No one can deny that new clothes and new fashion trends are fun (hello, leopard print!), but if you find yourself constantly asking, “What’s in right now?” or “What’s in style?”, may I (gently) suggest that you are asking the wrong questions. Though there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look ‘in style’, if that’s your main goal, you are going to quickly date your outfit and look out of style. Why’s that? When you rely on the traditional methods of looking in style, it usually means shopping all the latest trends and looking like everyone else – not to mention draining your wallet! Fashion trends come and go, and if you find yourself tired of trying to keep up (or so confused you never even got started), let me offer a better way.
If you want to have a style that always looks ‘in’, I’m not suggesting you abandon all personality, trends, and fun, however, there are some fashion essentials and guidelines that can help you maintain a stylish appearance – regardless of changing trends. So if you always want to look in style, then here’s what to wear so your outfits never look dated!
1. Atemporal Trends (If You Like to Wear Trends)
boots | jeans | shirt | blazer (similar)
Atemporal trends are styles that transcend time and continue to remain relevant, no matter the season or year. Though atemporal trends (think timeless trends) may sound like an oxymoron, it’s more than possible, proving to be the best of both worlds!
Some trends truly are fleeting – here today and gone tomorrow. Micro purses (very tiny and impractical bags), overly embellished jeans, and chokers are a few examples of this. Anytime you see these, your mind is instantly brought back to a certain timeframe when they soared in popularity.
On the other hand, atemporal trends are timeless. Sure, they may be more popular at certain times of the year (and depending on if TikTok has anything to do with it), but for the most part, they remain stylish over the years.
Pops of red, leopard print, wide-leg jeans, burgundy, and quiet luxury – these are all great examples of enduring trends that not only update your wardrobe, but also offer versatility and longevity.
So if you love looking in style (there’s nothing wrong with that!), then avoid fleeting fashion fads and embrace the trends that don’t date you. Be selective and when updating your wardrobe for a new season, choose the items that not only gain sudden popularity, but also have the staying power of classic pieces.
To really master a current but classic wardrobe, an in style yet timeless look, pick trends in classic silhouettes. For example, a leopard print blazer, a burgundy trench coat, or a pair of red ballet flats are pieces that effortlessly blend classic style with current flair, making them perfect for a wardrobe that is chic, functional, and adaptable to changing times!
2. Classic Wardrobe Staples
blazer (similar) | sweater | jeans | shoes | cashmere sweater
We can’t talk about how to always look in style without mentioning classic wardrobe staples. (It’s kind of a package deal.) Investing in classic wardrobe staples is the best way to ensure you never look dated. How? The classic wardrobe staples simply never go out of style!
Not sure what constitutes a classic wardrobe staple? Known for its timeless appeal and versatility, wardrobe staples transcend trends, proving its value season after season. Look for items with clean lines and simple designs. Neutral colors like black, white, navy, and beige are also hallmarks of classic pieces, making them easy to mix and match with various outfits.
Consider the history and staying power of the item too. Audrey Hepburn was known for her chic tailored pants in a cigarette style (slim and cropped right above the ankle). Grace Kelly always looked effortless in a midi skirt. Princess Diana rocked a feminine blouse. Jane Birkin always made a simple white tee look good.
Other pieces like a tailored blazer, a white button-down shirt, or a pair of well-fitted jeans have consistently been part of stylish wardrobes for decades. If it can be dressed up or down, not inherently tied to a certain timeframe, and paired with a wide range of other clothing, it’s likely a classic staple.
Classic pieces should not only look good, but also fit well and last! So, pay attention to fit, functionality, and quality. High-quality fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool, cashmere, leather, and silk are commonly found in classic staples due to their durability, longevity, and timeless appeal.
By focusing on these timeless staples in quality materials, you build a solid wardrobe foundation that keeps you looking chic, sophisticated, and in style, no matter the occasion.
3. A Cohesive Color Palette
I teach women how to build a wardrobe from scratch and one of the top things I emphasize is the importance of a cohesive color palette.
Curating a cohesive color palette for your wardrobe can make a significant difference in your overall style. Not only does it reduce stress (because shopping and getting dressed are now way easier), but choosing the right colors ensures your outfits always look polished.
Opt for a base of a few neutral tones like black, white, beige, camel, navy, or gray. These colors are versatile and easy to mix and match. To add some personality, incorporate a few accent colors that complement your skin tone and personal style. Keep in mind these accent colors can change for the seasons as well!
