How to Add Your Personal Style to Classic Wardrobe Staples
When it comes to building a wardrobe with staying power, timeless pieces like button-up shirts, blazers, straight-leg jeans, or loafers often come to mind. But style isn’t just about longevity—it’s also about personality. The key is putting your own spin on these classics so they feel fresh, authentic, and uniquely you. Keep reading for some ideas to add interest and personality to classic styles.
One of my mother’s oft-repeated style maxims was “always choose the simpler, more neutral one; you’ll keep and wear it longer.” While there’s some truth to that, if carried too far it can result in a very boring, generic look. Rather, I believe the pieces that make us feel most like ourselves are the ones that we’ll keep and reach for over and over.
How to personalize classic wardrobe staples
My sizes: Shirt – XS, Jeans – 28
Add color and/or pattern. Rather than a standard “crisp white shirt,” opt for one in a favorite color. (When you build a wardrobe within your seasonal color palette, the colors will be in harmony, making it easier to put outfits together.)
Play with cuts and silhouettes. There’s no one “right” proportion or silhouette for everyone. Experiment with hemlines and cuts, and don’t be afraid to roll or push up sleeves, pop a collar, cuff a pair of pants. It can personalize and change the whole vibe of an outfit!
Incorporate texture or interesting details. Eyelet or broderie, contrast piping, embroidery, edge detail…all of these can make simple pieces stand out.
My sizes: Jacket – 38/6, Shell – Medium, Jeans – Petite 8
Personalize with accessories. They’re the “secret sauce” to making your outfits uniquely your own. Get playful, go bold or demure, mix trendy and heirloom pieces to bring your personality to a classic look.
When it comes to how to personalize a classic look, small touches can make a big impact. Try adding a pop of color, mixing in textures like crochet, linen, or woven leather, or choosing pieces with subtle design details that feel distinctly you. Accessories are another effortless way to elevate the classics—whether it’s a favorite mix of layered necklaces, a vintage-inspired belt, or a modern statement shoe. It’s all about making timeless pieces reflect your individual style. How do you like to add your personal touch to a classic outfit? Let me know in the comments!
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Thanks for these thoughts and for featuring clothes with a little something extra. I realize that I dislike absolutely plain tee shirts, tops, jackets etc. I don’t like fussy either. But my eyes does go to an interesting neckline, button detail, or cut.
Thanks for the inspiration. I saved your outfit with the bright green top to copy. And the one with the bandana in the yellow shirt. I can copy that too.
Greetje
Hi Susan—Would you be willing to write a blog post regarding your experience with hearing aids? I believe recently you said you were being tested and fitted. Did you end up purchasing and keeping them after the trial period? Can you discuss the process—testing, fitting, options available and your opinion? How visible are they with short hair? I’ve only heard from many people they are not happy with their hearing aids.
I probably should be tested. I know one ear is worse than the other and its difficult picking up conversation when someone is speaking softly. I’m having a hard time accepting the fact and feel embarrassed. Please help us. I’m sure I’m not the only one. Thank you
Rose, I am into my second year wearing a left hearing aid…due to Meniere’s Disease ( sounds ominous) which impacted my left ear in 2020 and added vertigo, amongst other challenges. The main thing is, having just 20% hearing in my left ear meant a discreet hearing aid which is connected to Bernafon on my cell. This shows me the volume as well as battery level…both necessary. I don’t link it to my incoming cell calls or tv …that’s just too technical for me. I have short hair and it’s practically invisible. Cleaning the wax is key, but that’s easy with the tiny brush. With purchase I can go back to the shop with any questions. It cost $2500 CAD last April. My ‘super power’ with this situation, is being able to sleep on my good ear , and be basically deaf to the sounds of the birds outside in the early morning if they are too chipper! Hope this helps
Susan,
As a color expert, could you also discuss whether the hearing aid color should match your hair or skin tone?
Many thanks.
Hi Rose: I’m 78 and have been wearing hearing aids since I was 50. I’m extremely hard of hearing and have Phonak hearing aids–the model is called Audeo. They pair with all my electronic devices and have a charging station (so no batteries). Unlike other readers here, I got mine through Kaiser’s Hearing Center. Because my hearing is so poor my hearing aids are larger than others might have–I also have extremely short hair so they show but are still fairly discreet. Honestly it took me years to get over be embarrassed about them but now, it’s more embarrassing if I can’t hear! People who speak softly or who are too far away are certainly an issue for us, and so are noisy restaurants. The audiologists who deal with hearing aids are very knowledgeable and will give you options based on the type and severity of your hearing loss. The hearing aids take getting used to and we have to learn to be proactive and ask people to speak up, or get closer, etc. It’s an ‘invisible disability but actually I think the music industry has helped us move forward in the technology and visibility. Best of luck and I hope this was helpful!
Having my colors analyzed a couple of years ago was pivotal for me. That knowledge has helped me make better choices in “staple” garments, but in colors that add a bit more oomph because they complement my skin tone. I don’t buy everything in “my colors,” but I keep them in mind. The yellow cropped shirt and bandana scarf are a great look on you. I’m going to copy that in the colors that work best for me (I’m a summer).
Hi Susan
Great post! Couldn’t agree more about accessories being the secret sauce!!
Hi Susan: another great post! You and Annie have helped me understand fashion so much! I started following you way back when you wore black (!) and I needed help finding packable clothes and clothes that would ‘fit in’ with Europe’s sensibilities. When I was 20 I didn’t care! For me personally accessories are limited to my glasses, my watch and maybe a necklace or two that complement my earrings (large earrings, hide the necklaces; studs, show the necklaces). I don’t seem to be a bracelets girl and I *still* have difficulty with scarves (although I love them). When I was 20 it used to be all about the shoes! Now, of course, at 78 my shoes have to be comfortable. Since I grew up on the beach in Southern California, I seem to prefer casual, and as Allison says: not faff-y. I’m loving the petite and cropped tops options that are offered these days. Thanks again for encouraging us to ‘find our voice’ with our fashion.
Susan is that Alex Mill yellow striped cropped blouse too bright for a dramatic autumn? The green striped option is too cool I think. Thanks Sally
Hi Sally, the Yellow Ochre color in the Autumn palette is a bit deeper and richer, but it’s not terribly far off from the yellow color of the shirt. I think it could work for an Autumn with fair coloring and lower contrast levels.
Fantastic! It’s so ‘sunny’ and pretty. Thank you! In the meantime, I got an EF birch ‘stand’ collar jacket in Mill Valley today and some funny looking ON shoes for walking (at the Corte Madera shopping Center) 😉 because they were so darned comfortable and light weight. Plus my husband noticed that they would breathe well because of the woven tops ( as opposed to all leather). The sales girl recommended them.
Could you please show some ways to wear t-shirts and longer shirts if unable to tuck in due to not totally flat stomach. maybe such as tying long shirts in front, etc.
Hi Susan,
I understand what you are saying that clothes will go together if bought within a seasonal palette. I can see it. I sometimes have trouble deciding if a color is within my vibrant autumn palette. So would it work to say if it doesn’t look good mixed in with items that I have that are in my palette, it must not be a good color for me? Thank you for all the helpful ideas and links. Got a couple of Tshirts at Nordstrom you suggested and they are great.
I adore the bandanas you’ve been wearing recently. More, please! Seems perfect for us shorter ladies.