Often, certain items in the fashion world earn their stripes from being an It buy or the latest piece everyone is wearing a particular week. But some items are so established they needn’t be trend-led to be important. We’re talking about the trench coat you’ll wear a million times without ever tiring of it, the tailored trousers that go with any top and the leather bag that’ll become part of your everyday uniform. It’s easy to not shout about these reliable staple pieces, but since they’re the base of many great outfits, it’s time to give them some recognition.
While some trends can be tricky to translate for us mere mortals, we can almost guarantee the fail-safe items we’re about to show you will be the hardest-working in your wardrobe (if they’re not already). And we’re not the only ones who believe this, as our fashion friends have given us endless inspiration for how to style them for the new season. Keep scrolling to see the 13 anti-trend buys you won’t regret.
1. The White Shirt
Style Notes: Worn buttoned up, undone, with a blazer for work or over a bikini for vacay, a white shirt will be one of the most versatile items you can own.
Shop White Shirts:
Arket's organic cotton version is top-tier on the high street.
An investment shirt that will last you for years to come.
2. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Styled with a simple tee, worn as a suit or taken on a night out with a bandeau, the tailored trouser will never fail to look put together (with minimal effort required).
Shop Tailored Trousers:
H&M always delivers brilliant tailored pieces.
A darker pair that you can wear all year round.
3. Hoop Earrings
Style Notes: Forget custom throw-away jewellery; a great pair of (most likely gold) hoops will work with every single outfit you own. And they never fail to look polished.
Shop Hoop Earrings:
Lucy Williams approved.
The high street also has some great options.
4. The Relaxed Blazer
Style Notes: Arket (as seen here on Aida), & Other Stories, COS and H&M always have great oversized-blazer options. Of course, there's that Frankie Shop style, too.
Shop Relaxed Blazers:
This light layer will come in handy all year round.
Simple, yet so elegant.
5. The Slip Skirt
Style Notes: Slip skirts come and go as a trend, but the fact is midi skirts will always be an essential. Dressed down with a jumper or up with a matching slinky cami, they can do no wrong.
Shop Slip Skirts:
Give it a French-girl twist by pairing it with mules or loafers.
Monochrome dressing is the easiest way to look expensive.
6. The Drop-Waist Dress
Style Notes: No matter the season, a knit dress will never fail. For winter, add a blazer and knee high boots for a sleek day-to-evening ensemble.
Shop Drop-Waist Dresses:
This will go so well with ivory accessories.
This entire look is so chic!
7. The Trench Coat
Style Notes: Simply because no wardrobe is ever complete without a timeless trench. Fact.
Shop Trench Coats:
This sleek style is available in three different colours.
This lighter shade is ideal for those chillier summer evenings.
8. The Waistcoat
Style Notes: The waistcoat is now a fully fledged member of any capsule wardrobe. For now, wear with jeans or trousers. Then come summer it's all about pairing it with linen.
Shop Waistcoats:
This will look so good with jeans or a sleek slip skirt.
Wear with the matching trousers.
9. A Love-Forever Bag
Style Notes: Granted, a Birkin may not be in everyone's price range (we'll keep wishing), but a classic bag can be. Tan, black, beige or white leather is always a wise investment.
Shop Investment Bags:
A Loewe puzzle will always be iconic.
Such a great shape.
10. A Tank Top
Style Notes: There are just some items that will never leave my summer wardrobe and a simple tank top is one of those pieces that I'll hold onto forever. Some might think it boring, but it will act as the basis of some of your chicest summer outfits. Not to mention you can get them at super affordable prices all across the high street.
Shop Tank Tops:
H&M does great basics at such an affordable price point
This will undoubtedly go with everything in your wardrobe.
11. The Leather Jacket
Style Notes: When you find The One (the leather jacket made for you, that is), you'll never let it go. Just as well, then, since real leather often looks even better once it's worn in a bit.
Shop Leather Jackets:
A sleek alternative to the classic biker.
Brown will pair perfectly with the neutrals in your summer wardrobe.
12. Chunky Loafers
Style Notes: Yep, the Prada loafers are still going strong, but Gucci has some seriously strong contenders. Team them with socks for a cool twist.
Shop Chunky Loafers:
A Gucci loafer will never date.
I can't believe these are from the high street.
13. A Great Suit
Style Notes: Anti-trend pieces don't have to be dull; they just have to fit seamlessly into your existing style.
Shop the Suit:
A neutral tone suit will always serve you well.
Just like the blazer, these can work just as well with other outfit combinations.
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
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