At Who What Wear UK, we're firm believers in smart shopping, and we will always recommend investing in pieces that will stand the test of time rather than flash-in-the-pan trends. But believe me when I say it isn't always easy. As our shopping editor, I spend a lot of time looking at exciting new clothes, shoes and accessories, but even I have grown tired of the never-ending list of trends and aesthetics popping up on social media. The antidote to this feeling of fashion fatigue? Chic, anti-trend staples that never go out of style.
I should be clear—in this case, "anti-trend" doesn't mean out of date. If anything, for pieces to meet the criteria, they must be so good that they automatically fall into the revered "classic" category, like trench coats, shirts and the little black dress. These are the kinds of purchases that you can keep in your wardrobe forever, confident that they'll still look good in ten years' time, no matter what's trending on TikTok.
So, ready to shop some of the best wardrobe staples that we consider wise investments? Keep scrolling to see which autumn trends I'll be passing on in favour of some more timeless, anti-trend purchases well worth the spend.
Trend: Barbie Brights
Anti-Trend: Versatile Neutrals
Style Notes: Sure, bright pink was a fun option for dressing up for a certain worldwide cinematic event, but I want to invest in the colours I can wear with anything rather than ones that only work for a film screening. That's why I'm skipping hot pinks in favour of grounding neutrals like camel, cocoa and khaki, as I know they look good no matter what they're paired with.
SHOP NEUTRALS:
I'm copying this entire look.
This is unbelievably elegant.
The perfect colour for autumn.
Trend: Cropped Tees
Anti-Trend: Oversized Shirts
Style Notes: I can't be the only one currently seeing skin-tight, cropped baby tees all over my feed. And whilst I'm not necessarily mad about their resurgence, I'm also not rushing to bare my midriff. Instead, I'm choosing a forever piece that's both flattering and versatile: the oversized shirt. It's a far more useful layering piece than a cropped tee.
SHOP OVERSIZED SHIRTS:
You can't beat a classic pinstripe.
I just love this colour with blue denim.
The ideal upsized fit.
Trend: Micro Minis
Anti-Trend: Fluid Maxis
Style Notes: I've owned my fair share of mini dresses over the years, but they're more likely to gather dust than be worn on rotation, so instead of adding another one to my collection, I'm focusing floaty maxi dresses with just the right amount of length to create a classic silhouette without having to bare my legs.
SHOP MAXI DRESSES:
Wear during the day with chunky flats and in the evening with strappy heels.
This colour suits everyone.
Buttermilk yellow always looks expensive.
Trend: Cargo Pants
Anti-Trend: Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: If you heard of the return of cargo pants and immediately thought of the voluminous, rustling, camouflage trouser of the 90s, you aren't alone. Granted, they have grown up significantly in the last 25 years, but who's to say we'll still want to dress like our teens in another 25 years? A more sensible solution is the wide-leg trouser. They come in plenty of different colours and prints so there's a style for every wardrobe, and the flattering silhouette is far chicer than a parachute pant.
SHOP WIDE-LEG TROUSERS:
These are running out of stock fast, so grab them whilst you can.
A Who What Wear UK editor favourite.
The exaggerated wide leg is so good.
Trend: Micro Bags
Anti-Trend: Practical Totes
Style Notes: I feel passionately that bags should be able to fit all your essentials (plus extras) rather than requiring you to put your phone in your pocket (or at least, that's my guideline.) I've given up on mini bags and favour roomy, top-handle totes with plenty of storage space for my long list of necessities.
SHOP TOTE BAGS:
Sleek, sophisticated and stylish.
Suede makes everything feel so much more premium.
There's nothing Dragon Diffusion can't do with a basket bag.
Trend: Crochet Tops
Anti-Trend: Cashmere Knits
Style Notes: A crochet top might have come in handy as a cover-up on the beach or for summer in the city, but your autumn wardrobe simply doesn't need it. It would, however, benefit from a few strokable, soft cashmere jumpers that can be styled in dozens of different ways. Try them tucked into jeans, or size up and wear them loose with a satin slip skirt.
SHOP CASHMERE KNITS:
Doesn't this just look expensive?
This comes in no less than 10 different colours.
Head-to-toe white looks so chic—just don't drop your coffee.
Trend: Skorts
Anti-Trend: A-Line Skirts
Style Notes: In my opinion, a good skirt is sacred and shouldn't be messed with very often. All it took was one outfit from Taylor Swift and a good dose of tenniscore to make skorts a topic of conversation again, but this sporty little number is no match for the classic A-line. This full, elegant skirt has been around for decades, and for good reason.
SHOP A-LINE SKIRTS:
Audrey-Hepburn chic.
This is such a good co-ord, but the skirt is even better with a chunky cardigan.
This is a great evening option.
Trend: Statement Sports Trainers
Anti-Trend: Understated White Trainers
Style Notes: After spotting my fifth pair of Salomons in the street recently, I've been waxing lyrical about prioritising classic trainers over bells-and-whistles brights. Unless you do plan on entering a track race or going for a hike, you don't need technical trainers. The beauty of a timeless, white pair is in their versatility—something just doesn't feel right about fluorescent shoes with tailoring…
SHOP WHITE TRAINERS:
Just a hint of retro appeal.
Quiet luxury in trainer form.
Simple, classic and always on trend.
Next Up: 6 Casual Autumn Outfits That Make Getting Dressed So Easy
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
