Soft Tailoring, Big Bags and Chic Simplicity: What Luxury Looks Like in 2024
Here at Who What Wear, we're big believers in high-low dressing. What we mean by that is spending money on our wardrobes wisely—investing in quality, luxury buys where it counts and bolstering our everyday wardrobes with more affordable winners. We can see the benefits of owning a beautiful designer handbag or show-stopping dress that has longevity and versatility, but we also know that Arket does the best white shirts in the business.
Of course, we appreciate that it is a luxury in itself to be in a position to spend on new season clothes at all, let alone save up for or splurge on designer buys. But if you are in a position to invest in your wardrobe, generally we know that buying less, better quality items is a key factor in having an overall more responsible approach to fashion. Interspersing even just one or two key luxury buys into your wardrobe can not only mean cherishing those pieces more and for longer, but can also really elevate those more affordable buys too.
Where and what we all choose to spend our money on will obviously differ depending on each individual's lifestyle and personal taste—someone may enjoy wearing Valentino's bold pink platforms every day, and someone else may get more wear out of The Row's flat black ankle boots. In general, though, at Who What Wear, when we're browsing the new season luxury drops, we do tend to lean towards recommending those more wearable, classic items—those that don't play into trends or "It" buys so that you can be more confident you'll want to wear them for longer.
Once you've decided you'd like to invest in some key luxury buys, it can be difficult to know which items are truly worth the splurge. So, at the start of this new season, we've done the 'hard' work for you, firstly dissecting the spring catwalks to pinpoint the overarching themes that will no doubt run through the most popular designer buys of the year. As it turns out, luxury in 2024 is all about those more wearable pieces anyway, with so many designers focused on what "real" women will want to be dressing in. Think pared-back tailoring, soft textures and a relaxed simplicity that makes for comfortable wear, as well as practical bags big enough to cart around everything needed for a busy lifestyle. All with elevated detailing, of course.
Luxury in 2024 is also set to be focused around a sumptuous colour palette of rich creamy latte tones, deep cherry reds, back-to-business greys and chocolate browns mixed in with feminine, diaphanous pastels like Pantone's peach fuzz. It's not a million miles away from 2023's ubiquitous quiet luxury aesthetic, but it's also a clear progression away from neutrals alone.
Then we took to the new-in sections of our favourite luxury retailers and scrolled through everything (someone has to do it) to round up the best new season designer buys that it would be wise to invest in now. So, whether you're looking to buy something special, or simply use this list as inspiration for finding similar, more affordable items for a 2024 wardrobe refresh, keep scrolling to see our edit now...
Shop the Best New-Season Designer Buys:
Demellier is the more-affordable bag brand to know in the luxury market for 2024.
Everything seems to be a lot more pared-back for 2024, even footwear. Swap embellished slingbacks for something all together more season-less, like these.
Padded bombers are very much a thing now, but this will add edge to your wardrobe for years to come.
I've seen some seriously influential people swooning over simple belts, and it doesn't get much more classic than this.
The best jeans are staying loose, full length and straight for 2024.
Gucci's famous loafers have had an update for 2024, with subtle embellished detailing that suddenly makes them all the more desirable.
There's nothing not luxurious about this in-the-know bag. We're predicting its popularity is only going to keep rising next year.
2024 is the year to add some cream tailored trousers to your collection. Practical? Non. Chic? Oui.
The top every fashion person will be wearing with jeans next year.
Khaite's beloved cardigan now comes in a fresh white shade for spring.
Everyone will want the new chocolate brown version of this still-in-demand coat next year.
Mary Janes and sheer detailing will very much continue to reign supreme in 2024.
Pair with a pencil skirt or your favourite dark indigo denim.
We've noticed recent data telling us our readers are investing in this chic bag, and we honestly don't blame you.
V-necks are making a comeback, and this one feels incredibly chic in the colour of the season.
Ferragamo's new bag shape went straight to the top of our editors' wish lists.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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