Your Guide to Classic Style
Rest assured: this is not your mom or grandma’s style, although if you fall into the Classic archetype, taking a little “shopping trip” in their closets for some vintage gems may prove particularly fruitful for you. While Classic style is rooted in heritage dressing and its timeless appeal, it is also equal parts charming and youthful. One of its greatest adherents is the new Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, whose universal appeal comes from her ability to seamlessly bridge between rigid royal dress codes and her young, vivid spirit.
Classic style is most commonly associated with upper class denizens of the East Coast and England. Think polo matches, Ivy League universities and summers in the Hamptons, or as TikTok puts it, “old rich”. It is important to acknowledge that this style is often a symbol of elitism as people of different backgrounds were, and sometimes still are, expected to conform in order to join these circles. But, over the past few decades, Classic style has been adopted and adapted by people from many more different walks of life, in part due to heritage brands like Burberry and Ralph Lauren loosening up their more stodgy product styling to reach new demographics, as well as the rise of norm- defying style icons like Amal Clooney or Amanda Gorman. This guide is not designed to help you assimilate into Classic style, but rather advise those who most associate with this sensibility.
The Classic style is no longer monitored by social protocols, and is instead able to convey elegance, charm, and even a scholarly appeal which often results in it being known as “preppy”. Pleated skirts and button up shirts are the new “it” items of streetwear, infusing the 2020s with the same playful energy we last saw in the 2010s on Gossip Girl through Blair Waldorf’s endless headbands and colorful tights. The contrast between its faithfulness to heritage dressing and its vivacious spirit make this style “a Classic”, if you’ll excuse my pun.
All of the style archetypes seek to present a certain image - a statement of shared identity - and the Classic Style is no exception. And so ,if you’re seeking more clarity on which archetype (or mix of archetypes!) fits you the best, it can be helpful as one input to consider how you aspire to be perceived. The Classic Style may be a good fit for you if you would like to be perceived as:
Elegant. You are graceful in everything you do, much like the Classic style icon, the late Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. You make sure to approach every interaction with the grace of a queen.
Refined. You come off to others as someone with ‘good taste’, cultivating a strong sense of what you do and don’t like, and choosing and indulging in those small pleasures of life.
Well-read. It is no coincidence many politicians and professors fall in this category, you share a devotion to academia that is translated in how you dress.
Not sure about how to describe your style? We can help with that! Our in-app Style Quiz can help you take the first step towards defining your three style words. Download for free for on iOS and Android.
Classic Capsule Wardrobe
The Classic Capsule Wardrobe consists of timeless items in neutral colors like black, beige, and white. However, this archetype also mixes in traditional prints, such as stripes and polka dots. The style is defined by its impeccable tailoring, clean lines and delicate details, such as contrast piping. The use of high quality fabrics is ingrained in the Classic style’s devotion to longevity, which it achieves through its use of cotton, cashmere and silk.
We find that presenting a capsule wardrobe can be helpful to bring our style archetypes to life and to give you inspiration on how to confidently mix-and-match basic pieces that you may already own in new ways. But, as always, we want to emphasize that there is no one ‘perfect’ capsule wardrobe for everyone. Style is intensely personal, and what is ‘essential’ for one person is completely unimportant for another. You shouldn’t feel the need to rush out and buy all of these items like you’re ticking off a shopping list - that is the opposite of what Indyx is about! Rather, our hope is that this capsule wardrobe list is simply an illuminating tool on your own journey to build a timeless, versatile wardrobe that feels uniquely yours.
Learn more about how to create a personalized capsule wardrobe that actually fits your needs.
1. Tailored blazer
A tailored blazer is the Classic style’s go-to jacket, which can be worn year round. In the summer you can pair it with some tailored shorts and a polo shirt while in the winter you can wear it under a trench coat along with some tailored trousers.
2. White collared shirt
A high quality white collared shirt will last you a lifetime, so ensure you buy one that fits you well - the seam line should be right at the edge of your shoulder. They’re also versatile enough to be worn formally and casually.
