Wardrobe Essentials for Women Who Love Classic Fashion

published 12 October 2021

Whether it’s paired with trousers for the office or dressed up for evening with a bold bauble and a tea-length skirt, an impeccably tailored blazer grinds for your wardrobe no matter the occasion.

Fashion's Instant Classics: Blazers — All clothes, Prada

Shop blazers that work day to night here (opens in new tab).

For its 20th anniversary, Bulgari’s iconic B.zero1 collection goes rebel-rogue with spiky stud detailing.

Sally Lapointe top; Bulgari rings, bracelets, necklace.

Shop the entire collection here (opens in new tab).

If 2019 was the year of thin, strappy footwear, 2020 is taking the trend to knee-high heights: Lace tie-ups are the standout substitute for heels.

Instant Classics: Sandal — Left: Celine by Hedi Slimane dress; Marlo Laz necklace; Simon G. bracelets; Longchamp shoes. Top Right: Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello top and skirt; Messika Paris bracelet; Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Bottom Right: Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello dress; Maslo necklace; Etro shoes.

Shop lace-up flats worth tossing your heels for here (opens in new tab).

Lock down the mood of the moment. In a variety of types, from rolo to twisted curb chains, heavy cable hardware makes an undeniable statement.

Instant Classics: Links — Clockwise from Top Left: Rush Jewelry Design necklace. Miu Miu sweater; David Yurman necklace. Miu Miu sweater; Bleecker & Prince earrings; Bottega Veneta necklace. Miu Miu sweater; Eliou earrings; Zoe Chicco long pendant necklace; Deborah Pagani large chain necklace; Zales small chain necklace.

Shop more thick chain-link necklaces here (opens in new tab).

In response to WWII rations, in 1947 Gucci shaped bamboo into top handles on purses. The inventive style may have stemmed from necessity, but it’s since become a staple for fashion trendsetters, from Princess Diana to Beyoncé.

Tod’s coat; Aaryah ring; Miu Miu bag. Carolina Herrera Coat; Modern Picnic bag. Altuzarra coat; Legier ring; Brahmin bag. Nina Ricci coat; Aaryah ring; Gucci bag.

Shop the trend here (opens in new tab).

With a tapered toe and a larger-than-ever bow, Ferragamo’s new Viva shoe is a fresh, elegant riff on the house’s Vara flats, designed by Fiamma Ferragamo in 1978.

Instant Classics: pointed flat — Salvatore Ferragamo coat, shorts, socks, shoes.

Shop more pointed-toe flats we love here (opens in new tab).

Your grade-school go-to is all grown up. With a structured silhouette in glossy leather, the drawstring knapsack graduates into adulting territory.

Instant Classics: backpack — Gucci jacket, pants, backpack.

Shop more of the chicest backpacks we've ever seen here (opens in new tab).

Glasses straps, but make it fashion: These once-kitschy accessories shake their grandma reputation for irreverent cool-girl status.

Tory Burch jacket; Linda Farrow sunglasses, eyewear chain. Self-Portrait jacket; Fendi sunglasses, eyewear chain. Hermes jacket; Chloe sunglasses; Donni eyewear chain. Kate Spade jacket; Chanel sunglasses with chain.

Shop eyewear chains to up your accessories game here (opens in new tab).

Trade your elemental white blouse for a dress shirt in a subtle shade of cerulean or cobalt. (We promise it’s equally versatile. See for yourself below.)

Shop blue button-ups that are anything but boring here (opens in new tab).

Fashion Editor: Julia Gall / Photographer: Tyler Joe / Models: Somin Park at Muse Management, Ange-Marie M at Heroes NY, Marylou Moll at The Society Management, and Awa Florence at Parts Models / Hair: Joseph Maine at The Wall Group for Trademark Beauty / Makeup: Tracy Alfajora for NYX Cosmetics / Manicures: Dawn Sterling at Statement Artists for Pear Nova.

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