American Classic one of the iconic looks Kim France and Andrea Linett describe in their The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style (Conde Nast Publications, 2008). They depict the look as “northeastern-elite … something that’s equal parts equestrian, Ivy League, and Jackie O-ladylike, but with a bit of urban knowingness thrown in as well.”
A woman exhibiting this timeless look could travel from the middle of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century without a change of clothes. The look is fuss-free without being casual. This isn’t a look with lace, ruffled, or embellished clothing that can date an item.
Essential Women’s Clothes
This is a look with tailored, clean-cut clothing in colors – black, gray, navy, brown, beige, and red – that defy being the ‘in’ color for the season. Items are menswear inspired but feminine. How sexy the clothing is depends on the wearer’s attitude. Although the clothing is cut in a body conscious way nothing is either cut too low or too high. Think of a woman wearing her boyfriend’s shirt to get an idea of why this can be a sexy fashion style.
Look for items like a denim jacket, leather aviator jacket, parka, trench coat and two-button blazer. Pants, denim, corduroy, or twill, are straight-legged without being tight. This is the style where knit cardigans and turtleneck sweaters look at home. Menswear-style tee shirts, fitted polo shirts, and the white button-down shirt are all classics. Skirts and dresses can be straight or A-line.
Essential Fashion Accessories
Classic fashion accessories don’t mean vintage items. Earrings are simple studs (diamond, pearl) or hoops. This is the look where gold or silver chains and pearls look most at home. When purchasing an item, consider if it can be worn in twenty five years and not look out of place or trendy.
Footwear can range from equestrian boots to loafers, moccasins, slingbacks, pumps, and other timeless styles. Purses too should be items that could be pulled out year after year without looking dated. Because items can be worn forever, classic fashion accessories should be the highest quality a woman can afford. These aren’t trendy items that will disappear into the back of the closet after a season.
Pulling Together a Clothing Style
This is a look where the classic pieces are key to looking put-together. Shoes, a handbag and a few pieces of jewelry complete the look. Most clothing items should be in a neutral color palette, although surprises, like a leopard print clutch can add a bit of excitement.
When pulling together an outfit that exemplifies the classic clothing style think of wearing items that will catch other people’s eye without engendering comments about the wearer’s look not making sense. Go with clothing that is comfortable with a sexy or elegant edge.
This is a look that The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style calls an iconic look and it can be accomplished by any woman who wants a timeless yet still sexy look. This fashion style can be interspersed in a wardrobe with a few key clothing pieces and accessories or it can be carried throughout an entire wardrobe for a look that will never go out of style.
