Can classics be born? When does a trend become a classic? My first experience with these questions was in my first professional job out of college in merchandising. During a Monday morning meeting the topic of black leggings was brought up. This was the early-2000’s when black leggings seemed to be discovered by mass-retailers. You could wear them with anything! Anyone could wear them! They came in all price-points! After a season or two of this trend, the wave of this simple, obvious piece of clothing seemed to be cresting in higher-fashion companies like the one I was working for. Another Monday morning meeting two seasons later featured the questions and comments on this trend ending. Or was it already over? And, that it was never to return in our not-so-humble merchant opinion. Fast forward to now, close to 20 years later and this piece of clothing is still here and is likely hanging in your closet, tucked in your drawer, or on your body this very moment. Whether you would like to admit it or not, the black legging has morphed into a wardrobe staple. Whether you wear them for exercise, date night, a casual bottom to your favorite tank top or with your silky blouse French-tucked into the waistband, these babies appear to be here to stay.
Who defines what a classic is? Sure, there are certain pieces of clothing that the majority of the fashion kingdom would consider a classic or wardrobe staple. But, what if you don’t agree? What if your closet has pieces that YOU consider to be classic but the rest of us would scoff at? The secret is – whatever YOU feel you look best in and whatever YOU keep as your go-to items for decades are what YOUR classics are.