I Call BS On "Timeless Dressing"—14 Anti-Boring Pieces to Add to Your Wardrobe
Our take

The recent dismissal of "timeless dressing" as a concept, particularly as articulated in *Marie Claire*, sparks a fascinating conversation about the evolving nature of personal style and its relationship to broader fashion trends. The author’s declaration that she's “running out of days” – a charmingly relatable prelude to her impending nuptials – sets the stage for a rejection of the often-sterile and prescriptive ideals of enduring style. Instead, she champions a wardrobe built on intuitive choices, pieces that simply "feel like me." This resonates with a growing sensibility that prioritizes authenticity and self-expression over adherence to rigid, historically-defined aesthetics. It’s a pushback against the sometimes-suffocating pressure to curate a wardrobe of classic, neutral pieces deemed "timeless," a pressure that can ironically feel quite dated itself. Consider how Jasmin Larian Hekmat, founder of Cult Gaia, similarly navigated the complexities of branding, drawing inspiration from the playful energy of Bratz dolls How Jasmin Larian Hekmat's Bratz Roots Shaped Cult Gaia, demonstrating how embracing unexpected influences can lead to a powerful and distinctive identity.
The rejection of timelessness isn't necessarily a devaluation of well-made, enduring pieces; rather, it’s a shift in *how* we approach building a wardrobe. It’s about moving away from a purely external validation of style – dictated by trends or perceived notions of what's “classic” – and embracing a more internal compass. This aligns with the broader cultural movement towards individuality and self-acceptance. The pursuit of timelessness can often become a form of performance, a conscious effort to project an image of sophistication and composure, even if it doesn’t genuinely reflect one’s personality. The author's emphasis on what *feels* right is a radical act of self-honesty, a recognition that style should be a reflection of the inner self, not a curated facade. This idea echoes the experience of Logan Hollowell, who found herself in a "full circle" moment dressing Meghan Markle, a culmination of years spent admiring Princess Diana Exclusive: Jeweler Logan Hollowell Reflects on "Full Circle" Moment of Dressing Meghan Markle After Obsessing Over Diana as a Child, illustrating the power of personal connection and lineage in shaping a unique aesthetic.
This shift also speaks to the democratization of fashion. The internet has eroded the traditional gatekeepers of style – the editors, the designers, the established brands – and empowered individuals to define their own aesthetic narratives. Social media, while often contributing to fleeting trends, has also provided a platform for a multitude of voices and styles, challenging the notion of a singular, universally accepted definition of “good” taste. The "it girl" phenomenon, and the resurgence of ‘90s minimalism Ever Since It Girls Confirmed the '90s Are Back, I've Been Shopping This Chic Throwback Brand, demonstrates the cyclical nature of trends, but also the enduring appeal of personal expression. The idea of "timelessness" itself is, after all, a construct – a product of historical context and cultural values. What was considered timeless in the 1950s is very different from what’s perceived as timeless today.
Ultimately, this reassessment of “timeless dressing” is a welcome move toward a more fluid and authentic approach to style. It's a reminder that fashion should be a source of joy and self-discovery, not a set of rules to be followed. Moving forward, it will be intriguing to observe how this rejection of prescriptive aesthetics impacts the broader industry – will brands adapt by prioritizing individual expression over manufactured trends? Will the concept of "classic" evolve to encompass a wider range of personal styles? And perhaps most importantly, will we continue to see a growing embrace of clothing choices that are simply, genuinely, *us*?
Friends! As I’ve told Andrea Stanley, Marie Claire’s executive editor, I’m running out of days. And not in a dramatic way, just in an “I’m about to get married and going to be out of the office for the next couple weeks” way. Exciting, right? My “bridal era” is coming to an end—and bringing with it some thoughts on the fashion peanut gallery’s obsession with being “timeless.”
From what I’ve seen, the bridal industrial complex (a.k.a. Wedding TikTok) will make you think that everything related to your wedding should be timeless. When you look at your photos, every choice from your ring to your dress to your glam should stand the test of time. Well, I call BS. Instead, I think every piece you choose should feel exactly like you at that moment. And that goes for your everyday style too. It’s not about hating microtrends or dressing for random people’s approval; no, it’s about choosing items that make others say “that fill-in-the-blank is so Your Name Here.”
So how does one do that? Well, for me that starts with noticing patterns—being cognizant of my wardrobe staples over the years as well as the items I always return to. That exercise prevents me from impulse shopping. Here’s what’s on my list for summer.
Striped Shirts
Just the other day, as I unpacked my Uniqlo shopping bag, my fiancé joked, “You’re always gonna have a striped shirt, aren’t you?” And you know what, he’s right. There’s something that just feels so intentional about them that will always keep me coming back for more.
Big Shorts
Try as I might, I’m just never going to be a hot pants girl. And I’m definitely not going to be a capri pants girl…which leaves me with what I like to call “big shorts”: a catch-all for either Bermuda or wide-leg styles. They’re simply where I feel most comfortable (whether or not everyone else believes in the big shorts agenda remains to be seen). But honestly, it doesn’t matter because I’ve loved this style of short for well over 15 years.
Button-Down Shirts
“Elegant” is a word I use a lot when I describe my personal style (on its best days, I should say). “Refined” is another. Button-down shirts, to me, inherently embody those words. Hence, the reason I have an arsenal of them ready to be deployed for any given occasion.
Slim Sneakers
Sneaker trends come and go, but a low-profile style that I can easily slip off and on will always make the top of my list. They’re ideal for commuting and then stashing under your desk, plus I find they look the best with trousers or shorts.
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