Found in Issue No. 288
ICONS Guide: Lessons of an Icons Girl
- Edited by
- Polly Knight
- Words by
- Frankie Graddon
Go ICONIC
When we talk about items having iconic status, what does that mean? It all comes down to timeless and classic appeal. The icons are the foundational pieces that look good season after season, year after year. Items to cherish forever that always make you look and feel your very best: the trench, the cashmere jumper, the white shirt, the ballet pumps, the shoulder bag. Investing in this core capsule means you’ll always be able to get dressed with confidence.
Basic But Not Boring
Every wardrobe relies on good basics. However, opting for those with a clever design twist is going to take every outfit you put them with to the next level. Look for details that feel special and thought through, such as a reworked neckline, an updated waistband or a point-of-interest fabric. Even the smallest fashion-forward nod will give your everyday wardrobe a not-so-everyday appeal.
Invest in Wow Accessories
Accessories can take an outfit from average to amazing and investing in premium, wow-factor pieces that make you feel good is always going to stack up PPW (pound per wear). Opt for classic styles and colourways to maximise wearability. Minimal hardware and logos – or a heritage emblem – ensure a timeless look. It’s well worth spending a little more on good quality materials, such as beautiful leather, to guarantee longevity and allow you to enjoy wearing your favourite finishing touches for decades to come.
It’s All In The Details
An outfit’s je ne sais quoi comes down to the details and the most simple of styling tweaks can have an instantly elevating effect. Belting a blazer, knotting a scarf around your neck, rolling a sleeve, throwing a sweater over your shoulders or adding some simple jewellery and a red lip can go a long way. When making a new purchase, it pays to sweat the small stuff, too; a too-shiny buckle, wonky stitching or cheap-looking fastenings are tell-tale signs of poor quality.
Quality, Quality, Quality
Along with beautiful design, an item’s success lies in the fabric quality. Not only do premium and natural fabrications such as cashmere, silk and cotton look luxurious, they are a pleasure to wear, meaning you’re more likely to reach for them. Look after them correctly and they’ll last, too. A fabric care kit including a delicate laundry liquid, debobbler, steamer and moth repellent is money well spent.
Not All Prints Are Created Equal
We all know that a splash of print can amp up an outfit and breathe new life into beloved staples. When it comes to enduring style, animal motifs win out every time. However, it pays to exercise caution when dipping a toe into printed pieces as not every leopard spot or snakey pattern is created equal. Stick to naturalistic neutral colour palettes and premium fabrics without any shine, which make animal prints look cheap. Keeping the silhouette of your item classic will also ensure your animal prints look timeless.