How to wear the basics

basics
Ah, the basics…

I could live wearing nothing but the basics. And I mostly do. For me, the basics are not just the core of my wardrobe; they are my wardrobe. 

Sure, I have a few (and I mean very few) statement pieces for special occasions, or for when the mood strikes me, but basics is what I wear on a day-to-day basis. And I’m fine with that.

The thing is, I don’t like anything fussy or complicated, and I like my clothes rather plain, without any bells or whistles. And it goes without saying that my clothes should not restrict my movements in any way. I have to be able to jump or run or climb freely. Not that I ever do. Jump or climb, that is. But I do have to run occasionally to catch the train / bus…

My point is, clothes should feel comfortable, like second skin. But they should also look just as great as they feel.

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Just as much as I hate anything that feels fussy, restricting or complicated, I dislike anything that looks fussy, restricting or complicated. I like my clothes simple and streamlined, easy-going and easy on the eye. 

Maybe it’s a Nordic thing, the way we see life. You know: no fuss, no drama; just quietly minding our own business. We abhor grand gestures; it’s the simple things in life that matter. Nothing is ever ‘larger than life’; everything is designed in human-scale and fit for purpose.

It also spills over to how we see style: it’s always understated, casual and functional. 

how to wear the basics over 50

Obviously, when the clothes are rather plain, accessories take on a bigger role. A simple, streamlined outfit becomes a neutral backdrop to showcase accessories in a way that makes them pop.

And the fewer accessories you have, the more they pop. As there’s nothing to distract the eye, the focus stays on the details. In that sense, less really is more.

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Outfit details (all old):

coat: Jaeger / top: Gap / jeans: Next /

bag: Adolfo Dominguez / shoes: Clarks / sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana

 

How do you wear your basics?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeLiving on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the EdgeA Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink Friday, Away from the BlueMummabstylish , Mutton Years Style and I

14 Comments

  1. 4 March 2019 / 12:32 am

    This is such a classic outfit with the stripes and the navy coat! I agree, great basics are the foundation of a wardrobe. I’ve been wearing them even more since becoming a mum – they make for such simple, fuss-free outfits which is just what I need most days!

    Hope that you have been having a great weekend 🙂

    Away From The Blue

    • Tiina
      Author
      7 March 2019 / 1:19 pm

      Thanks, Mica. Life is often complicated and hectic, but at least our wardrobes can be simple and easy.

  2. Arlene
    4 March 2019 / 4:17 pm

    I love your outfit! I am in basics most of the time. I had to wear “professional office” wear for many years as a legal assistant and found myself loving the freedom of being comfortable and casual when I left the job. It’s great that in Finland most of the jobs don’t require such dress codes. It’s a lot better now here than it used to be but in certain jobs, I’m sure they still maintain the codes. You are stylish, yet comfortable which is great. Love seeing your many coats too! Arlene from NJ
    PS Got snow during the night! UGH When will it end?

    • Tiina
      Author
      7 March 2019 / 1:26 pm

      Thanks, Arlene. I don’t even know what ‘professional office wear is’. Jeans are more or less standard in any office here, although you see a lot of ‘smart casual’ type of outfits (with or without jeans). And politicians, lawyers and businessmen wear suits, of course. But as for women wearing suits… I don’t see that very often these days, and it would look a bit dated, I suppose.
      Oh, yes, we’ve had some snow, too…

  3. Jodie
    5 March 2019 / 4:40 pm

    You look wonderful with your basics!!
    I’m actually the opposite, and tend to like the statement pieces more. To the point that I struggle with basics. One of these days, I will learn moderation…maybe, LOL!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Tiina
      Author
      7 March 2019 / 1:27 pm

      Thanks, Jodi.
      Every now and then I want to add some statement pieces to my wardrobe, and when I do, I never know how to wear them…

  4. Jess
    6 March 2019 / 5:41 pm

    Love the cobalt trench on you with the striped tee. I think we all need those basics and they are great to have as staples to wear any time
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina
      Author
      7 March 2019 / 1:29 pm

      Thanks, Jess.
      The cobalt coat is a very light wrap-around wool coat, which makes it incredibly versatile, in spring and autumn.

  5. 7 March 2019 / 1:49 am

    You always wear the basics so well. Love that classic navy peacoat and all your stripes!

    Welcome by tomorrow Tiina and every Thursday to join my linkup. =)

    • Tiina
      Author
      7 March 2019 / 1:29 pm

      Thanks, Ada!

  6. 7 March 2019 / 6:15 pm

    Lovely outfit, thanks for sharing on #chicandstylish today. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • Tiina
      Author
      8 March 2019 / 12:57 pm

      Thanks, Jacqui!

    • Tiina
      Author
      11 March 2019 / 6:22 pm

      Thanks, Emma!

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