5 Trends That Will Still Be Relevant in 6 Months, a Year and 5 Years

I realise that in many ways the concept of trends also being considered classic enough to look good in a few years' time is something of an oxymoron. After all, trends are fleeting, right? Well, in some ways yes. But in another sense, trends can diverge into a more reliable zone for two different reasons. Sometimes, trends just go on and on for so long that they become a staple part of the fashion lexicon—it's almost like we can't get dressed anymore without them, and it's strange to think that outfits existed beforehand. Imagine a world without skinny jeans or ballet pumps—sure, they may ebb and flow in popularity at times, but they never really die out even if you personally aren't a fan. Then there's the fact that trends revolve in circles, and many items you purchase will eventually come back into fashion. Nothing is out of style forever, and some of the most surprisingly looks from my youth continue to surface on today's Y2K-heavy runways. I'm not ready for it, but a new generation clearly is.

So, how can you pinpoint those classic autumn trends that are totally timeless? Well, I've got more 15 autumn seasons working in the fashion industry under my belt, so I think I've been around long enough to know that certain looks, fabrics, cuts and outfit combinations come around time and again. As fickle as fashion can be, there are a few pieces you can always rely upon, such as a camel coat or the fact that designers simply cannot resist leather in the colder months. So keep scrolling to see the elevated autumn trends that will keep going for a long, long time to come.

1. NEUTRAL TAILORING

Style Notes: A simple suit will never do you wrong—just switch up how you style it to keep the look current.

Style Notes: Tailoring doesn't have to mean super-structured. It can be loose and draped, too.

2. LUXE TRENCH COATS

Style Notes: Who says your coat can't double up as a dress? We're here for that cost-per-wear.

Style Notes: Leather trench coats are the ultimate in luxury coat choices, and they're around a lot for A/W 22, so it's a good time to invest.

3. LEATHER SEPARATES

Style Notes: A leather blazer goes with almost everything in your closet, from a LBD to your favourite pair of jeans.

Style Notes: It's all about finding the leather trouser silhouette that works for you—maybe slight flares are easier to wear than crops, for example. Experiment and then you'll have a style that lasts forever.

4. LONG-LINE SKIRTS

Style Notes: An all-black ensemble with a long-line skirt at the centre of it all is a timeless combination.

Style Notes: You can use these elegant hemlines for day-to-night dressing with ease. Just swap a blouse or tee for a fancy going-out top.

5. DOUBLE DENIM

Style Notes: A Canadian tuxedo looks the business with a maxi coat thrown over the top.

Style Notes: Double denim in the same, unfussy wash will always look more elevated.