3 CLASSIC WARDROBE PIECES AND HOW TO CARE FOR THEM

classic wardrobe

5  CLASSIC WARDROBE PIECES

 While buying clothes is not a science you should always consider purchasing high quality classic wardrobe pieces.   Darlings if you have read my blog in the past you know that I love designer clothing. Therefore I will always encourage purchasing high quality classic clothes. Arguably there is a place for less expensive trendy items to keep your wardrobe updated .However the ideal situation is to limit these items and intermix them with your classic wardrobe.

Even expensive, high-quality, designer clothing will fall apart if neglected or abused. Our society has gotten so accustomed to clothing being cheap and disposable that the idea of caring for our clothing is a foreign concept to many of us. The fact is that well-made, quality garments can last decades. Not only will your clothes last longer when cared for properly, but well-maintained clothing looks better, too, which means that investing in tasteful, classic styles will pay off in the long run.

#1 CLASSIC WARDROBE PIECES; A LITTLE BLACK DRESS.

No doubt the first classic wardrobe piece is a little black dress . While your closet may be full of dresses the one go to is the perfect little black dress. What to look for when choosing a little black is first style. Of course I am talking about an investment piece so choose carefully, A classic style will be knee length or just slightly longer or shorter. While personal style and taste will dictate , I recommend sleeveless , you can always add sleeves with a blazer or light cardigan.  In my opinion a straighter skirt will give you more longevity. Therefore the main element you are looking for is timelessness. In conclusion you can dress up or down classic wardrobe pieces  with accessories including scarves , jewelry , belts , shoes and bags. I have chosen three classic dresses , that will work as a timeless classic wardrobe pieces.  

Victoria Beckham - sleeveless fitted dress
FARFETCH $2300

Sleeveless black dress from Tom Ford.
ITALIST $1435

Max Mara Pesche Midi Dress
NORDSTROM $895

CLASSIC WARDROBE

VICTORIA BECKHAM

 

 

CLASSIC WARDROBE

TOM FORD

CLASSIC WARDROBE

MAX MARA

CLASSIC WARDROBE PIECES - CLEANING A DRESS

The key to preserving your garments is by keeping them as clean as possible. Soiled clothes with food or perspiration stains usually have a tendency to attract moths and insects

Choosing the right place to dry clean your clothes is the key to ensure that your expensive garments remain in pristine condition for a long time. For clothes with intricate embellishments, make sure that the pieces are dry-cleaned by a special technique where the ornamentation is covered with net.

Remember to always read the instruction on the care label before washing any of your garments. Most pieces come with specific instructions on using the right washer setting, detergent or washing them inside out to preserve their life span.

#2 CLASSIC WARDROBE PIECES ; THE CRISP WHITE SHIRT

 Starched wear-with-anything white shirts that will form the basis of a classic wardrobe. Therefore darlings  use this classic as a blank canvas to freshen up any look. - be it tucked in high-waisted denim, or worn loose with tailored trousers and brogues for work. Hence pair this classic with a pencil skirt or wear it under a little black dress for a great day look. 

Designer Carolina Herrera is proof that the white shirt is truly a forever piece. She has championed the basic button-up since founding her label in the Eighties, making it a constant feature in her seasonal collections as well as her personal style signature; she is rarely seen in anything other than a perfectly pressed version paired with an elegant A-line skirt.

Carolina Herrera ,classic shirting in luxe Italian silk.
SAKS 5TH AVE $1285

White cotton classic shirt from Rebecca Vallance.
FARFETCH $246

White cotton shirt from Burberry
FARFETCH $400

classic wardrobe

CAROLINA HERRERA

CLASSIC WARDROBE

REBECCA VALLANCE

CLASSIC WARDROBE

BURBERRY

CLASSIC WARDROBE PIECES - CLEANING A WHITE SHIRT

Wash and press is the “normal” way to clean WHITE shirts when you take them to the cleaners. (Don’t be too confused by this.  Even though you take your shirt to the “dry-cleaners”, they are most likely doing wash and press unless you are expressly asking them to dry clean ). In fact this is my first choice. Therefore at around $1.50- $2.50/shirt, this cleaning method is relatively cheap and easy and it keeps the shirts looking great.

Of course you can clean your shirts yourself . However if you have an expensive investment white shirt hand wash it , to avoid the roughness of some household washers. Many dry cleaners will sell clear sleeves for shirts and I recommend storing your shirt this way. In addition if you have stored a shirt for a longer period of time check it before you plan to wear it , it may need refreshing.

#3 CLASSIC WARDROBE PIECES ; A BLAZER

A  sharp blazer is a classic and the best investment for your wardrobe. However make sure to visit a tailor to make fitting adjustments as needed. Since we are designing a wardrobe a well fit blazer is a necessity. In fact your blazer will be one of the most versatile elements of your wardrobe. No doubt it will be a work staple , looks great with jeans and a tee, and can be worn over dresses and skirts. Also you should consider a dark tone for your first staple blazer. Moreover you can start to add a variety of colors as you build you wardrobe.

Black classic blazer from Joseph.
FARFETCH $745

Maison Margiela - boxy tweed jacket
FARFETCH $2375

Balenciaga - Hourglass checked blazer
FARFETCH $2400

CLASSIC WARDROBE

JOSEPH

 

CLASSIC WARDROBE

MAISON MARGIELA

 

 

CLASSIC WARDROBE

BALENCIAGA

CLASSIC WARDROBE PIECES; CARING FOR A BLAZER

Invest in a stiff brush specifically manufactured to clean clothing.Furthermore it only takes 30 seconds of brushing to clean your blazers, jackets, skirts and trousers after each wearing.Therefore brush the garment against the nap (grain) first, and then with the nap to remove any dust, dirt or other materials before they get a chance to settle into the fabric fibers, causing permanent discoloration or attracting insects .At the same time one of the perks of daily maintenance is that it will extend the time between your dry cleaning visits.

ITALIST WOMEN NEW IN GUCCI FW 17 728X90

 

CLASSIC WARDROBE IN CONCLUSION

Darlings I hope you found my classic wardrobe choices useful. Similarly I gave you some tips for caring for your wardrobe. Since we are now in October it is time to shop for that great winter coat so see my next post.

                  Ciao for now Jandrew