Basic clothes are for all women, to last for decades and decades.

Yves Saint Laurent’s words, “Basic clothes are for all women, to last for decades and decades. They are the future and will never change. I am persuaded of that,” offer a timeless truth about fashion and style—that true elegance is not rooted in fleeting trends but in the simple, enduring essentials that transcend the passage of time. In this statement, Saint Laurent reveals his belief that the foundation of women’s fashion lies in the basic pieces—the garments that, though seemingly simple, are the pillars of any wardrobe. These items are not tied to the whims of the moment but represent a lasting beauty that is rooted in both function and aesthetic. They are not bound by the fashion cycle, but are instead timeless and eternal, echoing the wisdom of the ancients, who understood that simplicity and purpose often carry the greatest value.

In the ancient world, clothing was not just about decoration or appearance; it was an expression of identity, status, and function. The Romans, for example, wore the tunic, a simple garment that was practical and could be worn by all levels of society, from the plebeian to the patrician. The Roman toga, reserved for citizens, symbolized a form of civic pride and identity, yet both the toga and the tunic were based on the same fundamental, basic design. Even within the Roman Empire, it was not the complexity of garments that defined status, but the style and fit of what was simple, worn with dignity. Saint Laurent’s vision aligns with this ancient principle—that true style lies not in excessive ornamentation but in the elegance of simplicity.

This belief in the enduring power of basic style also finds resonance in the story of Coco Chanel, a woman who transformed the fashion world by creating garments that were elegant, functional, and timeless. Chanel’s designs, such as the little black dress and the tweed suit, were not bound by the fleeting trends of her era but focused on creating clothing that emphasized simplicity, comfort, and class. Much like Saint Laurent, Chanel understood that the true essence of fashion lay in clothing that could be worn for generations—pieces that were ageless and capable of transcending time. In this way, Chanel’s legacy, like Saint Laurent’s, embodies a belief in the lasting value of basic, well-crafted garments over transient fads.

The ancients also revered the wisdom of simplicity, and this extends beyond fashion into many aspects of life. Lao Tzu, the great philosopher of Taoism, famously said, “Simplicity is the key to brilliance.” He taught that the pursuit of complexity and excess would ultimately lead to confusion and instability, while simplicity brought clarity and balance. In much the same way, Saint Laurent’s idea that basic clothes will never change echoes this ancient wisdom: the foundation of great style, like great wisdom, lies in simplicity. Clothing that is too extravagant can overwhelm, while clothing that is simple and functional allows for true elegance to shine through, just as the Taoist sage finds wisdom not in excessive elaboration but in natural balance.

Saint Laurent’s conviction that basic clothes will always endure also speaks to the practicality of fashion. Just as the ancients built enduring structures like the pyramids and the Colosseum, which were designed not only for their aesthetic grandeur but also for their longevity and functionality, the basic garments he speaks of are designed to serve, to withstand the test of time, and to evolve with the wearer, not to be discarded when the next trend fades. The sustainability of these pieces reflects the ancient truth that what endures is not what is fashionable or trendy, but what is well-made, practical, and rooted in the fundamental needs of the individual.

Saint Laurent’s words also remind us of the impermanence of trends. Like the rise and fall of great empires or the ebb and flow of the seasons, trends are temporary—they shine brightly and quickly fade. In contrast, basic clothes, the timeless pieces of fashion, endure. They are the foundation upon which every other style rests. This is a lesson we can draw from the ancient Egyptians, whose simple yet functional clothing—such as linen tunics and sandals—remained unchanged for centuries. The elegance of simplicity in these garments transcended time, and though the world around them evolved, their basic design endured as a symbol of practical beauty.

Lesson for the ages:

True style lies in the enduring beauty of simplicity, in clothing that serves not just to adorn but to function with grace and elegance. Fashion may change, but the fundamentals of great style are eternal. Just as the ancients built their lives on the simple, lasting principles of function and form, so too must we seek to wear clothing that is not bound by the fleeting trends of the moment but by elegance and practicality. In all things, simplicity is a virtue, and it is through simplicity that we often find the most profound and lasting beauty.

Practical Action:

In your own life, embrace the timeless elegance of simple and functional clothing. Do not be swayed by every new trend that arises, but instead build a wardrobe that reflects your true self, rooted in the classics that endure. Just as the ancients found beauty in simplicity, so too can you find strength and confidence in the enduring garments that serve you best, making choices not based on what is fashionable, but on what is practical and elegant. Let the timeless wisdom of simplicity guide your journey, and remember that what lasts is not always what is loud, but what is authentic and purposeful.