6 Affordable Classic Wardrobe Pieces With a Twist
Much has been written about the fashion "classics" and the clothing and accessory pieces you absolutely need for your wardrobe to feel complete. But what does that mean exactly? If you don't own an expensive white, cotton, button-down shirt (I don't), a designer black blazer or pricey nude heels you are banned from Fashionland? (I don't know where that is, but it could be quite fabulous.)
I prefer to think of "classics" as pieces in your closet that you always reach for. The articles of clothing that can be worn in a bunch of different situations, and the pieces that will stay in your personal style file for years because they never let you down.
These are six affordable wardrobe pieces that I reach for often. I chose them because they are good quality and look good on everyone no matter your age or body type. But in true Cursing Ballerina style I put my own personal twist on each. I amped up the black dress with bright orange pumps. The leopard heels lace up and are paired with black distressed denim. The midi skirt has a fun graphic print.
What are your personal "classic" wardrobe pieces and how do you style them? Leave me a comment, I'd love to know!
Classic: The Tote Bag
You need to carry stuff. If you're like me, you carry A LOT of stuff. You never know when you'll need those six lip glosses (a girl needs choices), a box of bobby pins (always ready for ballet class) and that receipt from 2014. You might as well invest in a ginormous, gorgeous leather tote bag.
Twist: I just discovered the UK brand MAHI Leather (pictured here) and the cool thing is that besides being super-affordable, made-to-order and offering monogramming, MAHI donates a portion of each sale to a clean water program in India. Carry your crap and do good for the world. That's a win-win. Click here to learn more: https://mahileather.com/pages/supporting-frank-water
Classic: The Midi Skirt
Who doesn't love a skirt that meets you in the middle? The midi length is so versatile. You can dress it up with heels, dress it down with kicks, belt it, wear it with sandals, match it with boots -- getting the picture? If you have a love-hate relationship with your stems (like moi), the midi skirt is perfect. Shows the ankles, not the thighs.
Twist: Have fun! The H&M skirt I'm wearing in this post is from years ago and features a fun, graphic print, but I found tons of current fun alternatives out there with pleats, lace and metallics. Here's an amazing one from H&M in metallic pink!
Classic: The Little Black Dress (LBD)
What's more iconic than the little black dress? Not much. It has stood the test of time because it's the closet no-brainer. Wedding? Wear the LBD. Funeral? LBD of course. Holiday cocktail party? LBD works. I defy you to find an occasion where the LBD doesn't work. Ok, maybe poolside.
Twist: I love the Zara LBD featured in this post because it's traditional, but a little sexy and fun. You can't take a LBD too seriously when it involves peek-a-boo lace and orange pumps. This one is from last year's collection, but I found a fab Zara fringe one!
Classic: Leopard Heels
We all need a good pair of pumps. But why settle for boring black or nude when you can have the timeless look of leopard print? You'll find that a smart pair of leopard heels will live on for years in your wardrobe. I've worn mine with everything from the LBD to distressed skinny jeans.
Twist: The lace-up style of the heels pictured in this post is a little trendy, but I have full confidence that they will stand the test of time. Leopard heels are available everywhere right now. I got these on sale at Express awhile ago, but found a similar pair here.
Classic: The Blazer
If there is one workhorse of the wardrobe it's the blazer. Considering it's the other half of a suit, chances are you probably already own one. If you remove it from it's other half you can easily pair it with jeans, a pencil skirt, even a cute pair of denim shorts.
Twist: Yes, I do own a black blazer. A few of them. And I do wear them. And they're great. But you're talking to a girl who loves color, so of course I have to rock the pink blazer. It's more versatile than you think. Here I styled it with a sequin star skirt, but it looks equally cute with jeans and a white tee. But if you're not a pink lover I can't talk to you. Just kidding; you're forgiven. Pick a blazer in your fave color and rock it yourself. The blazer shown here is available now in my Poshmark closet.
Classic: The Wrap Dress
Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) created it and thousands of working women in the 1970s made it famous. The success of the wrap dress is due in part to the fact that it looks great on every body type. (How in the hell did she figure that out?!) The wrap dress is always work appropriate, chic and travels great. It's instant confidence. My wrap dress has never failed me. Not once.
Twist: I own a few wrap-style dresses and like pairing them with black tights, booties and a bright statement necklace. Check out the DVP Wrap Shop for some great styles!