7 Anti-Trend Outfits People in London, Paris and Stockholm Rely On All Year Round
In a world where can trends are born in an instant and can die just as quickly, it's little wonder that the term "anti-trend" has become so appealing. As editors, we naturally thrive on keeping up to date with the latest looks and predicting what will make our wardrobes feel current for the season ahead, but there will always be something to be said for a timeless aesthetic that transcends the ebb and flow of passing fashion moments. That's where anti-trend outfits come in.
Anti-trend outfits offer a refreshing departure from the constant cycle of "What's next?". What I find most interesting is how the classic pieces that come together in an anti-trend outfit also coexist quite harmoniously with any statement, personality-flaunting items you fall for along the way. In my opinion, a well-rounded wardrobe will boast pieces from each of these categories, and by incorporating these elements into your wardrobe, you'll have the ability to create polished looks with ease and unlock a multitude of new outfit combinations.
Whilst they can provide the perfect backdrop to bolder clothing choices, anti-trend items also work beautifully when worn together, and the next seven outfits from some of my favourite influencers are a testament to this. These looks, which come via Instagram from London, Paris, Stockholm and New York, are outfits you can throw on at whim and know you’re still going to look stylish. They all utilise basics such as jeans, shirts and simple dresses in a mostly neutral colour palette for optimum versatility.
Continue on to see the anti-trend outfits we’re keeping on standby for the weeks and months ahead.
1. Trench Coat + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Trench coats have enjoyed a surge in popularity over the past few seasons, but rest assured, styles like Michelle's light beige iteration will never feel passé, especially when worn with black trousers and ballet flats.
Shop the Outfit:
Don't expect his best-selling cover-up to stick around for long.
This divisive shoe always adds an interesting element to simple outfits.
2. Knitted Dress + Crossbody Bag
Style Notes: In cities like Stockholm where Lydia Tsegay (pictured) resides, the temperature is akin to what we experience in Britain, so a knitted dress is something you can throw on when there's a slight bite in the air in the classic British summertime. Wear it with classic accessories.
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3. Light Knitwear + Mini Skirt
Style Notes: An anti-trend outfit doesn't need to revolve solely around neutral colours, but it certainly makes an ensemble look more expensive if it does. Case in point: Lorna Humphrey's chic cream top and skirt pairing.
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Reformation is known for creating excellent denim and skirts are no exception.
The contrast toe cap makes these flats look so sophisticated.
4. Jersey Top + Jeans
Style Notes: Outfits don't get more anti-trend than blue jeans and a simple jersey top. Far from boring, add details such as a thick leather belt or a sleek shoulder bag to personalise your attire, just as Sylvie Mus has done here.
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6. Tank Top + Full Skirt
Style Notes: Right now, full skirts are having a moment and the slouchy silhouette is ideal for dressing down evening staples.
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You'll whip this plush pouch out for every event.
5. Shirt + Smart Trousers
Style Notes: A white shirt and black trousers might be reminiscent of your school uniform, but layered with more directional pieces, such as a grey racer vest, statement sunglasses and loafers, there's absolutely nothing juvenile about this elevated get-up.
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This will pair just as well with slip skirts and denim shorts as it does classic trousers and jeans.
7. Midi Dress + Sandals
Style Notes: Every time I open Instagram lately, someone is rocking a black dress and sandals skirt outfit. There's something about this formula that feels elevated and effortless, but it's understated enough to avoid going out of style.
Shop the Outfit:
There's no need to have sandals in excess when you have hard-working pairs like the above.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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