Fashion Classics

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Every woman has several trusted pieces in her closet that she turns to again and again to complete a pulledtogether look. A cropped jacket, a nice sweater, a good purse—these classic styles can often trace their roots to icons of vintage fashion. Many of these wardrobe basics recall fashions of the twenties when Coco Chanel introduced flattering, comfortable, practical clothing for women. Most of these pieces are still as fashionable now as they were when they made their debut

A Classic Cropped Jacket is a great basic item rooted in haute couture that lends a sophisticated, feminine touch to any outfit. Make it tweed, boucle, collarless, or with contrast trim, and channel your inner fashionista. Originally made famous by Coco Chanel, who paired it with a matching skirt, today’s bestdressed ladies often don a cropped tweed jacket to add polish to a simple T-shirt and jeans. The jacket also works for the office with a dressy blouse, sweater, pants, or skirt. Add several long necklaces, and you’ve got a chic yet timeless corporate look.

A Little Black Dress is one of fashion’s most iconic pieces, and every woman should have a couple of flattering, versatile styles in her closet. The dress has a long history as a wardrobe essential: it was identified as the shape of the future in a 1926 issue of “Vogue,” when the fashion bible featured a drawing of a sheath by Coco Chanel and predicted it would become a uniform. Who can forget the image of Audrey Hepburn in an LBD designed by Hubert de Givenchy in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”? Many fashionable women, including Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Penelope Cruz and Michelle Obama, have made the LBD their go-to staple.

Today, the little black dress goes from the office to dinner in styles suited for every season and climate. Look for a great fit, quality fabric, and timeless design for a dress that will earn its keep, season after season.

A Cardigan Sweater is a go-everywhere, do-anything essential for your closet that traces its fashion roots to the sweater girls of the 1940s and 1950s. The cardigan was named for James Thomas Brudenell, the Earl of Cardigan, in the 17th century and was designed to keep fishermen warm on gloomy days. Still, it became a trend when movie star Jayne Mansfield showed off her famous figure by wearing a buttoned-up cardigan sweater. In the 1960s, Jackie Kennedy Onassis seemed to throw a cardigan over everything from her famous sheath dresses to capris

Practical and pretty, a cardigan is handy when you don’t know what the weather will be like or what kind of chill the air conditioning will bring. It adds instant versatility and respectability to a tank or sleeveless top.

A Great Handbag Every woman needs a handbag to carry everyday essentials — wallet, lipstick, cell phone –. Still, a great handbag has the potential to elevate any look and become your personal signature. Some vintage looks are tried-and-true classics, including the Hermès’ top-handled Birkin bag, Chanel’s quilted leather, chain-handled shoulder bag, and most any handbag with a Louis Vuitton monogram. Investing in a quality designer bag is worthwhile — if your budget can take the hit — because you’ll carry it season after season.

No matter your budget, a beautiful handbag inspired by great vintage designs can be found at your favourite department store or boutique. Whether you choose a shoulder bag or a hand-held tote, ensure the bag holds your essentials and suits your style, and you’ll enjoy seasons of great looks Did you know that until the late 18th century, women carried their personal essentials in their pockets just like men? As fashions became more streamlined, there was no room for hidden pouches and pockets previously sewn into voluminous skirts, and the handbag was born!

A Trench Coat There’s something mysterious and so very chic about a trench coat — which makes sense because they were originally made for soldiers during World War I. A buttoned, belted, and collared topper helps pull together any look and is practical in almost any climate. A khaki Burberry coat is the crème de la crème, but if you’d like to give a look a personal twist, try a cropped version or one in basic black or a brighter colour. You’ll love the finishing touch it adds to any outfit, whether worn over a little black dress for a holiday cocktail party or tossed over jeans and a T-shirt to dash out to the coffee shop. Now you know how it should look, but how should it fit? A trench coat should fit in the shoulders and flatter your natural waistline, or you’ll look like you’re starring in a spy movie.

What About Denim Jackets? While many essential vintage pieces are rooted in haute couture, the denim jacket has more rugged roots. (Like blue jeans, denim jackets were made for workingclass folks who needed sturdy clothing to do their jobs.) Yet, it’s a must-have for today’s closet. Wear your jacket whenever you want to add a bit of edge or casual cool to an outfit — over a sweater dress with boots in winter or over a floral sun dress or frilly skirt and blouse with sandals in summer.