The investment cost-per-wear pieces that never lose their allure
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR UK
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21 Classic Fashion Pieces That Go Way Beyond Trends
The Burberry trench
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
The trench coat serves as the foundation of the Burberry brand and is as relevant now as it was when the label launched in 1856. Wear yours oversized and with sleeves rolled up for a modern look. Photo: Getty
The Chanel 2.55
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Instantly recognisable, Chanel's most iconic bag is yet to lose its allure, thanks to its elegant timelessness and versatility. Photo: Getty
The Calvin Klein slip dress
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Kate Moss was the first to wear Calvin Klein's minimalist slip dress back in the 90s. It became a sartorial symbol for laidback, grunge- chic and has recently been revived. Photo: Getty
Converse All Stars
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Classic fashion pieces don't have to be expensive; Converse's Chuck Taylors (named after the US basketball player they were designed for) imbue an understated cool that has stood the test of time. Photo: Getty
The Chanel tweed suit
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Coco Chanel designed the tweed skirt suit as a way of freeing women from the restrained cinched-in silhouettes of the 50s. Still widely desirable today, the look is still sported by diverse high-profile women from Veronika Heilbrunner and Alexa Chung to Vanessa Paradis and Kendall Jenner. Photo: Getty
The Fendi baguette bag
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
The Fendi baguette bag first found fame in Sex and the City, after Carrie Bradshaw gave it her patronage. It fast become the It-bag of the Noughties, and has recently been updated to appeal to an entirely new generation of shopper. Photo: Getty
The Birkin bag
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Over 30 years have passed since Hermès first created Jane Birkin's namesake bag and it still remains the most exclusive accessory in the world. Shoppers need a purchase history in an Hermès store just to get started, then staff will meet with you, assess how serious you are about spending, and then you go on their list. Photo: Getty
The Levi's 501 jeans
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Winona Ryder, Kate Moss, James Dean and Johnny Depp were the original poster children for Levi's 501s, a clear indicator of their cool kid allure. Boyish, nonchalant and with a rebellious air, they're the antithesis of groomed, high-maintenance fashion. Photo: Getty
The Gucci loafers
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
The Queen has long known the value of Gucci loafers, often pairing them with her midi-length pleated skirts and headscarves. Twenty years on, the fashion world has caught up - its latest backless incarnations are seen on the feet of countless editors every Fashion Week. Photo: Getty
The Belstaff leather jacket
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Whether worn with high-waisted jeans like a 90s style hero or with a floral tea dress and utility boots, a leather jacket adds a rebellious, tough edge to every ensemble. Photo: Getty
The Manolo Blahnik pumps
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Manolo Blahnik's decorative court shoes have become a go-to for women who want to dress up their look without trying hard. It's a true classic. Photo: Getty
The Max Mara camel coat
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
There's something about a camel coat that spells luxury, elegance and timelessness and no one does it better than Max Mara. Photo: Getty
The Prada backpack
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Miuccia Prada first launched her take on the humble backpack in 1984 and it is still the ultimate go-to for those days where a handbag just won't do. Photo: Getty
The Ray-Ban Aviators
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Fashionable sunglasses styles come and go, but few have remained as enduringly chic as the Ray-Ban Aviators. Photo: Getty
The Saint James Breton
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
No woman's wardrobe is complete without a Breton, and Saint James was the first to offer the famed iconic striped knit. Originally worn by sailors, fishermen and yachtsmen, the style was brought to the fashion world by Coco Chanel, who was a fan of the coast. Photo: Getty
The Rolex
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
If you're going to invest in a watch, it would be wise to remember that few have remained as consistently desirable and sophisticated as a Rolex. This a piece to hand down to generations to come. Photo: Getty
The Cartier Love Bracelet
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Born in the 70s, Cartier's Love Bracelet is a subtle yet feminine jewellery piece that never upstages an outfit, adding an understated elegance. Photo: Getty
The Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Diane von Furstenberg first designed the iconic wrap dress because she wanted a zip-free item that meant she could leave suitors early in the morning without waking them. Flattering and effortless, the wrap dress will never go out of style. Photo: Getty
The Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
When Yves Saint Laurent first designed the Le Smoking suit, it was nothing short of revolutionary in terms of women's fashion. Previously it was thought inappropriate and unseemly for a woman to wear trousers, but Saint Laurent broke the rules, creating a look that was empowering and nonchalantly glamorous. Photo: Getty
The Burberry scarf
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Burberry's signature check is famed the world over, and its scarf - perhaps due to its accessibility - is still one of its more popular pieces. Photo: Getty
The Barbour coat
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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends
Whether worn by the royals (the Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen are both fans) or by the fashion crowd (think Alexa Chung and Kate Moss), the trusty Barbour is still the ultimate in relaxed, practical country chic. Photo: Getty