While there's no denying the importance of trends in keeping fashion fresh and inventive, it's worth picking and choosing the ones you buy into. In fact, there is something to be said for building a wardrobe which altogether eludes them. If you want your clothing to outlast seasonal tastes, consider a more future-proof approach to shopping, focusing on forever buys over fleeting fads. Personally, I believe there's room for both—in my own wardrobe, I try to keep things timeless, but if a trend particularly excites me, I'll allow myself to try it out in a low-stakes way. If I don't get the wear out of it within a few months, I'll simply flog it on Vinted, pass it on to a friend or hand it over to a charity shop.
Generally, though, I get the most joy out of piecing together a simple, classic look that I know I can re-wear for years to come. And I've found that amongst the hundreds showcasing trend-led looks on Instagram and during Fashion Month, there are plenty who adopt a similar attitude to dressing. In fact, I recently went down a street-style rabbit hole and was pleasantly surprised by how many understated outfits I came across. Fresh from the streets of Paris, Copenhagen and New York, the eight ensembles below are at the top of my list to re-create for the coming season.
1. Trench Coat + Turtleneck + Loose Jeans
Style Notes: It's not uncommon to spot a trench coat outfit in Paris, but this one featuring baggy light-wash jeans feels like a contemporary take on the look.
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A coat you'll rewear season after season.
I've heard only rave reviews about Uniqlo's merino wool jumpers.
The perfect laid-back shape.
2. Check Blazer + Bright Knit + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: We'd place money on this check-blazer-tailored-trousers ensemble still being relevant in ten years' time. Possibly even twenty.
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A truly wearable colour palette.
This will cheer you up on gloomy days.
Naturally, I want the entire suit.
3. Biker Jacket + Slip Dress + Mary Janes
Style Notes: An easy way to toughen up a pretty dress and Mary Janes combo? Add a timeless biker jacket into the mix, like this Paris Fashion Week attendee.
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This has a slightly longer length than most biker jackets, which makes it more suitable for the colder months.
Beautiful.
Prepare for compliments when you step out in these Mary Janes.
4. Suiting + Loafers
Style Notes: Slouchy tailoring is trending big time in 2024, but suiting like this will never date—especially when paired with timeless loafers.
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An all-year-round suit.
Easy to transition from day-to-night with a simple shoe change.
The kind of shoes you'll reach for everyday.
5. Wool Coat + White Jeans + Lace-Up Boots
Style Notes: A chic wool coat is a wise investment; on cold days, you can toss it on over any outfit and immediately look put-together.
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A winter wardrobe mainstay that will never not be a good investment.
Ecru jeans work just as well at this time of year as they do in summer.
Perfection.
6. LBD + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: If it involves an LBD, it's an instant winner in our books. The combination of the above-the-knee hemline and tall boots is perfection.
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£22 for a dress this versatile? Sounds like a good deal to me.
Melie Bianco makes great dupes for designer clutches.
I have these and can confirm just how comfy they are.
7. Longline Coat + Maxi Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: When in doubt, look to the Danes for effortless outfit inspiration. Case-in-point: this impeccable maxi slip dress styling. The ballet flats balance out the heavy coat nicely.
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Wear with literally everything.
You could also style this over a turtleneck for a more casual feel.
Ballet flats, but make them fancy.
8. Faux Fur Coat + Leather Trousers + Chunky Boots
Style Notes: This look simultaneously feels fresh and familiar. Leather trousers are huge this season, and they look so cool teamed with faux fur and all-weather boots.
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So cosy.
Mango always delivers on the leather trouser front.
Ideal for day-to-day wear.
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