There are some clothing items that you only wear once or twice. They come into fashion for the summer but only stay in style for a few short months. Then there are other clothing items that seem to stay in your closet forever, accompanying you through thick and thin. 

Some fashion items simply never go out of style, no matter how much time passes. There are often a few reasons for this—it might offer a mix of style, functionality, and comfort, making it so people never want to let it go. What’s the point in fixing what isn’t broken? 

In this article, we’ll explore the fashion items that have stuck around for the long haul and will likely continue to do so for many years to come. The following wardrobe staples are, without a doubt, what anyone would describe as timeless fashion

1: Denim Jeans 

For most people, denim jeans are that one clothing item they feel they can reach for almost any day of the week. The benefit of denim jeans is that they’re durable and comfy. Find a good pair, and they’ll likely stay in your closet for a very long time. 

Denim jeans aren’t anything new. In fact, they were around back in the 19th century, with 1873 being the birth date of the blue denim jeans. Over 150 years later, they’re still going strong; just look around you when you’re doing some shopping or going to grab a cup of coffee, and you’ll see many people of all ages rocking their denim jeans. 

One of the reasons why denim jeans will always stay in style is that they can adapt to the times. One year, it might be acid-wash denim that takes the spotlight. Another year, ripped skinny jeans are all the rage. They can change their style to fit what’s in fashion while still staying true to their core purpose. 

2: The Little Black Dress 

The little black dress has been a much-loved fashion piece for many decades. It was first really introduced all the way back in the 1920s, when it became a brand staple for Coco Chanel. Then, throughout the 1930s and onwards, it turned into a classic dress that many women reached for time and time again. 

It’s not hard to see why the little black dress became such a closet staple. Its flattering cut and shade of black make pretty much anyone look good, and it always adds a touch of sophistication. It’s cute, stylish, and works with just about anything. If you want to dress up for a party, you can wear a little black dress with silver jewelry and a pair of stylish heels. It also works if you want to run errands in the summer—simply throw on a little black dress with some comfortable shoes and sunglasses, and you’re ready to go. Its versatility and unwavering stylishness make the little black dress stand the test of time.

3: A White Shirt 

Another much-loved fashion item that never goes out of style is the white shirt. A simple white shirt can look clean, elegant, and well put together, depending on what you pair it with. It’s so versatile, and absolutely anyone can wear it. You might wear it with a light jacket for a casual look or perhaps layer it under sweaters during the colder months to stay warm. Most people have at least one white shirt in their closet, and they likely will for many decades to come. 

4: The Leather Jacket 

Leather jackets first came about in the early 1900s when they were worn by aviators. Then, they became popular in the 1930s and 1940s during WW2, when people wore them for their warmth (at this point, they were called bomber jackets). They also became trendy among bikers, with bikers today still riding with their trusty leather jackets on their backs. 

Of course, it’s not just 1920s aviators and bikers who wear leather jackets, they’ve become a staple for almost everyone! They are warm, stylish, and cool, making them a great addition to any closet (especially during the cooler seasons). It makes sense that they’ve stuck around for over 100 years, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them still being worn 100 years from now. 

5: Oversized Sunglasses 

Oversized sunglasses have been around for a very long time. They got really popular in the 1970s when large lenses were frequently seen on the likes of Brigitte Bardot. It’s not hard to see why—these oversized frames are incredibly flattering on most face shapes, providing symmetry and balance. Fast forward from the 1970s to today, and you’ll still see these kinds of sunglasses on many beachgoers and fashionistas alike! 

Of course, it’s not just that oversized sunglasses are flattering; there’s also the functionality side of them that makes them so timeless. When it comes to sun protection, bigger is always better, and these sunglasses don’t disappoint. Being oversized, they provide the ultimate SPF protection to your eye area, ensuring that you don’t squint or end up with too much sun damage in such a sensitive part of your face. With oversized sunglasses being stylish, flattering, and protective, it’s no wonder that you’ll likely hold onto your favorite pair for a lifetime. 

6: An A-Line Dress 

A-line dresses are flattering and beautiful. They allow women to show off their figure in a relaxed and feminine way, which is why they’re not going anywhere any time soon. The design is pretty simple, they sit like an ordinary mid-dress, except they have a slit down one side of the skirt, which helps to accentuate women’s curves. It’s the kind of dress that can work for running errands on a summer’s day as well as attending a wedding. 

While neon pants and metallic belts might not be in a person’s closet forever, there are certain pieces that won’t be going anywhere. From denim jeans to oversized sunglasses, some clothing items are simply too good to give up.

If you’re ready to update your closet with more staple pieces that you won’t want to throw out after a couple of years, check out the fashion items available at Erica Wilson, where you’ll find dresses, pants, and shoes that you’ll want to wear over and over again.