The New Classics: 10 Fashion Trends With Staying Power

Sure, the last couple of years have seen the rise of six-inch platform heels with rounded toes, but before that, for what feels like eons, pointy-toed stiletto heels where always the way to sex up any look. Recently, red carpet darlings and supermodels (Kate Moss and Elle McPherson) have busted out their old faithfuls, sparking the pointy-toe resurgence. The bottom line is that the rounded toe is cute, the pointy-toe is all woman and will never really be "out."

$100 at Aldo.

Whether they're leggings or skinny pants, leather adds texture, sex appeal, and edge to absolutely anything, which is why they'll be donned regularly by fashion lovers everywhere for some time to come. They can be dressed up or down, worn at brunch or during cocktail hour, depending on what you pair them with.

$895 at Shopbop.

This is the ultimate easy piece when it comes to casualwear. It allows city girls everywhere to add a little bit of country style irreverence and a universally flattering color (soft blue) to her wardrobe. Chambray is a thin fabric that layers easily, adding to its versatility.

$50 at Lands End.

You can find moto detailing on leggings, jackets, and even gloves. An extra zipper, touch of leather, or parallel seaming at the elbow and knee all add up to biker chic that makes your most feminine looks feel simply cool.

$50 at Nasty Gal.

Leopard has had its moments with the ultra-wealthy and the ultra-gaudy alike. One set liked to use it in chic fur coats and hats, another liked to see it on spandex. Fashion has finally come up with an intermediary leopard option that feels upscale and can be adopted by everyone. The key is keeping it as an accent piece. Whether it's a bag, skinny belt, or scarf, this pattern is fail-safe.

$448 at J.Crew.

Like almost everything on this list, the popularity of this item is entirely based on how functional it is. In a world of skinny bottoms, a loose, breezy top makes a perfect balance. Not to mention its femme touch is appropriate under a suit jacket at the office or under a denim jacket on a day date.

$450 at Net-a-Porter.

There's something about a touch of metal that just feels right in the twenty-first century. It also feels prophetic in a way, maybe someday we'll be wearing metallic head-to-toe, flying our cars in and out of work. Because it seems to foretell the future, it's likely to remain cool in the "now."

$34.80 at Forever 21.

How functionally perfect. How comfortable. What a great way to just feel and look laid-back-cool. Who cares if you have a boyfriend? Acquire a pair of jeans a couple sizes too big, belt them, and be on your way.

$69.95 at Gap.

This dress is to die for, no? It may be out of your price range, but it's a fantastic inspirational piece. Lace accents, for their femininity, aren't going anywhere anytime soon, trust us.

$1,770 at Stylebop.

Once upon a time, a fashionable lady matched her bag to her shoes, or her earrings to her bracelet. If she was going out in the evening, everything she had on was "evening." And if she was casual, she was so head-to-toe. And she never, ever wore more than one print at one time. Then came along Jenna Lyons, who taught us how to pair sequins with destroyed denim, a flower print with a leopard belt, and so many more offbeat combinations that allowed us to mix and match our wardrobe like never before. Masculine with feminine, edgy with preppy, uptown with downtown, mix away. We know we will.

Image: J.Crew.