If we can all agree on one thing, let it be that 2024 will be the year we bid farewell to uncomfortable fashion. Perhaps we have the lockdown era to thank for our collective embrace of relaxed, cosy and unapologetically comfy styles, as the WFH lifestyle meant we could swap tailoring and court shoes for athleisure sets and snuggly socks. But with the world well and truly back to regularly scheduled programming, the joy of dressing up has returned—but our standards on wearability have undoubtedly changed for good.
You can see it in the trends dominating the upcoming season—flat shoes, like loafers and Mary Janes, are at the top of the footwear must-have lists, and flash-in-the-pan fashion trends have taken a back seat to investing in elevated classics that can be mixed-and-matched to create effortlessly cool, minimalist looks. But for the days when you want to keep things especially easy and comfy, here are five looks that are sure to serve you well.
1.Matching Separates + Woven Bag + Trainers
Style Notes: Whilst you may not think it if you've read any of my dress pieces, I will always champion matching separates. A lounge top and bottom pair can look incredibly chic, especially when you consider fabrication and cut. Ensembles like Monikh's can be worn in and outdoors. You don't have to buy a matching set. Why not opt for a jumper with lounge pants?
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The chicest loungewear you did ever see, truly.
I tend to opt for wide-leg joggers as opposed to cuffed.
Bottega Veneta always excels, especially in the woven accessories department.
Trainer girl I am not but Veja is a brand I'm always convinced by.
2. Wool Jumper + White Jeans + Oversized Scarf
Style Notes: Tonal looks always appear chic, but especially so when you're working with shades of white. The ensemble is undeniably chic yet when you look at the individual components they're all casual—from the crew neck jumper to the relaxed jeans. The suave accessories are responsible for tying the look together.
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Invest in this piece now and wear it in myriad ways.
I always encourage people to invest in wool or cashmere scarves. Each winter, instead of replacing old pieces, you simply have to pull out these investments. For scarf colourways, I recommend camel, black and a deep grey to all.
This bag is even more beautiful in real life.
Bright jeans aren't just for summer, quite the opposite — I wear my ecru jeans more frequently this time of the year.
Chunky lug-sole shoes tend to feel more comfortable than down-to-earth flats, especially when it starts to snow.
3. White Shirt + Cargo Trousers + Slip-On Clogs
Style Notes: '90s-style cargo pants made a mark in 2023, and they're not going anywhere in 2024. If you find yourself reverting to leggings for lounging and craving something different, why not opt for a utilitarian style? The baggy fit will ensure comfort, too.
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Head to With Nothing Underneath for all of your shirt needs. You'll be so impressive with the quality.
The winter version of linen trousers.
This burgundy hue is set to be huge in 2024, particularly on handbags.
Love or loathe clogs, you'll most definitely appreciate the ease. It's slipper comfort, for the outdoors.
4. Quilted Coat + Slouchy Jeans + Black Jumper
Style Notes: At times you do want your coat to do all of the talking (and bundling). This puffer has more of a streamlined feel as compared to the duvet styles. You can wear just about anything underneath but for slow days I recommend black jeans and a thick knit to lean into the monochromatic look. The beanie adds a pop of warmth.
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So many of our editors have snapped up this coat.
Toteme knits are the ultimate investment piece.
Arket's Shore jeans are relaxed by name and relaxed by nature. Toteme have a very similar style!
Perfect for woodland walks, supermarket sweeps and pub lunches.
Heeled ankle boots keep the look elevated, but you could easily swap for rain boots or trainers for a more pragmatic outfit.
5. Scarf Coat + Knitted Dress + Boots
Style Notes: If you’re anything like me, you’ll find inordinate amounts of joy in slipping a scarf coat over everything this winter. Try wearing it with a casual knitted dress, just like Lauren did.
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Need I explain the hold this Toteme scarf coat has on the fashion community?
The comfort factor is high with a free-flowing knitted dress. Not to mention, style, too.
In 2024, I'm saying no more to black bags (within reason, of course). Instead, I'll be opting for neutral tones and suede fabrications. Currently, I have my sights firmly set on J&M Davidson's Bonny bags.
These boots are faux fur lined. What better way to transition from slippers to footwear for the outdoors?
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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