Stocking Your Closet

By Lucy Dades 

Trends are things that come in cycles. They come and go like waves. In the early 2000’s, low rise jeans were the fad. Then in the late 2010’s, high waist pants made a comeback like they were in the 70’s. 

However, one thing trends cannot compete with is the basics of clothing. Society has proven that even though trends may evolve, a good basic like a leather jacket always comes in hand. When investing in pieces made from durable fabrics like denim, leather, linen and cotton, people are setting themselves up for effortless styling. 

Stocking your closet with timeless pieces such as a basic white camisole or a good pair of denim jeans never goes through the cycle of trends. Pieces like these stay with you through time because they are timeless, and they are a constant staple even as your personal style evolves and changes. Whether you are dressing for work, a weekend outing or a special occasion, these timeless materials have the power to be dressed up or down, reflecting your unique style. 

“A classic piece can be worn many different ways; you can accessorize with jewelry or scarves… things that make your style personal,” says Vace sales associate Gerdi Martindale.

So again, even though a new style of shoe or something like a fur coat might be in style, those basics are the starting point of a good outfit. Nothing beats a simple T-shirt and jeans with a favorite add-on to make the outfit more extravagant. The durability over time adds character to each wear. 

“I’ve had people come in and say they bought jeans here and they have lasted ten years,” says a Buckle cashier Sarah Morgan. 

That is the importance of a timeless pair of jeans. Denim is not just for fashion purposes either; a thick pair of jeans is helpful for many careers in the work field. The majority of blue-collar jobs require employees to own a good pair of thick jeans for safety reasons. When asking a road worker for example how long they have owned their work pants, they most likely will say, ‘I’ve owned these for years.’ This is a prime example of how pieces like denim will always fill a space in a closet. Denim is like a chameleon; it has endless options. Skirts, jeans, jackets – they can be styled in endless ways. 

“Working at American Eagle, I have a collection of denim jackets…Over the years, I always go back to my denim jackets,” says an assistant manager at American Eagle Jasalyne about denim jackets. 

The assistant manager also made a comment on how jackets can be worn casually or dressed up if needed be. A comment that really stuck out was the importance of T- shirts. 

“A basic t-shirt whether that be a V-neck or crew neck will always go with everything,” Jasalyne says. 

 These are staples that stay with one over time because of the simplicity. 

The chic look of linen or cotton adds an effortless vibe. Cotton’s breathability and comfort make it a go-to fabric for daily wear while its timeless appeal ensures that a cotton shirt or dress will never go out of style. If needed, one can elevate a look with another piece of linen like trouser pants. 

As one continues to build their wardrobe, focusing on quality and classic design ensures that their clothing will remain a staple in their collection for years to come. 

Now, the topic of all things layering. Layering in fashion is similar to the purpose of jewelry; instead of decorating your body with jewels, one can decorate their outfit with more clothing. The basics of clothing in your closet can actually create a whole outfit just by layering. Jeans paired with a simple T-shirt, layered with a leather jacket, or just a layering of favorite classics, create a timeless and versatile look. Layering also can be more extravagant; one can add a sweater or a scarf. The beauty of layering classic fabrics like denim, leather, linen and cotton lies in their ability to transform a wardrobe, letting people mix and match to create fresh, versatile looks. 

With all that said, timeless pieces like leather, denim and cotton will always be a necessity for stocking one’s closet. These fabrics are not only durable but can be rematched and styled as new trends come about. The timeless pieces adapt with people and help build wardrobes. Ultimately, a closet filled with classic fabrics offers endless possibilities for creating new outfits and ensuring that there is something always fresh to wear no matter the occasion or era.