Casual Elegance Is My 2024 Vibe—8 Outfits I Just Screenshotted
I've noticed a major shift in the overarching fashion realm and maybe you've noticed it, too. Style right now is heading in a very elegant direction where we've taken a sharp pivot away from experimental Y2K trends and have begun embracing polished, grown-up, and utterly sophisticated looks. You might be thinking that this is simply the next phase of the quiet-luxury movement, and you wouldn't be wrong about that. But the mood du jour is also one that's inspired by the opulence of 1960s fashion with elements like A-line skirts, luxe duchess satin, and lots of belted silhouettes.
I could go on and on about it, but for the sake of this story, I'll cut to the chase: I'm personally stepping into my elegant era in 2024 and have gathered the outfit inspiration I'm looking to emulate in the coming weeks and months. These looks are littering my mood board for their low-key polish that's both chic and easy to wear without feeling overly costumey. Ahead, I'm sharing eight elegant outfit ideas that are quite effortless to put together.
This outfit just told me I need to own a long white coat. While a long black coat has long since been one of my wardrobe mainstays, this shade of off-white feels so much more elegant and forward to me. I especially love the simplicity of styling it with other neutrals and have already started shopping for a version to buy since the Frankie Shop one pictured is currently sold out.
Shop the look:
Scarf coats are still a very on-trend item for 2024, and no matter what you wear them with, they look utterly sophisticated. I'm especially a fan of styling one with a pair of relaxed trousers and ballet flats for an easy elegance.
Shop the look:
Long opera gloves bring a level of drama to an otherwise standard winter coat and I'm positively swooning over the duo.
Shop the look:
Yes, classic blue jeans are downright elegant when you marry them to a beautiful piece like this satin peplum-hem jacket from rising brand Liberowe. Dainty ballet flats and a simple handbag complete the pretty and polished ensemble.
Shop the look:
Nineties simplicity is a theme I'm leaning into in a major way this year. I'll be taking notes on how the supermodels of the era remixed timeless items like a black turtleneck into something pared-back but very chic, and this look with its clean lines and "less is more" approach defines that vibe to a T.
Shop the look:
Sometimes it all comes down to the shoe choice. A classic pair of point-toe flats or point-toe pumps makes a simple pair of jeans look utterly sophisticated. Double that by adding a pair of tights underneath (a savvy move that I've been copying from fashion people this winter) and denim have never looked fresher.
Shop the look:
Wearing leggings as pants again was not on my 2024 bingo card, but here I am, looking at this immaculate outfit I can't wait to re-create.
Shop the look:
Easy elegance doesn't need to take a lot of effort, which is why I'm excited to re-create this look that requires little brainpower to look pulled-together. All it takes is draping a scarf atop your coat, ideally one in a contrasting color.
Shop the look:
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
-
Swapping Your Sneakers for This Timeless Shoe Trend Will Make You Look Instantly Richer
It’s giving wealth.
By Michelle Scanga
-
6 Ways Fashion People Wear Sparkles Without Looking Over-the-Top
If you're feeling just a little bit festive.
By Natalie Cantell
-
My Vibe Is "Paris After Dark"—6 Elegant Going-Out Outfits From French Women I'm Trying
Chic.
By Natalie Cantell
-
6 Chic Winter Outfits From Madewell That'll Have People Believing You Hired a Secret Stylist
I won't tell.
By Eliza Huber
-
Who Needs a Stylist When This New AI Tool Just Dressed Me for Free?
My new virtual BFF.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Sorry to My Jeans-and–Fancy-Top Combo, But This Two-Part Outfit Looks Way Richer
Casual yet sophisticated.
By Judith Jones
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in Europe
Classic looks that are always in style.
By Natalie Cantell
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This Winter
You're welcome.
By Eliza Huber