Trends come and go. However, some fashion items will cycle through the revolving door of style decade after decade. Perennially appearing, disappearing, and reappearing, these classics never really go out of style. They may not always make it to the top 10 of annual trend lists. However, you know they’re in everyone’s closet- they are timeless fashion trends.
Even if you’re just dashing off on a weekend getaway, you’ll probably have at least one of these packed! Let’s look at 5 trends that never go out of style! Along with what makes them special, and why they’re fashion “must haves” for so many stylish people.
1) Hermes Kelly Bag
Since its inception in 1892, the classic Hermes Kelly handbag has become an icon of practical style. Later named for film star Grace Kelly, it is quite pricey. However, it’s also highly sought after and one of the most popular handbags of all time.
Its life began with the intention for it to be a bag to carry horse tack. Which, is seen in its design (designed to be small enough to fit in the luggage locker of a coach). By 1935, the Kelly had become a “weekender” bag called the “sac a dépêches”, beloved by the wealthy.
In 1956, the Kelly had become such a favorite of Grace Kelly, that Hermes named the bag after her. Today, the Kelly is duplicated everywhere, with many modern handbags bearing the indelible design stamp of this almost mythical purse.
2) The LBD (Little Black Dress)
The famed Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress in 1926. At this time, black clothing was reserved for certain people and occasions. Primarily, its intended use was for funerals, mourning, and people working in domestic service roles (maids, valets, butlers). Chanel’s LBD changed all that; revolutionizing fashion forever, while breaking down class and other social barriers. As Europe mourned the casualties of WWI and the Spanish Flu, Chanel took black fabric and created a cocktail dress. Thus, changing the meaning of the color black in women’s clothing forever.
Today, the little black dress is a staple in almost every living woman’s wardrobe. It’s the “go-to” for occasions when women want to look their best. Now a symbol of refined elegance—not unlike Chanel herself—the LBD is a staple that’s not going anywhere.
3) Converse All Stars (“Chucks”)
In 1922, a semi-pro basketball player approached the fledgling shoemaker Converse with design ideas for their 1917 athletic shoe. His name was Charles “Chuck” Taylor. Today, over 100 years later, the classic “Chuck” continues to be a favorite for people of all ages. (Including, Vice-President Kamala Harris!)
Chucks have become a footwear icon. Moving through generations and eras, it emerges as a favorite of those of all ages, including scientists and vice presidents. Chucks are America’s shoe, born in Boston and now worn internationally. These classics will no doubt be worn in the space colonies of the future!
4) Levi’s 501 Jeans
Once upon a time, blue jeans were durable clothing that stood up to the hard work done by manual laborers. Now, as we all know, everyone from laborers to C-Suite executives wears blue jeans as fashion items. Even the world’s greatest fashion houses are sending jeans down the runway. Everyone who is anyone wants to display their takes on the 2023 denim craze.
Levi Strauss has been making jeans since the 1870s. Since then, the popularity of jeans has grown exponentially; you can see them worn in virtually every place on Earth. The 501 cut is the most enduringly popular type of jeans anywhere. They stand as an icon of the form and the locus classicus of the blue jean revolution. This year, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary!
5. Classic White T-Shirt
Everybody has at least one white T-shirt. From the classic “T” shape with short sleeves and the comfy tanks to form-fitting cuts, the white T-shirt is classic. Irrefutably, it has taken hold and won’t let go.
With a shape originating in the Middle Ages, the plain, white cotton T-shirt as we know it first appeared as the “union suit” in 1868. For years, it would be men’s unitard version of underwear. Decades later, the T-shirt top was separated from the briefs to become two garments. At the turn of the century, men’s underwear was finally uncoupled. The white cotton T-shirt as we know it was born!
For men, women, and children, the white T-shirt has become a wardrobe pillar. Whether worn under suit jackets, as mini-dresses, tucked in jeans, with board shorts, or to bed. This simple, ubiquitous fashion item is the foundation of millions of modern wardrobes, long liberated from the status of undergarments.
These 5 timeless fashion trends not only never go out of style; they’re staples of the modern wardrobe. What we do with these classic pieces is like drawing on a blank slate. The finished look is ours to define. Needless to say, they form a strong foundation for a glorious wardrobe. Simple, identifiably stylish, and absolutely timeless, these are 5 of the most important pieces in anyone’s closet.
About The Author
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and the world of fitness.