While we, as a team, pride ourselves on spotting trends and soon-to-be-sell-out buys from the high street and luxury labels, we love talking about classic and trend-proof style just as much.
Those two things might seem like a contradiction, but we’re firm believers that you can embrace each season’s trends in a way that feels timeless. Once the initial craze over a fresh fabrication or a revived ’90s silhouette passes, we don’t expect anyone to push their Instagram-inspired purchases to the back of their wardrobes. If you adopt a considered approach to shopping, you’ll only end up with pieces that can be incorporated into your looks for the long haul.
Below, the nine classic outfit formulas I’ve spotlighted include styles that once were, or still are, considered ‘trendy’. But I’m sure you’ll agree, they feel like they’ll stay relevant for the foreseeable. I can speak from experience, because I’ve been relying on most of these combinations for as long as I can remember. And I don’t plan on discarding them any time soon…
Style Notes: The are few fashion dilemmas a blazer won’t solve, but I especially love the juxtaposition of this boxy silhouette teamed with a pretty floral dress.
The whole Who What Wear team really rates Arket’s blazers.
A great transitional dress—layer it over a T-shirt when the temperature drops.
Style Notes: Sometimes black and navy suiting feels a touch too heavy—if I were headed into work, or just feeling in the mood for smarter attire, I’d opt for light grey or off-white tailoring à la Julie. This particular look is very Annie Hall.
I always turn to COS for exquisite tailoring on the high street.
These trousers could also be worn casually with a tee tucked in too.
Not your average loafer.
Style Notes: On those mild autumn afternoons, I’ll be getting a final few wears out of my cotton blouses, pairing them with dark denim. In my eyes, this is the ideal summer-to-autumn outfit.
Such a pretty, romantic blouse.
COS nails the brief every time.
I’m just waiting for the right moment to add these versatile pumps to my collection.
Style Notes: Take note from Anouk Yve, because this is a fail-safe way to make your LBDs (long black dresses) feel more casual: just add trainers.
Comfortable and stylish in equal measure.
So many celebrities (Kendall Jenner and Olivia Wilde among them) are backing Adidas trainers this year.
Style Notes: Whether you work in an office or simply like to dress with a professional flair, a pencil skirt and blazer will always do the trick. Take it from day to night with a quick switch of accessories.
This is so classic.
You could also incorporate this into a top-to-toe neutrals look.
No one does fuss-free shoes quite like & Other Stories.
Style Notes: You’ll likely find me donning this combination every other day. There’s something about this classic cover-up and loafers that feels so French (which, of course, means I’m obsessed).
I’m betting this will sell out in no time.
Wear-with-everything shoes.
Style Notes: While mini skirts are one of2023’s key trends, I’m sure I don’t need to persuade you that this short silhouette is timeless, too. Wear with a cosy shacket tee and loafers for autumn, like Kim.
COS’s jackets are always bestsellers.
You could style this so many different ways.
You’ll pull these out every autumn.
Style Notes: In a masterful example of high-low dressing, Nnenna demonstrates just how easy it is to make tailoring feel laid-back. Come evening, just toss on a trench coat for a chic solution to the chill.
The dipped hem is a nice detail.
Easily dressed up or down.
These ‘dad’ kicks are a staple of every footwear repertoire.
Style Notes: A blazer and jeans = a match made in heaven. Right now, I love the idea of sizing up in the jacket and pairing it with skin-tight jeans for an interesting play on proportions.
You’ll rely on this versatile layer time after time as we move into the colder season.
Paige jeans are well worth the price.
I’ve been wanting a pair of metallic flats for months, and this is one of the nicest pairs I’ve seen.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: Trust Me—This Expensive-Looking Trend is Replacing the Classic Black Winter Coat