Want to know a secret? It may come as a surprise to you, but many of the fashion editors penning lyrical critiques from the frow of International catwalk shows are, relatively speaking, conservative dressers. Yep, they witness the wonderful, sometimes unwearable whimsy of designer fashion, but when it comes to investing in their own wardrobes, well, we’re talking crisp white shirts, well cut blazers, figure flattering denim (in whatever cut the season dictates) and the forever friend – the striped breton top, oh, and let’s not forget the sandy-hued trench as immortalised by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany. These are the wardrobe classics worth a little investment and that ALWAYS look en pointe. Think Emmanuelle Alt, the chic, much copied editor of Paris Vogue, always stylish in her frow-uniform of a well cut blazer, white shirt and jeans. The trick? The accessories. This is something I’ve always championed – we’re talking great shoes, great bag and gorgeous jewellery so you can switch up your look time after time; a white shirt with chunky silver jewellery looks more androgynous than a white shirt worn with boho beads (see ‘baby’ Christy Turlington image below). It’s as simple as buttoning-up OR wearing your shirt sensually undone. This week The Stylish Stuff is celebrating the classics – the understated accessories that aren’t shouting about how on-trend they are, instead, they’re enjoying a quiet popularity and importantly, longevity. Ballet pumps – I can’t tell you how many times I see trendy girls commuting in their slick cut denims finished off with a pair of these. The chunky mannish watch, the squashy tote and let’s not forget the allure of a sexy, pointed leopard print heel – a great touch of va va voom to a simple tailored look. Desk to date? Job done.

 

The blazer and white shirt combo -timeless. (Images, Pinterest).

 

Emmanuelle Alt – today’s The Stylish Stuff inspiration. (Images, Pinterest).

 

Rewriting the classics – the slouchy suede bag. Unstructured, roomy, easy on the shoulder. It’s a win win with this navy, luxe tote from Russell & Bromley.

 

That borrowed from your boyfriend look – a chunky, mannish watch is still a favourite. A glint of metallic strap under the neat cuff of a jacket says expensive, it says in-charge. Smart choice. Watch from Guess.

 

The designer statement bracelet from Dinny Hall

 

From classic tortoiseshells to thoroughly modern metallics. These from Oliver Peoples are slick wardrobe updaters.

 

En pointe – a sexy little leopard in your life L.K.Bennett

 

Just add denim and yes, the white shirt. Bracelet, Reiss

 

The trench coat – favoured by Alexa, Kate et all. (Images, Pinterest).

 

Little bow bag. A pretty nouveau classic to dress up your trench. Cute with be-bowed ballet flats. Bag, Reiss.

 

…just like these pretty patent beauties from Pretty Ballerinas

 

A lighter take on tortoiseshell. Sunnies Jigsaw

 

All about the bows and soft neutral hues, shoes and bag, both L.K.Bennett.

 

Shiny little rose gold present to self. Bracelet from Links.

 

Worn over a roll neck or slipped into the neckline of a white shirt – it’s the ready-made rings on a chain lust have from Links.

 

The luxe cut. Well-cut tailoring worn layered over polo and roll neck knits, another invitation for jewellery – YES you can wear your necklaces over the top. Add denim, the pointy mid heeled court and chunky watch. Oh and that trick where you leave your hair caught inside your jacket, well, it’s a winning look.

 

Rose gold – a hit of colour and great with greys. Guess

 

Let the love affair with rose gold continue, bracelet and simple chain necklaces, Monica Vinader

 

Bigger and bolder, a roar of leopard print at Russell & Bromley.

 

From the chunky chain to the mixed, multi-metal mini chains – I just love this piece of wrist candy from Folli Follie.

 

The Breton – hero of t-shirts. Just add a leather jacket, cool fisherman’s cap and jeans.

 

Hoops, but not as you know them. Earrings, Dinny Hall.

 

A soft powder blue face, a nude leather strap and an expensive-look finish, makes this Daisy Dixon watch a must have.

 

Delicate slithers of  gold plate from the clever jewellery bench of Zara Simon, Z for Accessorize. (also shown worn above, with watch)

 

Be mine you snakey, sweetie charm bracelets in delicious old gold. Bracelets Links.

 

It’s like a chocolate box of choice of divine Astley Clarke rings. Remember more is more when it comes to bedecking your fingers.

 

Classic slung across the body bag. Small enough to get noticed, but big enough for the essentials. Bag, Mulberry.

 

Nude-hued comfort blankets for feet. French Sole by Jane Winkworth.

 

My precious – a little touch of luxury at the wrist line. Subtle charms from Michael Kors.

 

 

And if you ARE in the market for some new classics, try these for size;

Top marks to the white shirt of the season, there’s some seriously gorgeous flared sleeve action going on here. Shirt, M&S.

 

No fuss, no frills, just the perfect stripe from La Redoute.

 

Trench town rock (sorry, couldn’t help myself). Short but sweet from ASOS.

 

When the tux met the blazer. The perfect little black jacket from H&M.

 

 

Fashion & Style Director Shelly Vella

Fashion Assistant Alice Burnfield

Still life imagery by Shelly Vella

Non still life images courtesy of Pinterest