Trendy or Timeless? How basics remain superior in fashion – The Eagle

In the ever-evolving fashion world, the allure of trends can be intoxicating. Each season brings fresh trends that promise to elevate our wardrobes. However, amid the hype surrounding seasonal ins and outs, one category remains: the basics. 

The backbone of every wardrobe, basic unpatterned items possess a quiet elegance that often goes unnoticed. They provide a canvas for creativity to flow. With these foundational garments, there’s room to accessorize, layer, mix and experiment. 

In a world of shifting trends and a collective yearning to stand out, it’s easy to lose our distinct sense of style. Let’s reframe that narrative. Basics allow us to reclaim that individuality. 

As the trendy printed top gathers dust in your closet, you’ll keep reaching for that one black long-sleeve again and again. The same goes for the classic white tee and blue jeans that are always part of your outfit rotation. Why is that? It’s because basics can be worn in countless ways. This versatility is exclusive to basics, letting you look polished without constantly chasing fleeting trends. So take that black long-sleeve and toss it on with jeans and Converse for a laid-back day, or pair it with a long pencil skirt and boots for a chic look. Investing in basics always pays off.

Take the 1990s minimalist style, for example. Many of us are dazzled by passing trends, but timeless staples like simple silhouettes and neutrals have remained essential in our wardrobes, subtly embraced season after season.

Style icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy embody this timeless appeal. Known for her simple yet elegant ‘90s minimalist style, she exuded quiet luxury defined by clean silhouettes and neutrals — a look that feels as current today as it did decades ago. Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe choices show the timeless power of simplicity. 

Similarly, brands like Brandy Melville generate revenue from basic clothing pieces. The numbers speak for themselves: the appeal of basics isn’t just a passing trend — it’s part of fashion’s foundation. 

What makes basics truly remarkable is how they just work, no matter where your style goes. As trends come and go, these pieces always retain their relevance. A simple white tee or a go-to pair of jeans always feels right. Basics remain adaptable and are always on point.

So the question remains: are basics trendy or timeless? There’s no doubt that basics are a staple that will forever remain in our wardrobes. They make our wardrobes functional and solely ours. 

Far beyond any fleeting trend, we will always rely on basics for their unmatched versatility and timeless appeal. 

This article was edited by Maria Tedesco, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Emma Brown, Ariana Kavoossi and Charlie Mennuti.

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