I'm 49, and These Are My "Any-Age" Wardrobe Staples

More than ever, we’re feeling a pull to spend our money on pieces that will stay in style for longer. For many of us, it feels refreshing to slow down our consumption and more thoughtfully choose how we engage in the relentless trend cycle. But how does one cultivate a timeless wardrobe? One place to start is to pay attention to the types of pieces that you reach for time and again. We can also look to fashion experts like Kimara Mitchell, the woman behind J’Adore Couture who also happens to be the art director at Banana Republic. Her life centers on aesthetics, so it’s no surprise that she’s nailed the art of dressing. Her fashion philosophy centers on wardrobe staples that she calls her "any-age” items. She’s worn them for years—think of them as outfit foundation blocks with no expiration date. Scroll down to see the pieces that made Mitchell’s list—we bet you already own many of them!

"I have been a graphic T-shirt collector for many years. I used to stick to neutral shades, but I've recently been branching out into colors and brights. They're a great way to show off a bit of your personality."

"There's a reason Levi's have been around for over 150 years. They never go out of style. The 501 Skinny with no stretch is my preferred style because it's not a tight fit; it's more of a slim-straight on me."

"I've had this AllSaints leather jacket for years, and it just keeps getting better with age. It adds the right amount of sass and sexiness to any outfit."

"An oversize button-down shirt can be paired with more classic pieces like denim or trousers, layered with tees underneath, tied at the waist, and it's so chic as a swim coverup."

"My taste in skirts has gone from minis to fuller A-lines, but the pencil is one I come back to again and again. Everyone should have a great black pencil skirt that fits them like a glove because you'll wear it with everything from sweaters and boots to dressier tops and heels."

"My love of the slip dress didn't end in the '90s! I've got short and midi versions and love to layer sweaters and hoodies over and under. I make mine ready for the weekend by adding fun sneakers or flat slides." 

"This may not be considered a staple to everyone, but a blouse in an interesting print, color, or silhouette is something that adds frivolity to your wardrobe. I have some from Mango and H&M and from higher-end brands like Jacquemus."

"A good blazer is the ultimate dress-up/dress-down piece. I've got a whole blazer wardrobe that includes thrifted men's versions, double-breasted, prints, and tuxedo varieties."