You’d have to pretty much be living under the proverbial rock if you aren’t aware of the sudden revival in interest in ‘classic’ style. It’s a bit ironic that it’s become a trend. I won’t dissect the why, there are plenty of other places to read about that, but I do want to talk about my personal experience with it.
My paternal grandmother always wore straight leg denim, an oxford shirt with the top buttons undone, her gold charm bracelets, and brown penny loafers. I can’t really remember her wearing anything else, but we didn’t visit her that much and I only remember her as an older woman. (I got one of her blue striped oxford shirts as a hand-me-down and was most disappointed when the elbows finally wore out.) You can’t really go wrong with that combination, and I’ve been thinking quite a bit more about streamlining my daily wear to mimic that look, and saving the more daring things for more special occasions. And of course, I’ve only posted the basics below -they can and should be livened up with interesting accessories
Thom Brown for Supreme oxford: No longer available; Trousers: Carven; $440; Blouse: Theory; $190; Fleece trousers: L’Agence; $255; Vintage button-up: Lambs Ear Shoes; $28; Grey trousers: Vanessa Bruno; $174; Gingham top: Current/Elliott; $189; White trousers: J Crew; $118; Tan button-up: Top Shop; $55
This is pretty much how I’ve dressed for the past 8 or so years. It’s basically my uniform (and I spent 8 years wearing a real uniform, so maybe it’s a habit). The special pieces are for teaching, which feel like performance to me. Work, however, requires something simple and easy to wear.
Accessories, I’ve come to realize, make all the difference. And fit, of course. Your grandmother’s outfit sounds just about right to me.
Erica,
Yes, such a good habit to get into, and then buying special, eye catching pieces for nights out and such.
Yeah, she really pulled that look off well!
Yes, I was in Banana Republic the other day where they were touting the Mad Men wardrobe, with little booklets on every table with instructions on classic styles. Unfortunately, I don’t have a keen eye for men’s clothing and details, so I cannot account for that. But as for the women’s, I was really perplexed by their decisions. None of the outfits they created with their line screamed Classic to me… But then again, my idea of Classics comes from my grandmother, with a closet full of St. John’s knitwear and Bill Blass and pearls and pointed, closed heel pumps. Maybe I’m just biased
Melina,
The BR Mad Men theme sounds kinda shticky and costumey so I can see why you weren’t into it!
I love this! It makes me want to find some Oxford shirts that fit well, which I always struggle with. But they almost never look bad. Love it.
Jorden,
Yeah my challenge is finding inexpensive but nicely made ones. I still cry over my grandmother’s hand-me-down, now being unwearable. : )
This is exactly what I’ve been trying to find, some oxford shirts and shoes but haven’t had much luck. I did find a cute pair of oxford shoes at freepeople.com but the shirts have always been a challenge.
Sharlene,
Yeah you wouldn’t think a button up shirt would be hard to find, but they are! Fortunately, because this is sort of a popular look right now, it’s been much easier.
I never thought I would be craving classics, but I have, so much, lately.
Jocy,
Not a bad thing to be craving!
i’ve been hunting for oxford shirts for awhile and think it’s essential that i buy men’s shirts in small sizes as the bust darts on women’s tops never suit me.
that banana republic thing is irking me. i love madmen style. i think most folks do. it is rather ‘classic’ but it’s classic for different folks. i for one would never put on a two piece suit, a la chanel, for example, and consider it ‘classic’. your grandmother’s uniform is more akin to what i like to wear, but i’ve been playing more with fit these days as i realize that i don’t necessarily like how straight denim looks on me. so have been on the prowl for different cuts in both tops and bottoms. but i do love this idea. cleaned my closet again last week. may need to make it a more regular thing as all the chaff is not getting much wear!
Pennerad,
Yeah, definitely agree with looking for men’s shirts in small – I don’t really like the way darts look. I’m still kicking myself for not buying the world’s softest most perfect oxford shirt at Frances May when we were in Portland last September.
I think the Mad Men look would feel way too costumey on me. I mean some people were just born to wear that style (my younger sister being one of them), but I just can’t pull it off. And yes! I’m starting to scan for the perfect jeans and no luck so far. I’m short so straight denim can look a bit ridiculous.
Then again I’m all for classic looks, but then I see older women pull off really amazing, arty/quirky things and I think, “Screw classic, I want to dress like that!”. It’s definitely a journey. I need to get on a serious closet purge myself!