew
Tory Burch
Kate Spade New York

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. You could easily mix and match to create countless different outfits.

shop SOME OF THE items above here:

More classic style inspiration for you

Below is an earlier capsule I created. You can see I’ve been drawn to classic shades of blue, red and white. While the items are past season, they may still provide you with inspiration as they are all so timeless.

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.

Like this post on the classic style personality? Share it on Pinterest!

Feature image by Nikki @40notfrumpy

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