What makes a classic?

And 13 of them I turn to again and again

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Some things are fads. Some things are classics. What separates the two is that the latter remains undiminished in its power to elicit some form of emotion. A scent that never dates. A book that always hits hard. A pair of shoes that always make you feel like the very best version of yourself.

There are some classics I have had in my wardrobe for close to two decades. And when they fray and fall apart I simply replace them with the exact same thing. So today’s post is all about the things that never let me down; the things I turn to again and again; the things that make me feel exactly as I want to feel no matter what is going on.

And as ever I’d love to know what you all turn to time and again in the comments below. See you there my friends!

Farrah x

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The Black Mock Neck

There’s a Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy fever around black roll necks of all persuasions right now. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an occasional fan of a turtle and roll neck (roll necks are chunkier and looser; turtle necks slimmer) but a mock neck is really where it’s at. That’s because mock necks are fabulous for layering and elongate the neck as well as flatter jawlines. The absolute best one is by a new brand that I stumbled across a few months back called 44OME. You can find it here. Perfect for spring days.

Papyrus Lampshade by Robert Kime

Look at that gentle light!

I spent a lot of time and money trying to get lighting just right. Sometimes it’s all about the bulb. (I cannot be without a warm white LED 2200K bulb, which is the closest thing to candlelight) but sometimes it’s more about the lampshade. These papyrus lampshade by Robert Kime are sheer perfection, giving a soft, amber hue to any room. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

The Beauty Staple

E45- even comes on holiday with me

There are fancier bottles and certainly more expensive alternatives out there but nothing is quite as effective as E45 which I’ve been using since I was about 21. I’ve always used E45 Lotion on my body because not only is it incredibly lightweight but it soaks right into my skin after a shower. It’s also fabulous slathered onto legs and arms just before bed as it’s non-greasy and acts like a daily hydration shot at the end of the day, leaving skin cashmere soft when you wake up. Anyway, fabulous product, reasonably priced and a total classic. You can find it here.

Black Patent Shoes

Nomasei specialise in black patent beauties

I have so many pairs of black shoes, but none spruce up an outfit in quite the same way as a pair of black patents. I adore the French brand, Nomasei (there are two very good French women at the helm who use to work at Chloe and who are obsessed with comfort) and their The Hours patent pumps are brilliant: good chunky heel, very walkable, a delicate strap which makes feet and ankles look dainty and despite the pointy tie they have enough ‘secret’ width built into them that toes are not squished. (I’m also close to preordering the new kitten heel model above.)

Black Sandals

Speaking of footwear, summer sandals are a minefield. But basically you will never ever go wrong with a pair of fugly sandals that offer both comfort and a certain amount of fashion credibility. I have always gone for good old Teva sandals, or the Japanese brand Suicoke also does great walkable sandals. But this year I have been seduced by Phoebe Philo’s take on the fugly black sandal called the Pace Runner. (You can find them here.)

Swimsuits

I have owned the same black Eres swimsuit for the last 15 years. I bought it for my honeymoon back in 2011 and have worn it every summer since. The shape is flattering on just about every body type and there’s just something so expensive looking about an Eres swimsuit. (I mean, they are expensive…) I’m just about to reorder for 2026 and will be going for the classic Aquarelle style which has a flattering square neckline and decent bottom coverage.

A fluttery white dress

Rixo always come up trumps

Summer is coming. That means you’ll want a white dress. Ideally something a bit floaty and milk maidey. Rixo do half a dozen very good ones for the summer including this one which would be perfect for summer drinks or even a low-key wedding and this one called the Edina which I have and which is going to be the most indispensable dress of the summer. (They also have a very cool Substack which you can find here.)

Cartier Tank

So this is a dream big item but if there’s one watch that I would like to own it would be a Cartier Louis Tank. Beloved by Jackie O this is the first and last word in chic. ( I love the mini version which I think is especially lovely.)

Navy T-shirts

The Conrad T- shirt- very very good

I have tried and tested so many T-shirts over the years and hands down the best one is by Sezanne. (It’s called the Conrad and it comes in various colours.) It’s a little loose around the body with a slightly boyish cut. I love it and it looks fabulous with jeans and Converse.

Classic Gold Hoops

Everyone needs a pair. Not too big, not too small. Medium thickness is good and I personally favour classic gold over silver. These by Otiumberg are great value and very stylish.

Ballet Pumps

Still a perennial favourite- you just have to get the toe right to ensure they don’t date your entire outfit. I think ballet flats that don’t show any toe cleavage are best, and try and avoid any with little unnecessary bows on the front. My favourites are by Souer and you can find them in black or a very useful deep grey.

White jeans

There is nothing better than a pair of white or better still, off-white jeans for the summer months. I enjoy then when worn with either a black turtle neck (see above) for spring or with a navy T-shirt for summer (see below). Align are doing some terrific very reasonably priced ones right now. I especially like the midi kick flares if you are under 5ft 7 because they fall at the most flattering part of your calf. Otherwise I also have the high rise straight leg version in ecru which are brilliant and super flattering.

A summer scent

I wore Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum for the first time when I was a student in Paris and ever since this has been my scent of summer. It smells like a damp body after a day at the beach- an indescribable smell really, but one that captures hot, balmy days like nothing else.