Nancy Pipal's Style File: The Classics

Nancy's Style File: The Classics

May 2012

Dear Readers,

Perfectly cut pixie hair, vintage pearls, a little black dress, and beautifully done makeup are all reminiscent of the iconic and indisputably classic Audrey Hepburn. But when I saw this photo, I wasn't sure who it was. A younger Demi Moore perhaps? I was surprised to learn it was Rooney Mara, one of the young women nominated this year as best actress for her starring role in the film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. What a shocker!

Rooney Mara

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

So, what is it exactly that makes a style or a garment a classic? Diego Della Valle, chairman and president of Tod's Group (Italian fashion company known for classic luxury leather goods and shoes) says it this way: "You know when something has longevity. The proportions are right, the quality's perfect and the creativity is strong."

I happened to catch a TV show last fall that highlighted fashion items Americans consider to be classics. Among them? A crisp white shirt for both men and women (yea), a traditional tan trench coat (yea again), and a leather motorcycle jacket.

No yea.

Shortly thereafter I saw Rita Wilson, wife of Tom Hanks, on the Oprah show speaking as a celebrity fashion expert. Her hair was very long (the latest style, of course), she was wearing a very short skirt, over-the-knee boots and a black leather motorcycle jacket.

Was the look trendy? Absolutely.

Was it classic? Absolutely not.

Don't get me wrong. I love Rita Wilson. As a matter of fact, one of cinema's most endearing comedic moments is her big scene in the movie Sleepless in Seattle. Weeping unabashedly, she attempts in vain to explain why the movie An Affair To Remember is the most romantic movie of all time. Priceless.

Rita Wilson is talented, beautiful and has a darling personality. She was a delightful guest for Oprah, but a fashion expert? I don't think so.

Sorry, Rita.

And what about all the celebrity designers out there? Have they no appreciation of the classics?

Vera Wang

Fashion Week

2012 NYC

Some do. Designers like Vera Wang (above left) and Carolina Herrera (above right) among them. You can see it in the way they choose to dress themselves. Vera is almost always seen in black leggings and comfy sweaters and Carolina in black skirts and man-tailored white shirts. Both have signature looks that carry over into their design work. I admire them greatly.

Wonder what other great classics they have in their closets? Wouldn't you just love to see?

Happy Classy Spring,

Nancy

PS. Need some help finding modern classic pieces for your wardrobe? I would love to shop for you or with you. Your call.

708.579.1016

(all photos courtesy of harper's bazaar, vogue, nordstrom's catalog or style.com)

This LBD is the perfect example of versatility, simplicity and classic styling. If the fabric is fine and the cut flattering, this could be a great wardrobe staple for all of us. Shown here with no jewelry or styling to speak of, my oh my! The possibilities are endless.

Next is the tuxedo jacket, or Le Smoking as Yves Saint Laurent called his original design. It too is a classic, but it has changed over the last few decades. Like all jackets for women, the cuts have morphed this way and that, but the modern look is the one you see below. What started out as a somewhat outrageous masculine look for women has since become an elegant and always right style for evening.

On to the traditional tan trench coat. It's another one of those styles that has stood the test of time and become an American classic.

Originally taken from the military and adopted by London Fog as their signature look, the trench coat is now recognized around the world as a practical stylish staple in every well dressed person's closet. And that goes for both men and women!

And finally, a word to the wise about a trench coat purchase. Buy the very best quality you can afford. If you do, you will love it for many years to come and it will love you right back.

tuxedo jacket

Traditional Trench

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