The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Articles
    • Starting From Scratch
    • Common Wardrobe
    • Packing
    • Start With Art
    • Project 333
    • 4×4 Wardrobes
    • Weekly Timeless Wardrobes
    • Archives by Date
    • Archives by Categories & Tags
  • Support The Vivienne Files
    • Books, Clothes & more
    • Templates & Color Planners
  • Contact
Home » Is Classic Clothing Really Timeless?

Is Classic Clothing Really Timeless?

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?

travel outfit in navy with hunter green accents

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

travel capsule wardrobe in navy and hunter green

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

travel outfit in burgundy and navy

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

travel capsule wardrobe in navy and burgundy

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

Is Classic Clothing Really Timeless?

Like this article? Save it to Pinterest!

Tweet
Pin98
Share1
99 Shares

11.14.17 13 Comments

Tags: burgundy, business travel, capsule wardrobe, cool weather, green, navy, packing, travel wardrobe
<<Is it Possible to Pack a Foolproof Suitcase? What if the Weather is Uncertain?Does Your Handbag Reflect Your Life?>>

Comments

  1. Taste of France says

    November 14, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Lena says

      November 14, 2017 at 7:53 pm

      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!

      Reply
  2. KBG says

    November 14, 2017 at 1:39 pm

    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????

    Reply
  3. Gail Finke says

    November 14, 2017 at 5:43 pm

    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.

    Reply
  4. Distant Francophile says

    November 14, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
  5. Lena says

    November 14, 2017 at 7:56 pm

    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.

    Reply
  6. Janet says

    November 14, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    Thanks so much for the post, love love love the colors!

    Reply
  7. Cornelia Estey says

    November 14, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    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. :))

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      November 14, 2017 at 3:52 pm

      Where have you been????
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  8. Nancy/n.o.e says

    November 15, 2017 at 2:11 am

    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

    Reply
  9. av says

    November 15, 2017 at 10:18 am

    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!

    Reply
  10. Robert F. Crocker says

    November 15, 2017 at 10:34 am

    Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks

    Dsquared

    Reply
  11. Crystal Zircon Ring says

    November 15, 2017 at 7:39 am

    Great post!! I'm glad to see you again. Thanks for the informative blog post. This post will really helpful to take decent pictures. Again thanks for sharing useful blog

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

logo
The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

STAY UP TO DATE

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Build a Warm Weather Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art Drei Häuser By Paul KleeBuild a Warm Weather Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Drei Häuser By Paul Klee
  • wardrobe of the Week 11Wardrobe of the Week: March 19 – 25, 2023
  • Build a capsule wardrobe starting with a bracelet in aquamarine and amberBuild a Travel Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with a Bracelet: Forget-Me-Not Bracelets by Fierce Lynx Designs
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 The Vivienne Files | All Rights Reserved - Built with ♥ by RockFort Media

THE VIVIENNE FILES IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES.