timeless vs. classic and how to develop your own style

Have you ever thought about those wardrobe staples we all call classics? Things like tailored button-down shirts, denim jeans, men’s trousers, or trench coats? Let me share a little secret: even these timeless pieces evolve over time. Take that blazer every fashion guru insists you should own—just five years ago, it was snug and fitted, but today, it’s oversized, relaxed, and even a bit slouchy.

So, what’s a sewing enthusiast supposed to do? How do you stay fashion-forward without constantly replacing your wardrobe? Is it possible to stick with the same clothes while still appearing stylish and modern?

In my opinion, being entirely up-to-date with every trend might stop you from developing your own unique style. If you're always making and wearing the latest designs, you'll just seem like a trend chaser, not someone with a distinctive sense of style. Additionally, following every trend can be exhausting, wasting time, energy, and fabric as you continuously chase after the newest fads instead of wearing and remixing what you already own.

On the other hand, ignoring trends altogether might lead you to appear outdated eventually. Silhouettes change, and if you're still wearing the exact same styles you had five or ten years ago, you risk looking dated and uninspired.

The real trick is to stay informed about trends but use them to enhance your personal style while staying true to your preferences. Focus on creating a timeless wardrobe rather than jumping on every fleeting trend. To build your own style, mix old with new in ways that feel uniquely yours, avoiding replicas of what everyone else is wearing.

For instance, I adore blazers. They’re my go-to for dresses, jeans, trousers, skirts, paired with button-downs or tees, heels, or sneakers. But oversized blazers? No thanks—I tried that in the '90s, and I’m not going back there. Fitted blazers suit me much better. So, I’ll keep wearing my tailored blazers but pair them with wide-leg trousers, which happen to be another favorite of mine. This combination shows I’m paying attention to trends without fully committing to them. It also proves that I’ve moved past skinny jeans (which never really worked for me anyway). Meanwhile, the fitted blazers ensure my style remains unmistakably me. Wide trousers balance out the structured blazers beautifully, and if I truly want an oversized look, I’ll opt for a pea coat or another jacket instead of updating my blazer collection. After all, my current blazers work for me even if they’re not trendy anymore—as long as I style them right, they’ll continue to fit the bill.

What about button-down shirts? I prefer them slightly loose but not overly so. This allows me to experiment with proportions by wearing them loosely or tucking them in when needed. For an oversized vibe, I either sew a larger version of our Classic Shirt pattern or try the Gallery Tunic, which offers a similar relaxed feel.

Another approach is to subtly nod to trends without fully embracing them. Our Hollywood Trousers and Cannes Trousers have wider legs, yet they avoid the overly baggy aesthetic currently in vogue. By wearing these styles, I can enjoy the trend’s essence without fully adopting its bulkier silhouette—imagine Katharine Hepburn’s tailored trousers rather than the exaggeratedly oversized ones. Hepburn’s trousers are almost timeless, though they occasionally lean into trendiness.

When choosing what to sew and wear, think of your clothing as something meant to last, not something you’ll discard after a season. This mindset ensures you won’t need to overhaul your closet every few months, but it also encourages thoughtful additions over time. Your personal style should evolve gradually alongside shifting trends.

This philosophy aligns perfectly with the concept of Slow Fashion. When shopping and sewing, always consider how your wardrobe reflects your personality and stands the test of time.

(To illustrate this post, I've included images from Esprit ads from the 1980s and 1990s. These examples show that great style can remain relevant and contemporary years later. Of course, not everything lasts forever, but with careful selection, you can build a wardrobe that stays useful for decades—timeless and classic.)

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