7 Designer Pieces That Will Define Winter 2024

The Luxury List is a monthly column on all things luxury, tapping the foremost experts in the fashion space to explore everything from craftsmanship deep dives to the little-known details to consider when buying fine jewelry.

As we await arrivals from the S/S 24 runway collections, many of the hottest buys for the year so far are pieces that we were already charting in 2023. Interestingly, the most popular designer buys this winter are largely smart, seasonless pieces that translate climates and trend cycles. Yes, we're seeing the rise of pieces like cozy faux-fur coats that are primed for dropping temps and inclement weather, but the most in-demand pieces overall could easily be worn now as well as six months or six years from now. Now, that's the true mark of a smart investment purchase.

Gucci's recent runway collections have been packed with archival references, resurrecting demand for pieces such as the fashion house's slim horse-bit accessories—specifically new takes on the belts and bags that first debuted in the '90s. Phoebe Philo's A1 drop continues to permeate the fashion space and while many items have already sold out, the sunglasses are still available in some colorways. The accessories theme is also extending to the jewelry space. We're especially seeing wrists layered with heritage watches coupled with tennis bracelets. Ahead, take a closer look at the best designer shopping buys to invest in now.

In the last two Gucci runway collections, designers have been digging into the archives. First, under the direction of the Gucci studio for F/W 23. Then, under Sabato de Sarno for the creative director's debut show for S/S 24. All of that is to say that nostalgia is playing heavily into the brand and it's translating into sales. Specifically, the slim horse-bit accessories that have brought back styles that were first introduced during the '90s. The belts and bags have been going viral on social media.

The great flat shoe takeover of 2023 is extending into 2024. The S/S 24 runways were chock-full of flat shoes like the white Mary Janes at Chanel that are set to be huge this spring. Until then, we're seeing other styles win out. The key flat to own right now? The Row's Cyd shoes—a pointed-toe style finished in either leather or suede that is finished with a strap down the middle of the foot and an ankle strap. The shoe also comes in a kitten-heel version for those looking for a little height.

As nostalgia in fashion reached new heights of interest, it comes as no surprise that Jacques Marie Mage is entering more closets—a brand that makes limited-edition eyewear inspired by designs from past decades. The pieces are rare, handcrafted in a precise 300-step process with a mastery of durability and fit, and evoke the best of vintage design in the highest possible quality.

Sometimes the most in-demand pieces in the designer fashion space aren't new. Instead, they are iconic heritage pieces that are injected with renewed interest. Such is the case with the Cartier Panthère watch—a style that is set on a jewelry-like metal bracelet. The elegant timepiece was originally introduced in 1914, yet 110 years after its debut it remains one of the hottest watches to own. I can't think of a better example of timeless design.

Alongside the rising market for watches, we're also seeing the rise of tennis bracelets—often paired together in a wrist stack. While many brands have tennis bracelet designs in their arsenal, pieces from Dorsey have taken up significant real estate on my Instagram feed. One, two, or even three mismatched tennis bracelets are the ultimate pairing to accompany a watch.

It wouldn't be winter without a great piece of outerwear. The item that is absolutely everywhere? The By Malene Birger faux fur coat that is finished in a luxe biscuit shade. A longer style was debuted several seasons ago, but the cropped style is particularly noteworthy and the items to add to your closet if you can track it down in your size.

Ever since the moment Phoebe Philo launched her A1 collection in October 2023, the pieces have been in hot demand. The outerwear finished with capes and scarves is already paving the way for fresh silhouettes this year, but if you aren't ready to make that big of an investment, look to the accessories. The sunglasses, in particular.