November 14, 2017
Well, no. There’s no such thing as truly timeless clothing… Unless you’re still wearing a toga!
That said, I was just looking at a post that I did FIVE YEARS AGO, and I would cheerfully pack and wear any of the clothes shown. Some are still available, and in all cases it was possible to find something similar!
Given that clothing will eventually wear out, I consider that “sufficiently timeless.” Can I coin that term?

Scarf – Hermès, gold earrings – Lord & Taylor, necklace – Isharya, turtleneck – Bally, jacket – John Lewis, gloves – Portolano, handbag – Reed Krakoff, suitcase– Victorinox, skirt – Stella McCartney, navy tights – Nordstrom, loafers – Robert Zur

Navy blouse – Stella McCartney; gold hoop earrings – DeLatori; navy cardigan – Maison Martin Margiela; plaid shirt – J. Crew; green cardigan – Woolrich; trousers – Stella McCartney; belt – John Lewis; necklace – Kenneth Jay Lane; suede ballet flats – Chloe; jeans – J. Brand; bracelet – Seasonal Whispers; plaid scarf – Amicale; striped tee – Mango; suede desert boots – Grenson
Scarf – Hermès, gold earrings – Links of London, necklace – Kenneth Cole, turtleneck – Crumpet , jacket – John Lewis, gloves – Forzieri, handbag – Balenciaga, suitcase– Victorinox, skirt – Stella McCartney, navy tights – Nordstrom, loafers – Marc by Marc Jacobs
Navy blouse – Stella McCartney; garnet earrings – Janis Provisor, navy cardigan – Maison Martin Margiela; plaid shirt – Paul Smith, garnet hoop earrings – Stephen Dweck, cardigan – American Retro, trousers – Stella McCartney; garnet bangle – Max and Chloe, belt – Topshop, oxfords – Rag & Bone, jeans – J. Brand; striped sweater – Burberry Brit, striped scarf – black.co.uk, boots – Debenhams
I love navy with these rich colors; they just feel like autumn…
love,
Janice
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Classics definitely can hold up for five years or longer, if they're of good quality. I have a winter coat that draws compliments after 20+ years. Silhouettes evolve and are the worst enemy–think the hourglass of the '50s/'60s to the superskinny '70s to the big-shouldered '80s to the minimalist '90s….Anything exaggerated gets dated.
French Elle had a feature with a classic clothing item again on trend–tartan plaids, denim jackets, double-breasted blazers–and would do a spread with examples from the archives, sometimes going back 50 or 60 years. Very enlightening about staying power and what is going to look good years from now, no matter how trends evolve.
Someone told me that trends return every 40 years and I've found that to be pretty much true. Bu you can't just wear those old items (even if you could still fit in them!) because the details always change. Unless of course you are going for a retro or vintage look which is always fun!
I remember these boards – they’re some of my favorite examples of your talent. I try to stick to classic clothes now, ever since a moment looking back at photos of me in the 90’s; what was i thinking????
This is a really fun post. It's fun to see the same navy things with the same garments but in different colors — what a different impression they make! And of course, a wardrobe with the accent pieces from both would be so versatile.
I love the term 'sufficiently timeless"! It accurately sums up the fact that clothes don't get better with wear and tear and also reflects that it is usually the concept of the piece that is classic rather than the item itself.
Love this post. It really points out how just a few items can change the entire look of a collection. It also shows why classic choices in quality fabrics are worth the extra money.
Thanks so much for the post, love love love the colors!
Coming out of hiding to say that I, too, remember these posts. Today, I am wearing navy trousers with a black sweater and cardigan that each have more than five years on them. The Hermes scarf is newer though. :))
Where have you been????
hugs,
Janice
how fun! I love following the links to see the similar current versions of the various items. And coincidentally, today I wore navy cords with navy/burgundy/multi stripe top and burgundy cardigan, topped with a navy quilted jacket (all items 1-5 years old). – nancyo
Hahahaha, can't get over the toga comment!!! Such fun! The post is a great way to start thinking what to buy in the next sales season ;) Dear Janice, you just made me come out of anonymity. Well played!
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