Collegiettes know that trends come and go, and it’s better to only buy into the ones that suit your personality (and perhaps your budget!). But sometimes, what’s on trend isn’t always the most practical, so it’s important to have basic back-up accessories in your closet. Accessorizing isn’t always about getting your hands on the latest “it” bag or that awesome three-finger knuckle ring you’ve been dying for. It’s also about enhancing your outfits with pieces that are timeless – these are the must-haves that’ll make you look polished, and strike a perfect balance between totally trendy and comfortably classic. Here are 10…
1. A Carry-All Tote
For those collegiettes uninterested in carrying a backpack across campus, a classic tote is an item you’ll use without fail. Choose one in a color you won’t get sick of – avoid neon, crazy patterns and embellishments like studs or fringe – and that you’ll be able to match with any outfit. A roomy bag made of a sturdy material is “perfect for those college girls looking for a stylish bag to carry their books and laptop,” points out fashion stylist and commentator, Colin McDonald.
Save: BCBGeneration Rayna Tote, $50.99 at Macys.com.
Spend: Longchamp Tote, $145 at Longchamp.com.
Total Splurge: MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela Tote, $595 at LaGarconne.com.
2. A Leather Handbag
A basic bag is an important part of any girl’s ensemble – almost as important as the things it’s meant to carry. This item “should be classic, more on the plain side and devoid of any features of temporal trend. Steer clear of studs, fringe, bells whistles and logos. There are some exceptions to the rule, though. I think some of the major fashion houses have achieved iconic bags that are now denoted as classics, like Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull bag,” says stylist Elizabeth Kamm. These are on the larger side and can serve as carry-alls or purses. Good, quality leather will always do the trick.
Save: Nine West Aiden Leather Hobo, $199 at NineWest.com.
Spend: Marc by Marc Jacobs Goodbye Columbus Satchel, $548 at Bloomingdales.com.
Total Splurge: Michael Kors Large Tote—Miranda, $1, 195 at Bloomingdales.com.
3. A Silk Scarf
Complete any outfit with an always-chic and wearable silk scarf. Long, short, solid, printed – let a silk scarf be the finishing touch on an outfit that can use a little more oomph. “I love the idea of cleverly accessorizing with a silk scarf but it can be a little difficult to pull off. You don’t want to get into flight attendant territory by suddenly showing up wearing a scarf around your neck,” warns Kamm. “You can instead try to wear a larger version as a belt on cute high-waisted shorts or casually looped through denim cutoffs.” Knot it any way you please, or just let it drape around your neck and you’re good to go. Score an enviable Hermes original or go more frugal with the Yarnz floral scarf featured below.
Save: Bernie of New York Bias Silk Scarf, $38 at Nordstrom.
Spend: Yarnz Floral Mosaic Scarf, $110 at Nordstrom.com.
Total Splurge: Hermes Silk Scarf, $410 at Hermes.com.
4. Black Ballet Flats
Easy and wearable are the two terms that come to mind with this closet staple. “While the style is impeccably classic… any collegiette can find the perfect pair that expresses her personality, since there are so many styles out there,” says Kamm. Wear ballet flats with colored skinny jeans, a breezy dress or an oversized sweater/leggings ensemble to polish off any outfit. And a little bit of metal, as featured on these Steve Madden flats, never hurt anyone, either.
Save: Steve Madden Flats, $69.95 at SteveMadden.com.
Spend: Tory Burch Reva Flats, $225 at Bloomingdales.com.
Total Splurge: Chloe Knot Heel Flats, $525 at Barneys New York
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5. Black Leather Pumps
Nothing screams timeless more than a fabulous pair of black leather pumps. There’s no doubt about the fact that they’re probably the most versatile shoe a girl can own. They’ll take you from an interview, to the office, to a school presentation, and straight to the bar. “Again,” suggests Kamm, “think more classic rather than any style that is trend driven. They look amazing with anything from your fave skinnies to a great dress.” The tried-and-true Jimmy Choo is Kamm’s pick. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Nine West makes a nice pair. Black pumps have that throw-them-on-with-anything look that can amp up any outfit, or simply make it more professional.
Save: Nine West Regola, $79 at NineWest.com.
Spend: Stuart Weitzman Platswoon, $325.
