I think my mother finally gave up on me.
Ever since she stopped buying my clothes—early on, because you can't reach sartorial détente with a kid who's not afraid to go to kindergarten in bear pajamas—she's shaken her head at my tendency to buy flashy, one-off Pieces with zero thought about how they might relate to anything else I own. "Look at your closet," she'd say. "You don't have a cohesive wardrobe—you just have clothes." (I have since conceded that this is a personal weakness.)
But recently, when I consulted her on a jewelry decision, she didn't tell me to go with the graphic silver Young Frankk discs that would still be wearable in 2077 A.D., the year of our lizard overlords—she said yes to a pair of gold wire earrings from the same designer bent into the shape of hands. The Mayan calendar was only off by a few years, I tell you. Run.
Fashion scripture has long dictated that the "smart" buy is the safe buy: the LBD or ballerina flats or pearl studs that would never, ever budge from acceptability as long as Coco Chanel or Audrey Hepburn aren't erased from history. But shopping this way—unless it's just for part of the time, because there really are some things everybody must have—simply doesn't support the multidimensional/chance-based/even contradictory nature of accumulating the parts that make up your true personal style. And with a single argument, you could puncture the whole concept of classics: If you buy things you actually like instead of things "you'll wear forever," you *will* wear them all the time, which achieves the same result of longevity.
This isn't putting down anyone's aesthetic—Jeanne Damas and Camille Charrière have made careers out of wearing navy peacoats and white T-shirts and look damn good doing it. Nor is it preventing anyone from buying as many beige cap-toe pumps as her heart desires—so long as she isn't buying them because she feels some invisible pressure to do so.
All it is is a firm declaration that we are past this—categorizing clothes into "this is worthy of your money because it is supposedly durable" and "everything else." Practically anything can be classic if you want it to be. And if my mom has evolved, you can too. (JK, love you. #thechicestforever #whenyourbrotherisaboutobecomeanonlychild)
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Let Dua Lipa's Metallic Bag Convince You to Go for Silver
The singer embellished her latest outfit with bold silver earrings and a radiant Gucci bag.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Princess Kate Makes History with New Appointment from Father-in-Law King Charles
The two have grown especially close in recent months as both undergo treatment for cancer.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Celine Dion Addresses That Awkward Taylor Swift Moment at the Grammys
It all happened when Dion presented the Album of the Year award to Swift at February's ceremony.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published