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Here’s the deal: Fashion is fun and liberating because there are practically no rules involved. You can wear whatever you like and you don’t have to follow any expectations set forth by an outdated establishment. You can and should wear whatever makes you feel like the most you you.

That being said, if you’re looking to cultivate a classic, polished wardrobe that will withstand the test of time and surpass all of the trends fated to die within a season, there are a few tried and true pieces that will never let you down. Plus, they’re all so versatile, you can wear them again and again and they never feel old which extends their lifespan even more. Read on to discover the essential pieces you need in your closet throughout 2020 and beyond:

Updated White Button-Down

You probably already have one (or two or three) white button-down blouses in your wardrobe already and there’s a reason for that. Good for casual occasions when dressed down, and for impressing the boss when layered under a blazer, you can truly wear these babies anywhere. Plus, there are so many varieties in different shapes with different embellishments that you can find one to match your unique sense of style.

The Classic Little Black Dress

Yep, that thing Coco Chanel suggested is still true: every woman should have at least one little black dress in their style arsenal. They’re universally flattering and eternally on-trend, all while being the perfect choice of outfit for when you’re at a loss for what to wear. Never too formal, but elegant nonetheless, the LBD is your wardrobe superhero. Just accessorize and go.

Crisp Blazer

Looking put together is as easy as topping your outfit off with a blazer. Crisp, sharp, classic- a good blazer can take you anywhere, all while exuding an air of confidence and class. Plus, they come in practically every color and pattern under the sun, so you can impart your own flavor of cool onto this polished wardrobe necessity.

The Perfect Pullover Sweater

Colder weather definitely makes it more of a challenge to put together fashionable outfits when you just end up having to layer a coat on top anyways. You can still give it your best effort though, and you can never go wrong with a sweater that’s as comfortable as it is eye-catching. They look great with jeans and booties for an Instagram-worthy off-duty look, or layered over a blouse and slacks for chilly days at the office.

Chic Statement Sleeves

Statement sleeves have been an ongoing trend for what feels like forever, and I don’t anticipate them going anywhere anytime soon, which means that putting together a look with visual impact couldn’t be more effortless- just throw on a blouse with an interesting sleeve and you’re ready to go! Literally one piece is all you need. It’s beautiful.

Mind the Midi

I can’t think of a single situation where a midi skirt wouldn’t be a good decision. It’s one of those pieces that just looks chic and elevated on its own, making it a breeze to style. Pair them with pretty much any tucked in blouse, a pair of boots and a cardigan and you have yourself a timeless look that will make you feel like a style icon. Plus, the longer skirt length will elongate and slim your silhouette, so it’s a win win win situation.

A Lengthy Coat

Like the midi skirt, a long coat just looks luxe and will easily layer over literally anything and still be fashionable. I have so many, I don’t even know what to do with them all! But I’ve come to love them because they make the perfect finishing touch for any cold weather outfit, pulling the look together with sophistication and style.

Deluxe Dark Wash Denim

This one is obvious- denim is key in any modern wardrobe, so you probably already have this one covered, but let’s discuss it anyways! Dark washes are the most versatile and classic, so you can redress and reinvent your favorite pair of jeans every season without them feeling stale. Plus, the darker wash visually slims your figure, making them a flattering choice on everyone.

A Quality Tote (the Bigger the Better)

We have so much to carry around these days, it’s hard to keep it all together, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m a firm believer that a good enough tote can change your life (and keep you way more organized). The key is finding one that’s high quality enough to survive the trenches of everyday life, while looking sleek and being big enough to hold all of your necessities (think keys, wallet, phone, laptop, planner, makeup, etc.).

As I said before, these things are by no means required to build a wardrobe that looks good and makes you feel you’re best, they’re merely a few items I think are a worthy investment because you’ll get maximum use out of them for the longest amount of time. What do you think of my list? Is there anything you would add or remove? I’d love to hear your take!

From school uniforms to business attire to scarves to bathing suits to shoes to casual weekend looks, there is nothing plaid can’t do. At least, I’m convinced of that. A classic print with an air of preppy properness, plaid has been one of my favorite patterns to play with in my wardrobe.

Firstly, plaid is timeless, so I know pretty much any plaid-laden piece I add to my wardrobe can stick around for a while without becoming an embarrassing reminder of bygone trends. Secondly, it’s versatile as hell, so you can pair it endlessly with a rotating cast of stylish statement pieces and everyday basics for a look with polish and class. Thirdly, it makes me feel like a rich prep school kid with my whole life ahead of me, so, you know, that’s fun I guess!

In all seriousness, I do think that if you’re going to have any prints in your wardrobe, plaid should be one of them because you just can’t go wrong with it and it’s easy to style in a thousand ways, so each piece can feel brand new every time you wear it.

