Timeless vs. Trendy
Your favorite timeless pieces never go out of style, but even the classics can benefit from a fresh twist! By adding even just a few on-trend pieces, you can effortlessly modernize your wardrobe, while also staying true to your elegant style. But, they key is… finding the right pieces. Below I’m sharing five simple fashion finds that will seamlessly take your fall outfits from timeless… to just a touch of trendy!
Huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you’re looking for more fall outfit inspiration, make sure you check out our new fall lookbook!
5 Simple Outfits Updates
For those of you diehard classic style lovers, you will love the first look above. It doesn’t get more timeliness than a button down, blazer and jeans! I absolutely love this look and would happily wear it everywhere from casual Fridays at the office to dinner.
I’m wearing my favorite Veronica Beard black blazer that is such a beautiful, high-quality basic that I’ve had and worn for years. Under the blazer, I’m wearing my go-to white button-down by Frank & Eileen. It’s denim, has a relaxed fit, a cool raw hem, and it’s 100% cotton so it’s breathable. For the classic, timeless look, I tucked in the top and added a slim belt.
On my bottom half, I’m wearing a pair of bootcut jeans by AG that I picked up during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. They are the perfect, versatile, medium blue wash, the leg silhouette and high-rise are very flattering, and the 31.5” inseam is perfect on me with heels. (Always pay attention to the inseam length to save you time and trouble on the backend.) I have on a pair of Veronica Beard suede booties with a 3” heel. These booties are one of my favorites this fall because of their versatility and elegance. They look great with so many things including jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses.
You’ll notice that all of these pieces are neutral, have very minimal details, and are made of high-quality fabrics…making them timeless. This is an outfit I could wear today, and 10 years from today!
Now let’s dive into a few ways to modernize this look with some trendy swaps…
#1 | Change Your Blazer
Now, let’s talk about the simple swaps you can make to add modern twists to the outfit. The first is… swap your classic blazer for a more updated, on-trend cropped blazer. This is still a black blazer, but the cropped length makes it look and feel trendier. You’ll notice that this and the other swaps I’m suggesting aren’t over-the-top trendy…they’re just enough to modernize your look. This blazer by Gray Lab is super affordable and gives this look a really cool vibe. The fit is wonderful, and I love the on-trend strong shoulders too. I also decided to untuck the button-down. Because it has a rounded hem, it creates more length in the legs and allows for forgiveness in the tummy area if that’s a concern. Notice the cropped blazer defines the waist so you have the best of both worlds – tummy coverage and waist defintion!
#2 | Swap Your Shoes
Next, I swapped my classic black booties for a pair of burgundy mules by Schutz. Burgundy is the it color of the season! If you’re trying to add any trendy element to your outfits, the easiest way is by incorporating a trendy color like burgundy, olive green, chocolate brown, or red. These heels are such a gorgeous burgundy hue, they have a croc-embossed texture, and the gold heel is a cool touch.
#3 | Add a Trendy Bag
Next, I added a burgundy handbag by Vince Camuto to complement the burgundy shoes. I love the gold grommet details, rich burgundy color, and bucket bag shape. Burgundy is technically on-trend, but I consider it a neutral during the fall months! It’s so easy to incorporate into your wardrobe and looks amazing on so many women. If the color is not for you, this bag also comes in black and brown.
#4 | Update Your Jewelry
If you want to add even more trendy pieces to your fall outfits, consider updating your jewelry. Instead of your classic, elegant, everyday necklace…try a fun, chunky, prelayered necklace like the one I’m wearing above! I absolutely love the classic Monica Vinader necklace I’m wearing on the left. But adding this St. Moran necklace adds some edge and excitement to the neckline. It has a coin pendant, pear strand, and two chunky gold chains that all look really cool together!
#5 | Swap Your Sunglasses
Another very simple style swap to modernize your look, try a different pair of sunglasses. On the left, I’m wearing a pair of oversized square sunglasses by Gucci that I love and are quite classic To modernize the look, I added a pair of shield sunglasses by QUAY that have a sportier, on-trend vibe. Changing your sunnies can instantly change the way your entire outfit looks. And they can even change the way you feel! These sunglasses make me feel way more edgy and cool.
Looking a bit more trendy doesn’t have to be difficult. And, it doesn’t mean grabbing over-the-top fashion-forward pieces you see on the runways. You can easily swap out your shoes and/or your accessories with a trendy color or style to add that luxe, subtle, modern touch you’re looking for.
Which look do you prefer? Timeless, trendy or both? Let us know in the comments below!
I love these jeans, white shirt, and cropped jacket with the aviators! My Nordy card is taking a hit today LOL. Thank you for doing the work for me and finding these edgy yet staple pieces to add to my wardrobe.
SO glad you enjoyed the post, Maureen! We’re loving this whole look too. Perfect for this fall, yet they really are classic enough styles that you’ll love them for years to come too! Have a great week! ~Team Busbee
I love both looks! The trendy pieces elevated the classic base look. Perfect!
Totally agree! Thanks for reading, Brandi. Enjoy the week ahead! ~Team Busbee