People Say I Have Impeccable Taste—Here Are 15 New Yet Classic Pieces I Love Now
Each February my excitement for fashion reaches new heights. Between living in Paris, new season collections and fashion weeks spanning Haute Couture in Paris to Copenhagen, we’ve been dealt many a look—from Daniel Roseberry's inspired runway to Alaïa's mille-feuille-inspired frocks and Nordic shows characterised by refinement and functionality. There are many fashion-forward, yet wearable concepts for the seasons ahead. Think plenty of frothy dresses, column maxi skirts and metallic lacquered accessories.
Now, both designer and high street names have started to release tantalising iterations that even I, as a person who hardly shops am finding hard to resist. Although I’m still bundled in layers aplenty, the time for elevated styles is on the periphery and I intend on adding a little flavour to my pre-existing collection. All whilst keeping my forever investments mantra in mind, of course.
Fashion season mostly piqued my interest in directional styles and although I’m not a person who leans towards trends, many of the styles on offer this year are circular pieces that I already own or that will slot seamlessly into my collection and remain relevant for my style. Take the maxi, for example. I much prefer longer hemlines, so I’m looking forward to transitioning sweeping styles from winter through to summer. I’m also taken by profound accessories and the role said accessories can play with classic outfits. They’re also a useful and not to mention a cost-effective way to assimilate with the trend forecast if you so wish.
I’ve hunted far and wide and spotted some truly special pieces. Keep scrolling to see my shopping edit for February. From a Scandi brand that's new on my radar, to premium passing high-street denim.
Shop My Edit for February:
Been London X Aligne have created magic in the form of eight practical and fashion-forward handbags comprising post-consumer fabrications. My pick of the bunch is Falkirk. The design is almost sculptural.
A truly special piece on the high street and an example of how a trend-lead piece can seamlessly integrate into a capsule wardrobe. Whether you wear it this year, or next, it will be just as special.
Suede bags are one of the biggest accessory trends this season. Sure a smooth leather handbag is sleek, however, you can't dispute the feel of supple suede on the crock of your arm.
Don't sleep on Tory Burch when it comes to apparel, or you'll be missing out on whimsical pieces like this. Just look at the pronounced skirt!
You can tell this denim is substantial and will last you for years — it's in the way it hangs and the rigidity. Pair it with anything from a fancy top, to pared-back knitwear. Keep your footwear choice streamlined to balance out the wide leg and heavy fabrication.
I adore woven leather handbags and Massimo Dutti's latest iteration looks incredibly premium. Not only is it a high-quality fabrication, but the colour is so rich and the design is enclosed for optimal security.
Neutral knitwear is a forever staple. This piece hangs so beautifully you'd be forgiven for thinking it's from a designer ten times its price point!
I'm always excited to find high-quality pieces on the high street. Although this boasts a slightly higher price tag than COS's average pieces, it's a skirt that'll be in your wardrobe for years to come. Pair it with kitten heels and a white t-shirt for an off-duty look.
Lovechild 1979's Copenhagen show was nothing short of excellence and since witnessing its models shimmy down the runway in wearable and inclusive pieces, my eyes have been glued to the website.
Bonny by name and by nature, J&M Davidson's Bonny Baguette is the sweetest arm candy. The juxtaposing textiles and gold hardware have piqued this bag to the tip top of my wish list.
Strathberry's arsenal exceeds its plush handbags. They use the same high-quality fabrications (and offcuts) to create fashion accessories — from gloves to passport holders. I've recently piqued the leather gloves with gold hardware, which makes me feel excited about cold-weather dressing.
2024 is the year I introduce more colour into my arsenal and khaki shades are a foray into an expanded colour wheel. Not to mention the gorgeous shaping!
Leopard print is neutral, it's true. Pair this with crisp white poplin, held-in denim and heeled mules. Sincerely, a Francophile.
This month I had the pleasure of being walked through Otiumberg's core collection and I was particularly enamoured with its Topaz offerings.
Up Next: The Only Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends I'm Bothered About
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.
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