I'm a Fashion Editor With Classic Taste—7 Elegant, Anti-Trend Outfits I'm Going to Rely On This Winter
Whenever I experience trend paralysis—a sense of overwhelm and indecision following a flurry of fresh trends—I overcorrect by focusing purely on classic looks. Basically, I ignore what's ‘in’ and take it back to basics, building outfits around the wardrobe heroes I know and love.
By assembling the outfit foundations with timeless pieces rather than involving trends, you can create a versatile base that allows you to incorporate current touches if desired. In 2024, this could mean adding an oxblood bag or swapping loafers for ballet flats. But at its heart, your outfit will be made up of mainstay items that won't go out of style. Think blue jeans, crew-neck knitwear and black leather boots.
I've come equipped with visual aids in the form of seven polished looks styled by some of Instagram's expert dressers. Take a look at the classic outfits below, then shop the pieces you need to re-create them (if you don't already own them, that is).
7 CLASSIC OUTFITS TO COPY THIS WINTER:
1. Trench Coat + White Tee + Blue Jeans
Style Notes: The trench coat might be enjoying its moment in the trend spotlight, but this is one of those pieces that will never date. History has proven this sophisticated cover-up has enduring appeal—for ease, toss it on over a simple jeans-and-t-shirt formula.
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2. Crew-Neck + Column Skirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: It's slouchy sweater season, and we couldn't be happier. Tuck your knit into a straight column-style skirt to create more definition, and add black knee-high boots to elevate the look.
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3. Long Coat + Striped Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: A coat will make up the bulk of your outfit for the next few months, so you may as well invest in a good one. Keep the styling underneath light, comfortable and timeless and you'll be outfit repeating before you know it.
Shop the Look:
From the sharp shoulders to the mid-calf length, I love everything about this coat.
4. Blazer + Slip Dress + Mules
Style Notes: For winter events, resist splurging on a brand new dress that might feel dated this time next year—instead, stick to a Taffy's fail-safe combo, a boxy blazer contrasted with a pretty slip dress.
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This pale green shade will be a refreshing addition to your winter colour palette.
5. Cropped Jacket + Straight-Leg Jeans + Boots
Style Notes: A cropped jacket with wool in the composition is just the ticket to keeping you warm on milder winter days. Opt for high-waisted jeans and sleek boots to complete this timeless look.
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I'll be taking a break from black boots with this chic beige suede pair.
6. Turtleneck Jumper + Tailored Trousers + Loafers
Style Notes: I don't believe wearing a loose, chunky-knit jumper necessitates choosing a fitted trouser; lean into the cosy look like Brittany with relaxed silhouettes from top-to-toe.
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M&S has taken the traditional penny loafer and made it even more stylish.
7. Wool Coat + Mini Dress + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: When in doubt, a maxi wool coat and mini dress combo will never fail to look chic. Opt for a knitted iteration and add tights and sleek boots to keep you warm.
Shop the Look:
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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