5 Style Tips For Building a Timeless Wardrobe

Getting dressed every day can feel like a challenge when your closet contains a few favorite pieces buried deep within ill-fitting garments, unflattering silhouettes, patterns or colors that are hard to match, and trends that really don’t feel like you. We all know that sinking feeling of walking out the door in an outfit you don’t feel good about. But we also know that when your outfit really comes together, it can empower you to tackle any challenge head-on and do what matters most to you.

So what’s the secret to feeling and looking great all the time? Stylish, confident women often shop the same way: they learn to dress in shapes and fabrics that work for their body types and understand how pieces can work well together for infinite possibilities. They build a cohesive collection of clothing that is simple, high quality, and timeless yet timely. This makes it even easier to mix and match pieces and dress for any occasion, because great designs should fit both our bodies and our lives.

We’ve rounded up five fashion themes that will empower you to put best foot forward every day. Read on to see how Eileen Fisher’s designs will help you create a more sustainable wardrobe to feel your most comfortable and most confident — and shop the must-have pieces you need in your closet.

Just one new piece — like a bright red sweater or a boldly shaped kimono jersey jacket — can reinvent what you already own and be woven into your existing wardrobe for a chic upgrade that makes a big statement. Rich tones in bold shapes will feel both timeless and timely no matter the season. Try layering oversize pieces together, like wide-leg silk trousers and boxy tops, for a look that feels current but will still be relevant for years to come.

Elevating your style with simple shapes and classic lines can be a total closet game changer. Create a lineup of versatile, well-made pieces that you'll be able to wear for a long time. This season, start with some basics like a silk jersey turtleneck and simple shift dress. Separately, they seem designated to two seasons — Winter and Summer — but when combined, they make a system of dressing that is perfect year round. Pro tip: the key is to select shapes you know work for you — the simpler the shape, the more ways you'll be able to wear it.

Stylish women know that the key to an elevated wardrobe is investing in quality fabrics. In the long run, these pieces will be more dependable and reliable, and most importantly, they will last. Try combining pieces like a responsible wool sweater and a pleated skirt made of recycled polyester for a wardrobe that uses sustainable materials to make you look good and feel good about your closet.

When your closet is curated with quality pieces, seasonal wardrobes become a thing of the past. Instead, you learn to wear and restyle the same pieces in a way that looks effortless and natural. Opt for simple shapes that mix and match seamlessly to create countless combinations. With just a few key pieces, you'll be able to create more looks with less. The secret is to buy versatile items you can dress up, dress down, and wear season after season. Don't know where to start? Play with proportion to update your look. Try a crepe slip dress — it can be worn with an organic cotton cozy cardigan for a more relaxed look in the Fall, with heels and a bold lip for a holiday party this Winter, layered under a moto jacket in the Spring, or on its own with sandals in the Summer.

Last but not least, your closet needs a cohesive and thoughtful color story. That means colors that will always work together . . . and with everything else in your wardrobe. Your closet should be supported with two to three neutral colors like black, camel, or navy. Neutral pieces, like a navy turtleneck and a navy wool pencil skirt, are the workhorses of your wardrobe and the pieces you'll wear the most. Once you have a closet supported by these new neutrals, you'll be able to layer on pops of color effortlessly, which takes the guesswork out of putting together outfits and allows you to craft a seamless style from head to toe.

Credits: Photographer: Diggy Lloyd; Art Director: Colleen Lennon; Model: Sosheba Griffiths; Stylist: Jasmine Snow; HMU: Carrie LaMarca; Producer: Sasha Bar-Tur