how to wear the classic essence in your everyday life

Fernanda Estrada

Designer and Writer

Kitchener’s Classic essence is elegant and timeless. But maybe you’ve asked yourself, how can I apply it to my everyday life? Exploring our essences is a very interesting path from which we can always learn something new. So today I will give you some tips to incorporate this Classic essence style into your everyday life, whether for work, casual attire or special occasions.

Kitchener defines the classic essence as the balanced Yin and Yang essence. Which means nothing is too sharp or soft, but right in the inbetween. therefore The clothing lines for people with Classic essence are clean, polished, elegant, conservative, and with moderate construction.

But wait, if you are still not sure if this is your essence, go take the 7 style essences -quiz, so you will know how the right essence can be of great help when choosing your wardrobe.

What are some key aspects of the classic essence look?

Moderate fits and lengths.
Symmetrical clothes.
Minimalist outfits without looking boring.
Polished hair.
Clean, no-makeup-makeup looks.
Timeless outfits.
Moderate fabrics.

Now that you know more about the Classic essence, let’s see how to incorporate it into everyday life, whether for a hectic work day, informal or casual attire or for a special event.

How to Incorporate the Classic Essence for Work?

What we seek when incorporating the Classic Essence into the work environment is to help you project a timeless, sophisticated and elegant image with high-quality garments, clean cuts and minimalist details. So first, let’s see which clothes will suit you the most and how you can complement them with your hair, makeup and accessories.

tops and blouses for classic essence

A basic for work is a button-down shirt, whether in cotton or silk in neutral colors like white, light blue, beige or grey. Classic cuts and details like French cuffs and mother-of-pearl buttons will without a doubt elevate the garment and outfit.
Silk blouses in solid colors or with discreet prints are really comfortable and make you look sophisticated. They can also have bows at the neck or subtle pleats that add a more delicate touch. Indeed, they are also incredibly easy to pair with wool pants or midi skirts.
If you like to wear sweaters, the ideal ones for the classic essence are fine jerseys, made of merino wool or cashmere in neutral colors. Don’t complicate things too much with the silhouette, something moderate and symmetrical with a round or V-neck is excellent. Also remember that it is better to invest in quality over quantity.

TROUSERS, SKIRTS AND DRESSES FOR CLASSICS

Straight-cut, high-waisted trousers will be your best friend for work days. You can choose between wool, cotton or fabric blends in neutral tones. The best thing is that you can really pair them with everything, for example: blouses, shirts, mid-heeled shoes, high heels, flats, there is no problem.
Pencil skirts in fabrics like wool or cotton look elegant and structured, in addition they are extremely comfortable. A knee-length and a hip-hugging cut that flows without looking too tight will be best. If you want a slightly longer skirt, a midi length is your best bet. Remember to keep a moderate silhouette, with solid colors or very discreet prints.
And let’s not forget dresses! Cotton or wool shirt dresses with buttons at the front and A-line silhouettes combined with thin belts and low-heeled shoes make a casual look that doesn’t lose its sophistication. And finally, for a more important meeting or event you can opt for formal dresses in elegant fabrics like silk or wool. You can pair them with fitted blazers and fine accessories.

colors and prints

The classic essence is characterized by timeless elegance and discreet sophistication, which is why the color palette and prints play a crucial role in maintaining this essence in the work environment. So, we will divide the palette into 3 parts:

First, the main neutrals that can work as the base of the outfit: white, black, grey, beige, camel and navy blue. They express cleanliness, simplicity, elegance, sophistication and professionalism.
Second, soft and pastel colors are relaxed and maintain elegance, for example, light blue, pale pink, lavender, cream and ivory.
And finally, the dark and deep colors that serve as a contrast, burgundy ideal for skirts, blazers and accessories. Bottle green perfect for suits and accessories. And dark brown, excellent for trousers and blazers. A classic and sophisticated color that brings warmth.
As for prints, the best for classic essence are thin stripes as they are elegant and timeless. Pinstripes perfect for suits and blazers and small checks or vichy.
To learn more about how to use colors in the workplace, you can take a look at our blog ¨a complete guide to psychology of color¨.

accesories

To make your outfits look coherent, wear minimalist pieces and jewelry in metals like gold or silver, with simple and elegant designs. Some classic accessories are pearl earrings, watches with a refined design or fine necklaces.
Structured, leather bags in neutral colors like black, beige or brown are comfortable and work perfectly. If you wear totes and satchels, choose structured designs and minimalist details that don’t look sloppy.
And very important, the shoes! This choice is something you should carefully analyze since we do not want the wrong shoes to cause you discomfort or overshadow your look, so I suggest wearing mid-heeled shoes in leather or suede to feel comfortable and pretty. Another option are some cute elegant flat shoes like loafers, ballerinas or oxford shoes in neutral tones.

Make up and hairstyle

Wear makeup that looks natural and polished, a clean look that includes light foundation, blush in natural tones, and a touch of highlighter.
I also suggest earth-toned eyeshadow, subtle eyeliner, mascara, and nude or classic red lips.
For your hairstyle, we’re looking for something elegant and structured like low buns, polished ponytails, or loose hair with soft waves.
Classic haircuts are easy to maintain and always look impeccable.

classic essence looks for work

Timeless Sophistication

Knitted top.
Gray wool trousers with a straight cut and high waist.
Pearl earrings, silver watch, and black structured bag.
Leather mid-heeled pumps.
Low bun, natural makeup with red lips.

Chic and professional

Light beige cashmere sweater with a V-neck or round neck.
Black wool midi skirt with a classic cut.
Small hoop earrings, a classic watch, and a black satchel bag.
Black or beige mary janes.
Polished ponytail, natural makeup with nude lips.

How to Incorporate the Classic Essence into Informal or Casual attire?

Incorporating the classic essence into your casual or informal wardrobe means maintaining a polished and sophisticated appearance, even in more relaxed situations.

basics for classic essence

When choosing your casual basics, we continue to be guided by simplicity, sophistication and minimalist details. The first piece is cotton or linen shirts with classic cuts, the buttons can be mother-of-pearl or some metal that doesn’t look too heavy and flashy. You can combine them with dark jeans or chinos for a casual but refined look.
Silk or cotton blouses are the basic of basics, a great look can start from this garment that works as a timeless base. Remember that you can choose solid colors or discreet prints. The silhouette can have a V-neck and moderately puffed sleeves. And since the situation is more informal, wear them with midi skirts that have movement or classic jeans.
And of course, fine sweaters and cardigans, both for work and informal occasions, are super combinable, comfortable garments that complement your sophisticated lady look. You can choose moderate, fitted or slightly oversized silhouettes as long as the symmetry of the garment is appreciated. Depending on the fit of the sweater you can wear it under or over button-down shirts.

pants, skirts and dresses for classic essence

Jeans in dark tones such as navy or black, straight cut and fitted to the waist.
Cotton Chinos in neutral colours with a straight cut and mid-rise. Perfect to combine with fitted shirts or fine jumpers.
Mid-length skirts with a classic silhouette in materials such as cotton or wool.
Cotton or linen dresses with a classic cut and fitted waist. To be comfortable, wear them with elegant flat shoes. Dresses in elegant fabrics such as silk or cotton. In A-line or moderate silhouettes. Wear them with fitted cardigans or under a warm cardigan if it is cold.