Keep reading to see our Stylists’ favorite throwback styles.
Layne C., Stylist
The Classic Button-Down
Why do you still love this piece?
“The button-up is a classic that just won’t quit. Plus, it’s a piece that anyone at any age can wear.”
What’s the worst way you wore it?
“So many ways! The worst was when I cut the sleeves off a classic oxford and wore it half buttoned from the top layered over a tank. I used to be a little scissor happy and when my wardrobe was feeling uninspired I used to cut the sleeves off of just about anything to make it feel ‘fresh’ again.”
How did you wear your piece back in the day?
“The button down was my go-to layering piece, especially under a leather vest or over a dress. It was my replacement for a lightweight jacket!”
What’s your favorite way to wear it now?
“Unbuttoned a bit, paired with a great pair of straight leg jeans, a vintage belt and lots of dainty jewelry.”
Any styling tips for other ladies to make it their own?
“Play around with how you button it or tuck it in. A half tuck and a few buttons undone are a great way to get a relaxed and fresh look without sacrificing the preppy vibe of this classic style.”
Alysha C., Stylist
The Off-The-Shoulder Top
Why do you still love this piece?
“I find an off-the-shoulder piece is a way to be sexy but still elegant at the same time. It’s also a great way to draw attention to your face, a new hairdo or a statement accessory.”
What’s the worst way you wore it?
“I was 8 when Flashdance came out, so homemade off the shoulder tops were everywhere. I would wear my older sister’s stretched out sweatshirt to get in on the trend, but I was constantly trying to keep it from falling off all day.”
How did you wear your piece back in the day?
“Luckily, my Mom stepped in. She wanted me to express myself but wasn’t going to have her 8-year-old topless in the streets. So, she bought me really cute lace trimmed tank tops that I could wear under my off the shoulder numbers to avoid wardrobe malfunctions and look age appropriate.
What’s your favorite way to wear it now?
“I’ve graduated from hand-me-downs! Now, I love voluminous and flowy off the shoulder tops that are elasticized at the shoulders so there’s no chance of them falling down.”
Any tips for your clients to make it their own?
“Whether your preference is flowy or more bodycon off the shoulder tops, make them your own with your accessories. If you’re going with flowy and romantic, add a pair of dangly earrings that skim your shoulders. If you’re going fitted top, a pendant necklace with fringe is so alluring with a bold, red lip.”
Jennifer B., Stylist
The Boho Blouse
Why do you still love this piece?
“I love that you can style it from work to weekend! I really do think boho blouses do a good job of expressing the creative and a little bit whimsical side of me.”
What’s the worst way you wore it?
“Back in the day, I fell in love with a printed tunic that was too big for me and had little structure. It really made me look like I was lost inside a tent of fabric! I was definitely not going for the frumpy look.”
How did you wear your piece back in the day?
“I loved styling it with a pair of straight jeans, a pendant necklace and flats. It was my go-to outfit for going to class and open-mic nights when I was younger.”
What’s your favorite way to wear it now?
“Now, I love styling my boho blouse with skinny jeans or leggings, booties and a floppy felt hat. Every now and then, I still reach for that pendant necklace for some added flair.”
Any tips for your clients to make it their own?
“If you have a boho tunic you love that lacks structure, try a wide black belt cinched around the waist to create definition. Accessorize with pieces like chandelier earrings, fedora hats or layered necklaces for a casual and cool look. If you’re looking for something more subtle for work try a solid boho tunic, like a light lilac or blush pink color with embroidery.”
Alexandra O., Stylist
Distressed Denim
Why do you still love this piece?
“I will always love distressed denim for the instant cool factor it gives any outfit. To me, it makes even the simplest look a little more rock and roll. And, who doesn’t need a little bit of that from time to time?”
What’s the worst way you wore it (back in the day)?
“I stand by all the ways I’ve worn distressed denim—from dressed up with a blazer and heels to easy-going with a concert tee and booties. The one lesson I’ve learned about this trend is never to wear it around my dad. I’ve heard every dad-joke about distressed jeans, but my pop’s personal favorite is, ‘I hope you didn’t pay full price for those! They’ve got so many holes in them!’ Literally—every time.”
How did you wear your piece back in the day?
“When I first discovered distressed denim, I worked in a more corporate environment and would save my shredded skinnies for casual Friday. I’d pair them with oxfords, a silky white button up and a knit blazer for a borrowed-from-the boys look.
More recently, when I was pregnant, I turned to distressed denim virtually everyday of my third trimester. As I kept getting bigger and bigger, I was craving clothes to make me still feel like me. I got a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans in a Fix and they did just the trick of upping the edge factor!”
What’s your favorite way to wear it now?
“As a new mom on the go, my days are packed. Athleisure has been one of my favorite trends, but sometimes it feels a little too dressed down so I turn to my go-to distressed denim. Add a knit sweatshirt, sneakers and a bomber jacket and I feel like I can go from drop-off to meetings to the playground and back home, all while feeling comfy and cool.”
Any tips for your clients to make it their own?
“Distressed denim is great for adding a degree of edginess to your look, but that doesn’t mean you have to opt for a head to toe edgy look. Try playing with juxtaposition and wear distressed boyfriend with a lace or floral top or opt for distressed skinnies and a striped tee for a twist on a classic preppy look. Whatever your style, distressed denim is a must-have for a little extra of those cool-girl vibes.”
Talleda R.
The Jean Jacket
Why do you still love this piece?
“I love how versatile and effortless a denim jacket can be. As my style has evolved, I still can mix and match my favorite denim jacket with so many different pieces I’m currently loving.”
How did you wear your piece back in the day?
“I used to only wear denim jackets with dresses and black pants in the warmer months. It acted as an alternative to cardigans and other jackets, but now I love wearing it with just about everything.”
What’s your favorite way to wear it now?
“The Canadian tuxedo way! I love denim on denim and mixing two different washes. It’s my go-to for casual days at work or for a weekend brunch look. I just add a graphic tee underneath, my favorite skinny jeans, and sneakers to keep the look effortless and laid back with a sporty vibe. I love wearing my slightly oversized denim jacket over sweaters in the winter for a more relaxed look.”
Any tips for your clients to make it their own?
“Find a denim jacket fit and wash that you love and compliments your style. Fitted options in medium washes are the most versatile and easy to wear with just about anything. Try one over your favorite work blouse and a pair of trousers instead of a blazer, layer a cropped version with your favorite dress, or try it with a casual shirt and printed skirt for a cool, effortless look.”
Do you have any trends you’ll always love? Tell us in the comments!
