All-American Style: Modern and Classic
Tina, here.
Continuing with our theme this July, All-American Style, we have arrived at what we may be most known for - the Modern Classic Style. It's our favorite way to dress people because it just looks so good and makes so much sense. You get more bang for your buck from classic pieces, cost per wear goes down, and the wardrobe multiplying is endless. And hello Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, and even Angelina Jolie now that she's in her 40's.
What is the All-American, Modern Classic Style?
1. The Little Black Dress. End of story.
It's first and foremost the LBD.
In summer I like to pop my LBD with colorful jewelry, especially turquoise. And I usually wear a nude pump to match my nude clutch (matching heels and handbag is so very classic), but I was feeling something different today. Toss on a pashmina if you like to cover your arms. Shop our favorite LBD inside the July Style Vault, Style Notes section.
Sheath dresses often have a crew neck. To make it more flattering, add a substantial necklace to break up the neckline.
Oooh I just love dotted swiss. Can't get enough of it! These beauties are my summer black heels, but black patent is a universal, seasonless black heel. I found a beautiful dotted swiss heel (and it is a high heel) on sale, but I cannot vouch for its comfort. I also provided a black patent wedge I love and own that Vault Insiders can shop inside the July Style Notes.
2. Neutrals.
For a modern classic look, the key is to stick with neutrals. When you think of colorful, loud prints, does "classic" come to mind? If we're talking about classic batik and ikat prints, or beautiful silk scarves, then yes it could. But for the most part, a modern classic wardrobe is made up of separates that play well together and get you noticed, not your clothes. It's called QGT, Quiet Good Taste. Jennifer Aniston and Katie Holmes often come to mind when conjuring up today's modern classic beauties. And they consistently wear cool, classic separates in neutrals.
Classic clothes are clean and simple, but have great construction. The simpler something is, the more perfect it must be. Just like a white t-shirt. And just like a silk shell and dress pants. Have fun with accessories, but keep the bones of your look simple.
Avoid squares and rectangles, i.e. shapeless silhouettes. Construction is so key - you want a nipped in waist to highlight your feminine curves and, here we are again, back to the altar of the bootcut. Why is it so classic? Because it is universally the most flattering pant. It balances the hips and thighs and creates a long leg, qualities women everywhere aspire to have. I went crazy with the pearls. But they're pearls, so it's ok. It's a modern nod to a timeless classic.
3. Blue jeans will always be an American classic, and are always modern.
Whether it's skinny or bootcut for you, a dark rinse blue jean is an All-American modern, classic staple.
I'm wearing skinny jeans because I have on a fuller white blouse. When you put a white blouse with blue jeans, you can never go wrong. Ever. The Chanel WOC doesn't hurt, either. Shop these jeans inside the July Style Vault, Style Notes section, if you're a member.
4. Being a lady.
My mother was a classic beauty. She was a lady. And that perhaps is the defining quality of all-American, modern classic style. It will always be in style to be a lady.
My mother on the eve of her wedding to my father, in 1961. I still have this dress.
Thanks for reading and if you want to shop all the cool looks inside the July Style Vault, get in there! Items are selling fast because there are so many good deals.
Can I tell you how much I love the Style Vault? It is just awesome and I love pouring through the monthly news…and learning what’s hot and what’s not! I refer to them over and over and have found them to be a great reference tool! Thank you for bringing inspiration to my wardrobe!…I like that you offer high and low price ranges as well as petite and curvy options! You guys rock!!
And if you’re in the area, our Nashville and Williamson County wardrobe consultants will review your wardrobe, shop with you in person and then style all your looks with what you already own, too. We’d be happy to serve you.
Stay cool all you lovely ladies!
Best,
Tina
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