Total Splurge: Jimmy Choo Anouk, $595.
6. A Classic Watch
Timeless… get it? A classic metal watch will not only keep you running on time, but it’ll also ensure that your outfit is always polished. Fabulous watches – like the Tank, made famous by Cartier – will always be around, but are slightly beyond a collegiette’s budget. “With their rectangular face and typical black leather band, they are so classic and the style will be worn for ages to come. I like the oversized look, which gives them a masculine flair, but the femininity is added through the delicate appearance of the shiny metal, providing a perfect balance of a classic look,” says Kamm. Here are some options that achieve that look without breaking the bank.
Save: Michael Kors Slim Runway Bracelet Watch, $180 at Nordstrom.com.
Spend: Seiko Watch, $350 at Macys.com.
Total Splurge: Philip Stein Large Round Watch Head, $500 at NeimanMarcus.com.
7. Pearls
Before rejecting pearls as over-the-top preppy, consider just how versatile you can make them. “Pearl earrings, necklaces and bracelets are very classic. You can easily borrow some pearls from your mother or grandmother and they’ll still look perfect. This is the whole idea behind timeless classic,” says Kamm. They match with everything in your closet, and can pump up the sophistication of an outfit that you need to be more polished.
Save: J. Crew Pearl Earrings, $50 at JCrew.com.
Spend: Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Pendant, $199 at ThePearlSource.com.
Total Splurge: Elsa Peretti Pearls By The Yard Sprinkle Necklace, $1,150 at Tiffany.com.
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8. Versatile Stud Earrings
“Cubic zirconia are perfectly acceptable for those on a budget,” notes Kamm. Also interchangeable, she points out, are sterling silver ball earrings, like the ones from Tiffany & Co. A simple pair of stud earrings is a necessary item to always have in the jewelry box. They shine just enough, but aren’t overwhelming.
Save: Ross-Simons Cubic Zirconia, $56.25 at Ross-Simons.com.
Spend: Tiffany Silver Ball Earrings, $125.
Total Splurge: Zales Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings in White Gold, $449.99 at Zales.com.
9. Bangle Bracelets
Anything goes when it comes to stacking on bracelets – and more is more! “Stack up a cohesive bunch of bracelets on your arm for a classic look. Gold, silver, enamel… Anything goes, as long as you wear them as some semblance of a matching set,” says Kamm. Dare to mix, or wear them on their own for just a hint of shine. Mix and match your own set on the Alex and Ani website (prices vary per bangle) or grab a simple wear-alone bangle. A slim, set of multiple bangles can be dressed up or down and paired with any other pieces of jewelry you have in your closet.
Save: Bauble Bar Silver Bangle Quintet, $28 at BaubleBar.com.
Spend: Alex and Ani Bangles, prices vary per bangle, at AlexandAni.com.
Total Splurge: Henri Bendel Bangle, $98 at HenriBendel.com.
10. Sunglasses
The perfect pair of sunnies can be an investment piece, especially since the classic styles have been and will be around forever. Trying on different styles to see what works for you is the best way to go with choosing sunglasses – you can’t go wrong if you’re selecting a pair based on what works for you. “If you decide to spend a substantial amount of money on them, be sure to do your research by way of shopping around and taking your time trying on styles to see what is best for you and your style. It is easy to see what you love on other people, but that style might not be best suited for your features,” advises Kamm. The most timeless sunglasses tend to be Ray-Ban aviators, wayfarers, a subtle cat-eye or an oversized Jackie-O shape. Adding fun, classic sunglasses to any look will enhance your chic-factor and pull it all together.
Save: Kardashian Kollection Metal Aviator Sunglasses, $25.50 at Sears.com.
Spend: Ray Ban Aviators or Wayfarers, $145-200 at RayBan.com.
Total Splurge: Dior Squared Ombre Sunglasses, $315 at NeimanMarcus.com.
As Kamm notes, “Fashion does repeat itself in trends inspired by all time periods in history, but what we refer to as classic is ultimately inspired by 1950s fashion.” That said, keep these pieces around forever and use them as tools to anchor the ever-changing trendy items that go in and out of style. Snatch up any trend that works for you, but accessorize with items that will stay relevant as long as fashion does.