I’ve Been a Stylist for 10 Years—These 4 Outfits Always Look Good

From some of Rihanna’s and Kim Kardashian West’s most iconic outfits to cementing London’s best dressed It-girl scene, super stylist and creative director Avigail Collins is known in fashion circles for being the go-to when you’re a celebrity looking to craft an exciting new look. She’s the mastermind behind ingenious ensembles for Lorde and is the force behind some of Daisy Lowe’s sassiest getups, but Avigail’s wardrobing skills extend even further: including her own streetwear-inspired line, Silver Spoon Attire. Founded in 2013, alongside her husband (and fellow sought-after stylist) Damian Collins, her high-profile music clients—and a global street style following—make up a pretty impressive fan club. If anyone can spot the next big thing, it’s Avigail, which is why we’re thrilled to have her on board at Who What Wear UK to tell us what’s hot now.

I’ve been a stylist now for over 10 years, and although I’ve seen countless trends come and go, there are a few trusty outfits that never really fade or look dated. There are definitely tweaks to bring them into the new, but essentially, no one ever looks bad in the below three formulas. So the next time you’re stuck for inspiration, just fall back on one of these classic outfits…

When I was at university, my ever-stylish flatmate taught me that as long as you always have a good white T-shirt and perfect-fit jeans in your wardrobe or suitcase, you can’t go wrong. It really is the greatest combo, and over the years, I’ve searched for the perfect T-shirt.

My original fave was by James Perse. At one point, I had four of the exact same tee. Now, my ultimate choice is from an L.A.-based brand called Pretties. Pretties originally launched its Baby Tee in the mid-’90s, and everyone who was anyone had one. From Naomi to Cindy to an iconic editorial with Drew Barrymore, these tees were extremely popular.

The brand relaunched with a beautiful store in Venice Beach, and I stumbled across it recently. I haven’t looked back because Pretties’ tees have really become my thing. I have three of the brand’s tops in white, and a couple of months ago, I started buying the same cut in different colours.

Depending on what you’re doing on any given day, a T-shirt-and-jeans pairing can either be the main part of your outfit. You can easily dress it up with heels and layers of thin gold chains. Right now, I’d suggest a ’90s-style leather jacket for that off-duty Bella Hadid vibe. As you’ll know, you can quickly dress it down with trainers or Chelsea boots and still look cool.

Tip: Try a men’s white T-shirt for an oversized look, and then tuck it into high-waisted jeans with a belt.

Adding a blazer and black boots won’t take away from the classic feel of this combination, as demonstrated by Lauren.

Denim-on-denim? That’s right, it’s back—and you’re going to want to jump on board.

Lean into the casual look by bringing your most-loved pair of sneakers into the mix.

Julie gives this timeless pairing the Parisian touch with a velvet blazer and heeled ankle boots. Très chic.

If you’re going to own just one white tee, you won’t find better than this one.

Mango is great at creating on-trend yet infinitely wearable jeans.

Is it just me, or has Totême been nailing literally every category of clothing lately?

A dress and boots really work for any age. Whether you feel confident in a shorter-length dress with chunky Docs or a longer sophisticated midi with slick knee-high boots, you can’t go wrong with this combo. Dresses and boots also work year-round. You’d be surprised how good a summer dress can look with tights, boots and a long-sleeved top underneath. So don’t be afraid to get your favourite cotton dress out whatever the weather—just think about how you can rework it for the occasion. To be honest, most pieces in your wardrobe will work for any season as long as you layer and accessorise them for the climate.

A coat of the same length always looks elegant with a maxi dress.

Thigh slits in winter? Make it cold-weather-appropriate with tall boots like Emmanuelle.

A knitted dress and mock snakeskin boots will serve you well through the year, for all kinds of occasions.

There are so many amazing vintage dresses out there just waiting to be scooped up. Although, it seems like Franny has already scored the best ones…

I was sold on this dress the second I saw that neckline.

Platform boots are set to be big this year, and this is a particularly wearable iteration.

These look futuristic and timeless at the same time.

No matter the occassion, there’s a suit out there for you that works. Personally, I love high-waisted wide-leg trousers and an oversized boxy jacket, as the combo suits my curvy figure best. If you are tall and flatter-chested, then I would go for a full-on tailored suit or a skinny tux.

I love to mix my suits up, so I’ll wear my jackets with jeans or trainers. I also use the jacket as a layer under a puffer or oversized wool coat. Trousers are a staple if I have an event to go to, as I will wear them with different shirts and blazer. No matter what is on trend, a decent suit will always cut the mustard.

Right now, I’m into the statement look of wearing suits in fun colours and going tonal with my accessories.

When a suit looks this sharp, you don’t need to wear loads of accessories. Thanks for the reminder, Amy.

Suits are surprisingly easy to dress down—just add trainers and sunnies.

When the warmer months hit, swap your blazer out for a waistcoat and add some strappy heels. So elegant.

This has to be one of the best suit looks around. The colour and chunky boots give this formal attire an edgy feel.

This linen blazer makes me think of The Talented Mr Ripley. Take me to the Italian coastline ASAP.

Of course, you can also style these pieces separately if you’re not feeling the suited look.

Pinstripe never goes out of style. Fact.

H&M’s tailored trousers are spot-on every time.

The silk slip skirt has made a significant comeback over the past couple of years and is no longer reserved for evening plans. It turns out this slinky staple looks just as dreamy in the daylight hours.

All of my favourite looks featuring this skirt also include another item that’s an important part of every wardrobe: the humble jumper. All you need to do is chuck on your cosiest knit and you have yourself a polished yet undeniably comfortable outfit.

I’ve found this pairing is particularly useful in the transitional months, when I want to go coat-less but I’m not quite ready to expose my arms to the elements. For footwear, the choice is yours. Sneakers, heels and boots all work wonderfully with this combo.