I'm a Fashion Editor—5 Comfy Yet Classic Outfits I Always Come Back to

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

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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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2. Wool Jumper + White Jeans + Oversized Scarf

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(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

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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3. White Shirt + Cargo Trousers + Slip-On Clogs

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(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

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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4. Quilted Coat + Slouchy Jeans + Black Jumper

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

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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5. Scarf Coat + Knitted Dress + Boots

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(Image credit: @astyleedit)

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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This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.