For example, my “season” is winter – meaning I shine in cool-toned colors with high contrast. My base wardrobe is mainly black, white, and gray year-round. In the fall and winter, I incorporate accent colors that also happen to be my “wow” colors – with burgundy, red, and deep greens being my favorite. In the spring, I like pairing an icy blue button-down with white jeans and a stone-colored trench coat for a timeless look that is also complementary to the ‘fresh’ season.
A well-thought-out color palette simplifies your outfit choices and creates a style that always looks good – no matter the current trend cycle. Not only that, but sticking to a cohesive color scheme can help you make the most out of each piece in your wardrobe, as everything can be effortlessly combined.
4. Minimalist Style
blazer (similar) | tee | jeans | shoes
Don’t worry – I’m not suggesting you get rid of all your clothes and only keep 3 shirts and 2 pairs of pants (though all power to you). Embracing minimalism in your wardrobe is all about prioritizing quality over quantity and focusing on pieces that offer versatility and longevity. Though sometimes there is a certain number of clothing items attached to your capsule wardrobe or minimalist wardrobe, minimalism is more of a mindset choice.
Minimalism encourages a mindful approach to shopping, where each new addition to your wardrobe should be carefully considered for how long you’ll wear it and for how many times. This helps you to avoid too many of the overly trendy and statement items that may fall out of favor quickly, leading you to look dated in just a few seasons.
This applies to accessories as well – simple yet impactful is the sweet spot. Choose pieces that add a touch of elegance without overwhelming your outfit. Think along the lines of a classic watch, a versatile scarf, a simple yet luxe handbag, or understated jewelry.
By embracing minimalist principles, you create a streamlined wardrobe that not only looks polished but also makes getting dressed a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.
5. A “Just Right” Fit
shirt | vest | shorts (similar) | boots (similar)
Trends impact the fashion world in many ways, as you know, and while fashion trends may influence what we’re buying, they also influence the way we wear our clothes! Let me explain: When skinny jeans ruled the world, we were wearing tight everything. Tight jeans, tight tops (with a waterfall cardigan, of course), bodycon skirts, bandage dresses…
Now the tides are shifting, and baggy, slouchy, and oversized clothes are becoming the new look. However, to maintain a style that endures the test of time, aim to build the majority of your wardrobe right in the middle.
Instead of leaning all into the skinny look or the baggy look, aim for fitted. Clothes that skim the body instead of cling to it. Jeans that highlight your shape without hiding it. Of course, there are exceptions and there is definitely a place for an oversized blazer and a pair of loose jeans in your wardrobe (I have both), but you don’t want to abandon the “right fit” for either extreme.
If the majority of your wardrobe looks well-proportioned to your body, you can easily add in a few tighter or looser items and maintain a well-balanced and timeless look!
6. The Right Accessories
shirt | necklace (similar) | jeans | heels
We know that accessories have great power and it’s our great responsibility (Thanks, Spiderman, for the inspo) to use them wisely. They’re small but mighty, and shouldn’t be overlooked!
To never look out of style, it’s important to choose the right ones. Focus on timeless, high-quality pieces that add subtle elegance and versatility to your wardrobe. For example, a leather belt in a neutral color can cinch a dress, highlight your waist in a cardigan, or add structure to a pair of pants, offering a polished finish.
Elegant watches are not only practical but also serve as a sophisticated piece that complements various personal styles – whether you lean more French girl, preppy, or old money. When it comes to handbags, choose ones that are both functional and chic – think structured totes or sleek crossbody bags that seamlessly blend with different outfits.
Jewelry should be kept simple yet impactful. Invest in a few key pieces like stud earrings, a pearl bracelet, a delicate pendant necklace, or a versatile bangle bracelet that can be worn daily or on special occasions.
Scarves are an excellent accessory too; they can add a pop of color or pattern to a neutral ensemble and are perfect for layering in cooler weather.
Related: How to Build a Jewelry Collection: 11 Must-Have Timeless Pieces
7. Classic Shoes
When it comes to never looking out of style, selecting the right shoes is crucial! Shoes are usually an afterthought, the last thing you throw on as you head out the door, but they are capable of elevating your style (or detracting from it).