I’ve styled a few of my favorite plaid pieces into fun looks you could wear practically anywhere, for any occasion. Check them out below:

Plaid on Plaid Action

Whoever made up the rule that you can’t mix prints and still look good is a dirty liar. Introducing plaid on plaid AKA a power move. A blazer layered over a dress with a more subtle check pattern creates an interesting contrast, while the addition of the pleated skirt and sneakers adds a playful touch.

Blazer: Thrifted. Dress: Thrifted. Skirt: American Apparel (similar linked). Sneakers: Adidas.

Properly Plaid

Like I said, I love the proper, preppy vibe of plaid, which is why I chose to pair it with a classic, high neck, puff shoulder top that is a vintage thrifted find I absolutely adore. I styled the plaid dress as more of a tunic because it’s scandalously short, but I think it looked lovely over corduroy pants for contrasting texture in a complementary hue.

White Blouse: Thrifted. Plaid Dress: Forever21. Corduroy Pants: Urban Outfitters.
Boots: H&M.

A Plaid & Peplum Party

I absolutely adore finding new ways to layer clothing I’ve had for a long time. It helps to keep your wardrobe fresh and forces you to be more creative with your dressing. I think adding a darling plaid peplum top over a black sheath dress creates a glamorous, yet studious impression. The silver shoes over ruffled socks only serve to add to the overall whimsical vibe. I dare you to wear something like this to your next job interview. It’s unique and charming, what more could you ask for?

Plaid Top: Zara. Black Dress: Banana Republic. Shoes: Urban Outfitters.

Pleated Plaid Prep

Perhaps the most classic use of plaid is on a pleated skirt. Channeling the iconic energy of Scottish kilts and prep school uniforms, the pleated plaid skirt imbues any look with a sense of vintage class and the detached cool of a brooding English major that lays on the university lawn reading poetry. I paired mine with a bright fair isle sweater for a chic winter look and finished it all off with silver boots for a touch of shimmer because why not? The fern is optional but recommended.

Sweater: Thrifted. Plaid Skirt: Thrifted. Boots: Asos.

I really need to get back into posting style posts more regularly, but for now, I hope these pro-plaid ensembles give you some inspiration for your own winter wardrobes.

During any kind of fashion week, the shows are only half the fun- the other half is seeing the people that attend them and, more specifically, what they’re wearing. I’m talking about streetstyle, people! It’s one thing to see high fashion makes it’s way down the runway in a perfect world where every outfit would be created only from one brand and one collection, and it’s another, more chaotic and ultimately more interesting thing to see fashion from all different sources clashing and weaving into outfits in the wild. You can learn a lot and glean a lot of inspiration from streetstyle, which is exactly what I did with the latest streetstyle looks from the Fall 2019 Haute Couture shows in Paris that have been dropping this week.

Without further ado, I present you my favorite streetstyle looks and the style tips I’d like to steal from each one. Who knows? You might even want to steal something yourself!

I’m a Sheer Girl in a Sheer World

I’ve always always always loved the aesthetic of a sheer, flowing dress thrown over an otherwise unassuming outfit, which is why this look created with a frothy, green Molly Goddard dress really caught my eye. Think about it- it’s the perfect summer getup. With all white underneath and a light layer on top, you’ll keep cool while looking cool and what could be better than that? What I’m stealing: a sheer sheer sheer dress, baby!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle sheer green molly goddard dress the young eclectic
Lolita Jacobs in Molly Goddard (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Let’s Get Down to Business

Business-inspired streetstyle looks seemed to be a major theme this week, with several people donning strong-shouldered blazers with sharp pants. What I liked about this look is that the blazer is the outfit. Like, that’s it. It’s just a big blazer with some shorts and that’s a big vibe that I’m really feeling right now. What I’m stealing: pairing an oversized blazer with some shorts for a relaxed evening look.

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle acne studios oversized blazer with green bag fashion the young eclectic
Courtney Trop in Acne Studios (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Socks and Sandals (But Make It Fashion)

Your dad may have once embarrassed you by daring to wear the infamous pairing of socks and sandals. Yet, in this all-black, summer ‘fit, the socks and sandals make a perfect match that has me taking notes. Maybe it’s the sheerness of the socks that creates a dainty, doll-ish look, or maybe it’s that the socks are a contrasting white to the rest of the outfit’s black. Whatever it is, I’m buying! What I’m stealing: isn’t it obvious? Socks with platform sandals, please!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle black outfit with black sandals and white socks the young eclectic
Xenia Adonts in Miu Miu (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Lovely in Lace Collars

