10 Outfits That Are the Very Definition of "Trendy"

Assembling trendy outfits is always a priority for fashion types, particularly at the beginning of each new season when you no doubt want your looks to feel fresh. But you needn't spend frivolously to ensure everything you wear is of the moment. Instead, it all comes down to clever styling and pairing certain pieces with one another to unlock their full style potential.

Sure, you might feel the need to invest in a couple of new hero buys to breathe new life into your existing wares, and we certainly won't judge you for doing so. Still, we firmly believe that there are plenty of trendy outfits to be found already hanging in your wardrobe.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

To help us illustrate our point, we've found some incredible outside-of-the-box outfits that we think you'll be able to re-create with minimal effort or expenditure for autumn and that will keep you on the fashion pulse for the foreseeable future.

From the layering technique beloved by confident dressers and the throwback jeans style you probably haven't considered wearing since your teen years to the high/low outfit combination that'll give your aesthetic an edge, scroll on to see 10 trendy outfits to try this season.

Dress over trousers + statement earrings

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(Image credit: @fisayolonge)

Style Notes: As far as layering tricks go, this has to be the one favourited by fashion types. Wearing a dress over trousers never fails to look trendy, with button-down styles loaning themselves particularly well to the look. Just add a pair of plissé pleat trousers and statement gold earrings to complete the 2021 aesthetic. 

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Loose jeans + cropped shirt + jumbo tote

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Style Notes: Loose-fit denim started doing the rounds back in spring, but for autumn, it's set to dominate the denim agenda. Pair yours with a cropped shirt and a trending jumbo tote. 

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Check shacket + minidress + chunky knee-high boots

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(Image credit: @maggie_mccormack)

Style Notes: A checked shacket and chunky knee-high boots will ensure every outfit you wear this autumn feels on point. However, wear them with a usually formal black minidress, and you'll strike the perfect trendy outfit balance. 

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Knitted co-ord

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(Image credit: @himichelleli)

Style Notes: Our appetite for stylish loungewear is still as insatiate as ever, only for autumn, we're getting our fix by way of longline cardigans and coordinating trousers. Elevate the ensemble by accompanying it with your favourite jewellery pieces. 

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Clashing monochrome prints

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(Image credit: @iamjessicatorres)

Style Notes: Monochromatic outfits were all over the autumn/winter 2021 runways, though it's Jessica who has given the look a trendy overhaul. We love how she's utilities the palette to clash different prints together to impressive avail. 

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Quilted jacket + leggings + running shoes

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(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: If you don't already own a quilted jacket, we suggest rectifying this situation this autumn, as there are going to be plenty of excellent options to choose from. Wear yours with leggings and trending New Balance trainers for a cool athleisure look.

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Statement blouse + leather skirt

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: Chances are you already own a collared blouse, as they've been trending for about four seasons now. Give it an autumnal overhaul with a leather skirt and boots. Right now, we can't stop thinking about cowboy pairs. 

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Knitted vest + Y2K jewellery + wide-leg trousers

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(Image credit: @fiahamelijnck)

Style Notes: What started as a micro-trend last autumn is a full-blown look this year. Knitted vests are everywhere right now—we particularly like how Fia has styled hers with a colourful beaded necklace to give it a playful edge. 

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Chintzy floral dress + bold bag

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

Style Notes: Florals aren't just for spring—they're a year-round print staple, usually given a moody update for the cooler months. If you've already consulted our trend report, then you'll know that vintage-style florals are the way to wear them this season and will ensure you look the trendy part. 

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Oversized shirt + bra top

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Style Notes: Bright, oversized shirts were a key buy this summer, but you needn't stash them away for autumn. Instead, layer them over knitted bra tops (very trendy) and switch out mini hemlines in favour of jeans. 

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Next Up: The 3 Boot Trends That Have Taken Over 2021

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.