As regular readers of Who What Wear UK will know by now, we pride ourselves on our ability to search through the runways and street style to bring you the most relevant trends for the season ahead, but none more so than when it comes to helping you build a hardworking wardrobe with pieces that will stand the test of time. Whilst buzzy new trends come and go, we will always advocate for the kind of clever shopping that allows you to buy less and wear more, and looking to our sources for tips on what to wear in 2024 and beyond, we were not disappointed with the results.
Last year was a great year for building timeless looks, and so chances are you already own some of the year's heavy hitters, like the boxy blazer, the perfect white tee and the crossbody bag. But if you're looking to build on those this year, you've come to the right place. We've put together a list of versatile basics that we spotted on the runways that manage to build a capsule all of their own, and if you add these to what we've already picked up over the past 12 months, you're onto a winner.
Keep scrolling to see the eight pieces that are already being spotted everywhere for 2024, and beyond. Who knew it would be so easy to re-create 2024's biggest trends with less than 8 items?
2024 Capsule Wardrobe Pieces
1. Mid-Heel Shoes
Style Notes: One of the more subtle shoe trends of 2024, the mid-heel shoe continues to strike the perfect balance between dressy and comfortable. Everything from low-heeled ankle boots to party-season kitten heels are on our wish lists right now, and what better shoes to invest in than ones you can wear time and again without the need for blister plasters?
Shop Mid-Heel Shoes:
Ticking off two trends in one.
Yes, there's often still a need for classic black ankle boots in spring.
Decisions, decisions… these also come in black, black suede and cream.
Elevate the everyday with this pair.
2. Burgundy
Style Notes: You'd have to be living under a rock to not notice that red was a huge colour trend last year, and while it's not going anywhere anytime soon, it has had a grown-up glow up for 2024 in the form of burgundy. Elegant, classic and timeless, this hue is the perfect way to add a touch of colour to an otherwise very minimalist capsule.
Shop Burgundy:
Such a cool layering piece.
A very cute spring/summer bag that will hold all your essentials.
It's an investment, yes, but one worth making due to the quality of the fabric and cut of this blazer.
Because we all know buckles ballet flats are everywhere right now.
3. Loose-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: If 2021 saw the return of the skinny and 2022 was all about the straight-leg, this year continues last years baggy jean adoration. Although the runways tried to convince us that we'd all be wearing low-slung jeans, we prefer something a little more wearable, and the looser wide-leg style is right up our street. This roomier, more casual fit is perfect to pair with chunky knits in winter and with a tank top or tee in summer.
Shop Loose-Leg Jeans:
Just the right amount of slouch.
This pair is flying.
The pleating on these really take them up a notch.
The sculptural silhouette is so modern.
4. Cardigan
Style Notes: We may have Katie Holmes to thank for making the cardigan cool again, but years after her "bra-digan" debut, we're still turning to cardigans over crew necks for a warm layer that's easy to wear and also feels polished. Take tips from fellow stylish stars Alexa Chung, Sofia Richie-Grainge and Hailey Bieber by wearing a fine knit with nothing underneath and pairing with jeans and simple flats.
Shop Cardigans:
I'll take one of these in every colour.
This colour is so delicious, and would pair perfectly with so many pieces.
Cropped cardigans are perfect for pairing with high-waisted trousers and skirts.
You can't beat Marks and Spencer quality at a bargain price.
5. Midaxi Skirt
Style Notes: Sorry, miniskirts; we've made up our minds and there's much more longevity in the midi and maxi than the micro hem. Which other skirt dresses up and down as easily as a longer, elegant slip or A-line? All you need is a change of shoes for two entirely different outfits in one, and that makes the long skirt well worth its cost per wear.
Shop Midaxi Skirts:
The flared hem gives this such an elevated vibe.
Throw on a blazer and you're good to go.
How pretty is this pink style? Wear with the matching waistcoat or a simple black blazer.
Ideal for the office.
6. Minimalist Tote
Style Notes: If there's one bag that is guaranteed to do it all, it's a roomy tote, and we keep spotting minimalist styles on the arms of Instagram's best dressed. Logomania had its moment and bold, statement bags are great for bringing a look to life, but if you're looking for an investment bag to spend a little more on for a lot more wear, an understated tote will only go up in value (and I can get behind any bag that fits a laptop inside).
Shop Tote Bags:
So luxe.
Love the elongated shape of this one.
Suede makes everything look so luxurious.
Our editors are convinced that DeMellier makes some of the best bags around.
7. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Back for another year (as if they ever left), the tailored, wide-leg trouser continues to be team Who What Wear UK's favourite silhouette to flatter every shape and size. Celebs and influencers are still wearing "puddle pants" (a trouser long enough to gather around the ankle) but if that feels like too much fabric, a kick-flare cut will give the same effect without overwhelming your frame.
Shop Wide-Leg Trousers:
Proof that camel is the ultimate "rich girl" hue.
Taking notes on this whole look for the office.
The boxer short detail adds a bit of fun to a classic.
Such a fun shade to play around with for spring.
8. Simple Midi Dress
Style Notes: Just like the midaxi skirt, there's only one dress trend worth committing to this season. The versatile knitted midi dress comes into its own with knee-high boots for the office but is equally as chic with flat sandals and a boxy blazer for spring weekends. Pure, polished perfection.
Shop Maxi Dresses:
This Aligne iteration has already been seen all over Instagram with the matching cardigan.
The flared sleeves are a great additional detail.
Butter yellow is everywhere right now.
Just add heels for brunch with the girls.