So, what are the right shoes to pick you may ask? Just like the trends tip in our first point, you don’t want to choose anything too trendy that hasn’t been worn decades before. Let me give you an example: You’ve probably seen these everywhere already, but Mary Jane flats are really popular right now (in fact, I’m wearing a pair as I type this!).
Though they’re trending now, they first rose to popularity in 1904 and were especially loved in the flapper era in the 1920s. So yes, they’re a current trend, but people have been wearing them for approximately 12 decades. So while they may wane in popularity, they’ll never truly be “out”.
Now let me give you another example. The chunky dad shoe is a newer look that doesn’t have decades and decades of fashion history behind it. And though sneakers will always be in, it’s likely to assume that these won’t be, as they are too much of a statement and too hard to style (unless you’re going to the gym like Princess Diana, of course).
When shoe shopping, start by investing in a few high-quality, versatile pairs that can complement a range of outfits. Classic options like black pumps, leather loafers, ballet flats, ankle boots, and sleek white sneakers are timeless choices that can seamlessly transition from casual to more formal settings.
If you’re purchasing a classic style, try to buy the best quality you can afford. Well-made shoes not only last longer but also look more polished and sophisticated. Leather and suede are excellent choices!
8. Elevated Basics
vest | jeans | bag | socks | loafers (similar)
We’ve talked about trends and classic pieces, and what the sweet spot is, but there’s another clothing style worth looking into: modern classics. Or another way to think of them, elevated basics.
Keeping your wardrobe fresh doesn’t mean chasing every fleeting trend as you know. And though the classics never fail, there are a few ways to update your style so you stay looking in style.
The answer? Blending trends with staying power, classic staples, and elevated basics together. When it comes to elevated basics, think of your favorites with a flair, a contemporary update to those iconic wardrobe staples.
The current trending lady denim jacket is a great example of an elevated basic. It combines the classic, rugged look of a denim jacket that’s been around for ages, with the more current and classy trending style of the lady jacket. Fresh enough to stay with the current times, but not such a statement that you can’t style it more than once.
Whether it’s a classic trench coat reimagined with gold buttons or a blazer featuring current design elements like an oversized fit, these modern twists on traditional items allow you to stay stylish without compromising the versatility and maximization of your wardrobe.
9. Timeless Patterns
coat | top | jeans | boots
Patterns can infuse life and character into your wardrobe and the right ones can give you that timeless look your style craves.
Skip overly trendy patterns like chevron and tie-dye, and instead, opt for timeless designs like stripes, polka dots, plaid, and houndstooth, which have a proven track record of staying fashionable through the years (sailors have been wearing stripes forever!). These classic patterns are versatile and can be easily mixed with solid colors (or even other patterns) for a chic look.
Stripes, especially horizontal, lend a Parisian chic touch to your outfit. Polka dots add a playful and feminine vibe. Plaids and houndstooth bring a sense of tradition and sophistication, ideal for fall and winter clothes. By choosing these timeless patterns, you ensure your outfits remain stylish throughout the seasons – and the years!
10. Your Confidence!
Want to know what to wear so you never look out of style? It’s cheesy but it’s true; the last thing you need is your confidence.
At the end of the day, you should wear what you want to wear, whether it’s in or not. Wearing what you actually want to wear is going to shine through in the way you feel and as a result, the way you present yourself.
When you stop caring about what others think and start dressing for yourself, you project a sense of self-assuredness that is incredibly stylish in its own right. Understanding that fashion is personal and subjective (what works for someone else might not work for you) and embracing your individuality will help you make choices that reflect your personal taste and comfort. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows, and people are naturally drawn to that positive energy.
One of the best things about confidence? Confidence can make even the simplest outfits stand out! A pair of jeans and a classic white tee can look runway-ready if worn with the right attitude. Instead of constantly seeking validation from others, trust your instincts and own your style choices. Remember, the most fashionable people are those who confidently wear their clothes, not those who let their clothes wear them!
Always Look in Style
Now that you know that always looking in style doesn’t mean constantly shopping and wearing trends (as that can actually have the opposite effect), you can take a deep sigh of relief (and kiss your wallet!).
From balancing current with classic and styling new with old, you can craft a unique personal style that makes you feel good – and look good – for decades to come.
Now it’s time to learn How to Never Run Out of Outfit Ideas Again: 10 Wardrobe-Changing Style Tips