3. Tailored trousers
Like a tailored blazer, tailored pants will likely be flying off your hanger weakly and one pair may not be enough. Opt for a material like cotton that is breathable enough for summer but warm enough to be worn during the winter.
4. Polo shirt
A dad favorite, the polo shirt can give a sporty edge to the Classic aesthetic. Wear it under your blazer or with a pair of trousers for a smart casual look.
5. Little black dress
When Coco Chanel first created the LBD she argued no woman could go without, and once you find the one for you, you may agree. It can be easily dressed up or dressed down, mixing between pumps and loafers.
6. Midi pleated skirt
The scholastic element is important for a complete Classic wardrobe, and the midi pleated skirt makes for the right touch of femininity to your capsule.
7. Striped crewneck sweater
Classic style tends to borrow many nautical references that give an air of adventure to the wearer. So invest in a striped crewneck sweater that will hopefully take you on many adventures; and it happens to be one of winter’s biggest trends.
8. Camel trench coat
The Classic capsule closet is made up of many of the most well known clothing items, and the trench coat is no exception. Trench coats are ‘classic’ pieces for a reason, they’re practical, simple and timeless, especially Burberry’s iconic take.
9. Loafers
Smart and most importantly comfortable, loafers are great for work and can also be used to dress down a skirt or dress while not compromising on your polished look.
10. Ballerina flats
Add a feminine touch to your closet with some ballerina flats, perhaps choosing a quilted look or a more classic two tone color set. They also happen to be very on trend this season!
11. Frame handbag
It’s a good idea to have a structured frame handbag in a Classic capsule closet as it will compliment your tailored outfits. It can also pull together a more casual outfit like jeans and a tee shirt to give you the polished Classic look.
12. Watch
A watch is a piece worth investing in as its cost per wear will be relatively low if you are wearing it everyday. Some brands’ watches even go up in value, so it’s worth taking that into account when you are calculating the financial value of your wardrobe.
13. Printed silk scarf
A vintage touch to your outfits, the printed headscarf is a fun accessory that can be used in many ways to elevate your outfit. Around your neck, on your head, tied to your bag, as a belt, just to name a few ideas of how you can play with a silk scarf.
14. Pearl jewelry
Long gone are the days of pearl jewelry belonging exclusively to older women, new modernized designs have breathed new life into pearls. And even simple single pearl earrings add a feminine touch to your outfits.
Classic Outfit Formulas
There are many possible outfits to pull together with the capsule Classic wardrobe - and even more if you take advantage of our Indyx styling services! - but to give you some inspiration, here are two outfit formulas: one for Spring and Summer and another for Fall and Winter.
Fall/Winter
Trench coat + Loafers + Tailored trousers + Crewneck sweater + Watch
This outfit formula allows you to do a range of activities in a day without having to dress up or down thanks to mixing tailored pieces with a cozy sweater. You can wear this outfit to work, to run errands, to meet with friends and all while staying warm.
Spring/Summer
Pleated skirt + Polo shirt + Ballerina flats + Printed head scarf + Frame bag
This outfit formula is a great example of dressing more casually for the summer, but still retaining the elegance emblematic of the Classic style. A breathable polo and a midi skirt will keep you cool during the warm months. While you could stop there, have fun [laying with your accessories, especially a printed headscarf to instantly elevate your outfit.
Classic Style Inspiration
Creators to follow
Amy Jackson, Lovisa Barkman, Anh Sundstrom, Tyler Harless, Sini Tervo, Carolyn, Aida Bdji
Celebrity muses
Kate Middleton, Reese Witherspoon, Jane Birkin
Brands to shop
$$$: Burberry, Hermes, Ralph Lauren
$$: Donna Karan, Tory Burch, Hobbs
$: Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J. Crew
Want help polishing your Classic style?
Check out our affordable digital styling services to get 1:1 help from a real personal stylist, all starting at just $15.
Rebecca is a fashion stylist and writer, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently living in London. She enjoys reading, skiing and having people cook for her.
