Stylist Yana Markovskaya, in her Instagram video highlighted by the Styler project, listed three items that she estimates will remain relevant for at least five years. The core idea of her recommendation is to bet on versatile pieces that help assemble various outfits without constantly buying into fleeting trends. Markovskaya emphasizes that before purchasing, one should pre-plan what the item will be worn with and choose models that match at least several items already in the closet.
The barn jacket: A work jacket as an alternative to the trench coat
The first item on the stylist's list is the barn jacket—a workwear-inspired jacket derived from agricultural and utility clothing. According to Markovskaya, this is a practical piece that has become a modern alternative to the familiar trench coat and easily fits into everyday looks. The main advantage is versatility: the jacket can be worn with basic jeans, t-shirts, knitwear, and even romantic dresses, creating combinations from casual to more feminine. The stylist specifically notes the fabric's texture: over time, the fabric may develop scuffs that give the garment character, allowing the jacket to remain appropriate for more than one season. When choosing, Markovskaya advises paying attention to fabric quality, comfortable tailoring, and color, favoring models that match most items in the closet.
Colored denim instead of classic blue
The second recommendation is not to limit oneself to traditional blue denim. According to the stylist, interesting alternatives include dark blue, cobalt, chocolate, or graphite-colored jeans: such shades diversify the wardrobe while remaining versatile, pairing well with white t-shirts, shirts, blazers, sweaters, and neutral outerwear. Instead of pure white denim, Markovskaya suggests considering milk-colored models or light blue shades—they form the basis of light outfits and work well with beige, gray, brown, and pastel items. The stylist also mentions peach denim as an option for those who want to add softness and color but are not ready for overly bright choices. At the same time, the emphasis is placed not only on the shade but also on the fit: the cut determines comfort and how the model will combine with the rest of the clothing.
A pink vertical-stripe shirt
The third item on the list is a pink vertical-stripe shirt, which Markovskaya suggests considering as an alternative to the classic white shirt if you want to refresh your basic wardrobe without radical changes. The model easily fits into different styles: in a business look, it is paired with tailored trousers, a blazer, and minimalist shoes, while in everyday life, it goes with jeans, a basic t-shirt, or a skirt. The pink color adds softness to the outfit, and the stripe makes the shirt more expressive, yet the piece remains versatile and can be worn across different seasons. To prevent the shirt from aging too quickly, the stylist advises choosing a restrained shade of pink, a comfortable fit, and quality material; it can be worn independently, under a sweater or blazer, or in layered outfits.
The principle of a practical wardrobe
All of Markovskaya's recommendations boil down to one simple principle: before buying a new item, think about what exactly you will wear it with. The barn jacket complements dresses and jeans, colored denim diversifies everyday sets, and the pink shirt serves as an alternative to the usual white model. To keep the wardrobe practical, the stylist advises choosing pieces that combine with at least several items, and when buying jeans, evaluating not only the fashionable color but also the fit, cut, and details, including pocket placement. Such an approach, she says, helps you buy clothes less frequently under the influence of fleeting trends and make better use of the items already hanging in your closet.
