While we, as a team, pride ourselves on spotting trends and soon-to-be-sell-out buys from the high street and luxury labels, we love talking about classic and trend-proof style just as much.
Those two things might seem like a contradiction, but we’re firm believers that you can embrace each season’s trends in a way that feels timeless. Once the initial craze over a fresh fabrication or a revived ’90s silhouette passes, we don’t expect anyone to push their Instagram-inspired purchases to the back of their wardrobes. If you adopt a considered approach to shopping, you’ll only end up with pieces that can be incorporated into your looks for the long haul.
Below, the 9 classic outfit formulas I’ve spotlighted include styles that once were, or still are, considered ‘trendy’. But I’m sure you’ll agree, they feel like they’ll stay relevant for the foreseeable. I can speak from experience, because I’ve been relying on most of these combinations for as long as I can remember. And I don’t plan on discarding them any time soon…
Style Notes: The are few fashion dilemmas a blazer won’t solve, but I especially love the juxtaposition of this boxy silhouette teamed with a pretty, floral dress.
The whole Who What Wear team really rates Arket’s blazers.
A great wedding guest dress—especially if you’re attending a ceremony in the south of France.
Style Notes: Black and navy suiting feels a touch too heavy for this time of year—if I were headed into work, or just feeling in the mood for smarter attire, I’d opt for light grey tailoring like Julie. This particular look is very Annie Hall.
I really rate The Frankie Shop for tailoring.
These trousers could also be worn casually with a tee tucked in too.
Not your average loafer.
Style Notes: As we head into August, I’ll be pulling out my floatiest cotton blouses to pair with dark denim. In my eyes, this is the ideal transitional outfit.
Such a pretty, romantic blouse.
COS nails the brief every time.
I’m just waiting for the right moment to add these versatile pumps to my collection.
Style Notes: Take note from Anouk Yve, because this is a fail-safe way to make your LBDs (long black dresses) feel more casual: just add trainers.
Comfortable and stylish in equal measure.
So many celebrities (Kendall Jenner and Olivia Wilde among them) are backing adidas trainers this year.
Style Notes: Whether you work in an office or simply like to dress with a professional flair, a pencil skirt and blazer will always do the trick. Take it from day to night with a simple switch of accessories.
This whole look is gorgeous!
You could also incorporate this into a top-to-toe neutrals look.
No one does fuss-free basics quite like M&S.
Style Notes: Once it gets cool enough for a trench coat, you’ll likely find me donning this combination every other day. There’s something about this classic cover-up and loafers that feels so French (which, of course, means I’m obsessed).
I’m betting this will sell out in no time.
Wear-with-everything shoes.
Style Notes: While maxi skirts are one ofsummer’s key trends, I’m sure I don’t need to persuade you that this longline silhouette is timeless, too. Wear with a vintage-look tee and colour-pop kicks, like Francesca.
Ganni’s graphic tees are perennial bestsellers.
You could style this so many different ways.
Style Notes: In a masterful example of high-low dressing, Nnenna demonstrates just how easy it is to make tailoring feel laid-back. Come evening, just toss on a trench coat for a chic solution to the chill.
The dipped hem is a nice detail.
Easily dressed up or down.
These ‘dad’ kicks are a staple of every footwear repertoire.
Style Notes: A blazer and jeans = a match made in heaven. Right now, I love the idea of sizing up in the jacket and pairing it with skin-tight jeans for an interesting play on proportions.
You’ll rely on this versatile layer time after time as we move into autumn.
Paige jeans are well worth the price.
I’ve been eyeing these up for months, and frankly I can’t believe my size is still in stock. Maybe it’s a sign?
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
