After a long winter so far, the weather is just starting to warm up ever so slightly. And the entire Who What Wear team are excited to start dipping our toes into spring/summer 2024's biggest trends.
Now is definitely the time to start building a rotation of sleek transitional looks. But if you're bored by the thought of wearing the same outfits over and over again, fear not. I've searched through social media to find some outfit inspiration that is anything but samey.
If you're finding the idea of adopting the runway trends overwhelming and are unsure where to start, I've come up with nine entirely more wearable ways to tackle them, so all you have to do is choose your favourite aesthetic and let it inspire the rest of your wardrobe.
From Emily Wells' take on dressy minimalism to Emili Sindlev's adorable nod to balletcore, keep scrolling to shop the chic influencer-approved outfit ideas we're already re-creating this season and well into 2024.
1. POLISHED MINIMALIST: LONG COAT + JEANS + ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: If there's any trend guaranteed to stand the test of time, it's pared-back minimalism. Quality staples never date, and as this look proves, investing in a good coat, pair of jeans and ankle boots you can wear with anything is a smart idea. You can mix and match the pieces and wear them all for years to come.
SHOP THE LOOK:
A Who What Wear UK favourite.
You can't beat the quality and fit of Citizens of Humanity jeans.
Quite possibly the best-looking ankle boots of recent times.
2. LUXE LOUNGEWEAR: SHEARLING JACKET + LEGGINGS + TRAINERS
Style Notes: If you've been living in shearling all summer and seeking a new way to style it, you've come to the right place. Adding easy leggings and a pair of trainers gives this elevated outerwear a casual spin.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Even if there's a last-minute snow shower, we're fully prepared.
On the days you don't feel like wearing jeans, try leggings for a smoother, more flexible fit.
These add retro charm.
3. OFF-DUTY PARISIAN: CASHMERE KNIT + SKINNY JEANS + BALLET PUMPS
Style Notes: The French are masters at putting together simple pieces in a way that makes them feel effortlessly chic, and this go-to off-duty look is a case in point. Whilst the rest of us decide on whether to wear straight, wide-leg or barrel jeans, Parisians stay true to the classics and team their slim skinnies with ballet pumps or loafers.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Classic, easy and with a great thick crew neck rib for an extra cosy feel.
Black denim always manages to feel a bit dressier than blue and these jeans are available up to a size UK 30!
A ballet pump is the perfect way to carry your winter looks into spring.
4. BUSINESS CASUAL: BLAZER + T-SHIRT + MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: Those familiar with TikTok's 2x2 outfit formula will know just how easy it can make getting ready in the morning. Take Karina's "business casual" look (above); all it requires is two dressy pieces (a blazer and a long skirt) paired with two casual pieces (a white tee and sandals), and you've got a chic outfit that can rise to any occasion. Desk-to-dinner dressing at it's finest.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Creams and beige tones look so gorgeous in winter.
A good white tee is a wardrobe staple and this long-sleeved option is key for cooler days.
Perfect with boots for the winter.
5. BALLETCORE: CARDIGAN + SLIP SKIRT + BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: I'm going to stop you right here before you rule out balletcore. The name makes it sounds far more literal than it need be, and really, the basic pieces that make up the look might already be in your wardrobe. Cardigans? Check. Slip skirts and dresses? Check. Ballet pumps? More than likely, check. Bonus points if you manage to incorporate pink.
SHOP THE LOOK:
So chic and would look great with satin skirts or jeans too!
The prettiest shade of pink.
This white ballet flat feels fresh for spring.
6. SOFT TOUCH: MOHAIR KNIT + SUEDE SKIRT + KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: Light knits, smooth suede and glossy leather make up a lot of what we want to wear as we move into spring. Keep warm in tactile fabrics that can be dressed up or stripped down as the sun comes out, and switch your knee-high boots for flats a few weeks down the line.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Arket's jumper offering is so good right now. I mean, are you surprised?
There isn't an outfit out there that this skirt wouldn't improve AND it's in the sale!
Slinky, chic and not too high. Ideal for day-into-night.
7. QUIET LUXURY: CAPE + MIDI SKIRT + TALL BOOTS
Style Notes: Whatever you decide to call it, you can't beat the quiet-luxury look for minimal effort, maximum impact. Maxi coats and trenches are the perfect way to style the look for 2024, but for those wanting to get ahead of the crowd, a cape is the key piece I have a feeling we're going to see a lot more of this year. It's opulent and dramatic yet refined—everything we want from the quiet luxury aesthetic—but it's also perfect for those cool but sunny days when a heavy jacket is too much.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I love this in camel too.
You can carry this skirt into spring and summer.
These come in three shades and are a classic and easy way to dress up any look.
8. GROWN-UP Y2K: TRENCH COAT + CARGO TROUSERS + TRAINERS
Style Notes: There's just no escaping the Y2K trend, so rather than avoid it, we've decided to rework it. If you wore cargo trousers the first time around, you probably think of the crop tops and platforms you wore then too, but Monikh Dale's clever trench-and-trainers styling (above) proves just how easy it is to get the look right. Since the bandeau top also made a comeback in 2023, I guess it's only a matter of time until we can expect the halterneck and bolero cardigan to show up, too.
SHOP THE LOOK:
A classic trench and I especially love the wider lapels.
How to do cargo trousers the cute way.
A good pair of pale trainers goes with everything.
9. BACK TO SCHOOL: RIBBED DRESS + LOAFERS
Style Notes: Marilyn's interpretation of varsity prep (above) is another grown-up take on a popular trend. Take school-uniform basics (knits, skirts, socks, loafers and maybe a blazer or two) and give them a dose of luxury by toning down the colour palette and adding premium accessories. It might not be exactly what you'd wear to school, but this look is top of the class.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I'd wear this with a T-shirt and knee-high boots.
Classic, timeless, chic.
No one will believe these are from M&S.
Next Up: The Only Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends I'm Bothered About
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
-
The Effortlessly Chic Spring Outfit Formula Stylish People Are Living In Right Now -
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
-
French Women Are Wearing Socks With These Classic Shoe Styles This SpringChic as always.
-
Found: The Only Shoe Style You Need for Expensive-Looking Spring OutfitsIt's a classic for a reason.
-
It's True—Designers Were Fashion Month's Best Dressed PatronsSometimes, the simplest outfits win.
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024Denim devotees, unite.
-
I'm Saving This '90s Supermodel's Airport Looks for All My Travel Days in 2024Each one is comfortable and super chic.
-
31 Chic Finds for When Toteme and The Row Are the Vibe But Not in the BudgetExpensive-looking outfits are on the horizon.