I know there’s a lot going on in this picture, but I really only noticed one thing- that darling, lacey bib collar that the lovely lady on the far right has going on. And I don’t even know if this is the case, but I am loving the idea of it being a detachable accessory. It’s genius because then you could imbue some prim, vintage beauty onto any outfit with little to no effort. And after professing my love for these kinds of collars in my Miu Miu Resort 2020 post, I think it’s clear what I’m stealing here: the incredible idea of the detachable collar. I need one, now!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle phil oh vogue fashion style streetwear the young eclectic
Ada Kokosar, Caroline Daur in Miu Miu, Pernille Teisbaek. (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Your Boyfriend’s Shirt

There is something so simple, yet so compelling about this streetstyle look. It’s just an oversized dress shirt worn like a dress, paired with some chunky sneakers (a high fashion favorite.) I think what I love about this outfit is the freedom in it- like you’ve admitted that you just want to be comfortable, darn it, so you’re going to wear the big shirt and sneakers no matter what anyone says. I want to emulate that level of cool girl chill and confidence. What I’m stealing: just an oversized shirt and some sneakers, apparently.

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle acne studios oversized brown shirt with puff sleeves fashion the young eclectic
In Acne Studios (Photo: Phil Oh for Vogue.com)

Romantic Ruffles and Frisky Fringe

Ruffles and fringe on their own tend to make a statement, and quite different ones that that. Soft, fluttering ruffles seem to say “I’m a romantic and I wish I was on the cover of one of those grocery store romance novels right now,” while fringe says “I’m cool, I’m tough, I like the ’70s, or I’m a cowboy.” Or… something like that anyways. If you’re going to make a statement, why not make two? Or three? Or an infinite amount? Can you tell I’m a maximalist at heart? ANYWAYS- I loved the chic, novel combination of the flowing, ruffled skirt with the structured, modern fringe vest. What I’m stealing: fringe and ruffles and fun and freedom- just do what you want!

paris haute couture fall 2019 streetstyle fringe vest over frilly white dress fashion the young eclectic
(Photo: Adam Katz Sinding for W Magazine)

I hope you found these streetstyle outfits as enlightening as I did! I’m looking forward to doing more of these little reviews in the future!

Okay, guys. I’ve been scouring the web for looks to include in this article for no less than three hours, so you better get ready to swoon hard for these styles. While the focus of fashion month is definitely on the runway shows and the trends they birth, the streetstyle of the shows’ most fashionable attendees can yield a ton of amazing styling ideas that we can all learn from.

I went through and found my favorite looks from each leg of fashion month, then organized them into different trends I would like to try with my own style. Hopefully, you’ll find as much joy and inspiration from them as I did! Check out my picks below:

Monochrome Rainbow

The comforting uniformity of monochrome has always appealed to me, and this season people have added their own flavor and seasoning in the form of creating monochrome looks with different shades of the same color. You still get the same, stimulating effect, with a bit more fun and detail.

Gorgeous In Green

Green has usurped the throne from millennial pink to become the IT color of fashionable people everywhere, and there were plenty of looks gilded in green to make me wish I had more of the lush shade in my wardrobe.

Sleeves Fit For Shakespeare

Statement sleeves are a favorite of mine, so any style that employs a sleeve that steals the show is a winning look in my book. Whether it’s pirate-inspired puff sleeves, voluminous ruffles, or fanciful fur- I can’t get enough of a sleeve that demands attention.

Fringy Fun

This one is pretty self explanatory. Fringe is a foolproof way to add some fun to any outfit, and these streetstyle looks add some modern flair to this age-old trend by adding it in unexpected places, like a plaid blazer.

Delicate Ruffles & Pleats

Give me some ruffles and pleats and my life is complete, so I’m really excited to see that copious amounts of these delicate, girly details were everywhere in streetstyle looks this season. Trust me, if I could dress like a doll every day, I would.

Unexpected Denim

Denim is another one of my favorite elements to add to my wardrobe because it’s so dang versatile, and I’m always delighted to see people utilize it in new ways, like in a voluminous midi skirt that looks like it’s made of old jeans, or a statement outfit made of dark, denim ruffles.

Cute Collars

Add a cute, eye-catching collar to anything and I’m sold. I especially love all of the vintage, prairie-inspired looks that have been a continuing trend in recent years (thanks Batsheva!). There is just something so whimsical and adorable about a good collar that I just can’t pass up.

New School Prep

We can all conjure up the image of “preppy” style in our minds- pleated skirts, headbands, blazers, and plenty of plaid. This season saw plenty of preppy people stalking the streets in updated looks that added edgy details like a metallic jacket, thick gold chain necklace, and structured, over-exaggerated hips, to the normally-tame trend.

Precious Pastels

I love any color that makes my heart warm, and there were plenty of looks featuring soft, pastel shades that are absolutely perfect for spring. Bonus points if you pair multiple pastels for an extra-adorable style.

Which was your favorite look? Would you ever try any of these trends with your own style? My only wish is that I had more money, so that I could incorporate more of these dreamy trends into my own wardrobe.