The Rise of the ‘Effortless’ Wardrobe: How Stylists are Redefining Essentials
Spring closet cleanouts are getting a makeover, thanks to celebrity stylist Chloé Bartoli and her brand, ÉTERNE. Bartoli, known for dressing stars like Selena Gomez, Shay Mitchell, and Miranda Kerr, is championing a shift towards fewer, higher-quality pieces – a trend that’s resonating with a growing audience, including Hailey Bieber, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Zoë Kravitz, and Emily Ratajkowski.
Denim as the Cornerstone
Bartoli emphasizes the importance of high-quality jeans, recently launching core denim styles within her ÉTERNE line. “I’m a huge denim person. I wear it almost every day and have collected vintage Levi’s for years,” she explains. This focus isn’t new; the demand for well-fitting, durable denim has been steadily increasing as consumers move away from fast fashion. The goal, according to Bartoli, is jeans that feel “easy, like you’ve had them forever, but still hold you in the right places.”
The ‘Living In’ Philosophy: Comfort and Versatility
Beyond denim, Bartoli’s personal uniform – and the core of ÉTERNE’s offerings – centers around comfort, and versatility. She frequently wears the brand’s Baby Tee, French Terry sets, and the Francis cashmere sweater, prioritizing pieces that “feel” good. This aligns with a broader trend towards relaxed silhouettes and fabrics, driven by a desire for clothing that seamlessly integrates into everyday life. It’s “not about trends; it’s about how something feels on your body,” Bartoli states.
Elevating the Everyday: Contrast and Finishing Touches
While the foundation is built on essentials, Bartoli highlights the power of contrast to elevate an outfit. She suggests mixing new pieces with vintage finds and playing with proportion – pairing fitted items with more relaxed styles. Accessories also play a key role: “A great belt, the right sunglasses, and a strong bag can completely transform a gaze.” She favors masculine gold jewelry, vintage Western belts, classic loafers, and cowboy boots, emphasizing pieces that feel timeless and characterful.
The Edited Closet: Quality Over Quantity
Bartoli’s approach extends to decluttering. She advocates for a highly edited closet, removing items that aren’t worn consistently. “I’m very edited. If I’m not wearing something consistently, it’s gone,” she says. This minimalist mindset reflects a growing consumer awareness of the environmental and economic costs of overconsumption. Prioritizing fewer, well-loved items is becoming increasingly popular.
The Genderless Appeal of Essentials
Bartoli’s brand, ÉTERNE, was founded after she struggled to find perfect basics while working as a stylist. She started the brand in 2020, recognizing a gap in the market for well-tailored, high-quality essentials. The brand’s designs have a gender-neutral quality, a style Bartoli has always favored.
What This Means for the Future of Fashion
Bartoli’s success and the popularity of ÉTERNE signal a potential shift in the fashion landscape. Consumers are increasingly seeking investment pieces that offer both style and longevity. The emphasis on comfort, versatility, and a curated wardrobe suggests a move away from fleeting trends and towards a more sustainable and intentional approach to dressing.
Pro Tip:
When editing your closet, try the “hanger trick.” Hang all your clothes with the hangers facing backward. After wearing an item, return it to the closet with the hanger facing the correct way. After a set period (e.g., six months), donate or sell anything still hanging backward.
FAQ
Q: What are the key pieces for building an effortless wardrobe?
A: High-quality jeans, well-fitting tees, comfortable French Terry sets, and lightweight cashmere sweaters are excellent starting points.
Q: How important is fit when choosing essentials?
A: Extremely important. Pieces should feel comfortable and flattering, as if you’ve had them for years.
Q: Is it okay to mix high-complete and low-end pieces?
A: Absolutely. Contrast is key to elevating an outfit. Mixing vintage with new items can create a unique and stylish look.
Q: How can I declutter my closet effectively?
A: Remove anything you haven’t worn in a while, focus on a cohesive color palette, and prioritize pieces you can style in multiple ways.
Want to learn more about building a sustainable wardrobe? Explore our other articles on mindful fashion.
