I'm a Fashion Editor—6 Comfy Yet Classic Outfits I Always Come Back to
If we can all agree on one thing, let it be that 2025 will be the year we bid farewell to uncomfortable fashion. Perhaps we have the lockdown era to thank for our collective embrace of relaxed, cosy and unapologetically comfy styles, as the WFH lifestyle meant we could swap tailoring and court shoes for athleisure sets and snuggly socks. But with the world well and truly back to regularly scheduled programming, the joy of dressing up has returned—but our standards on wearability have undoubtedly changed for good.
You can see it in the trends dominating the upcoming season—flat shoes, like loafers and Mary Janes, are at the top of the footwear must-have lists, and flash-in-the-pan fashion trends have taken a back seat to investing in elevated classics that can be mixed-and-matched to create effortlessly cool, minimalist looks. But for the days when you want to keep things especially easy and comfy, here are five looks that are sure to serve you well.
1. Matching Separates + Woven Bag + Trainers
Style Notes: Whilst you may not think it if you've read any of my dress pieces, I will always champion matching separates. A lounge top and bottom pair can look incredibly chic, especially when you consider fabrication and cut. Ensembles like Monikh's can be worn in and outdoors. You don't have to buy a matching set. Why not opt for a jumper with lounge pants?
Shop the Look:
2. Wool Jumper + White Jeans + Oversized Scarf
Style Notes: Tonal looks always appear chic, but especially so when you're working with shades of white. The ensemble is undeniably chic yet when you look at the individual components they're all casual—from the crew neck jumper to the relaxed jeans. The suave accessories are responsible for tying the look together.
Shop the Look:
Given how many times this would be reached for, the cost per wear is looking hard to beat.
White jeans and a dark contrasting belt always looks good.
Chunky lug-sole shoes tend to feel more comfortable than down-to-earth flats, especially when it starts to snow.
3. White Shirt + Cargo Trousers + Slip-On Clogs
Style Notes: '90s-style cargo pants made a mark in 2023, and they're not going anywhere in 2024. If you find yourself reverting to leggings for lounging and craving something different, why not opt for a utilitarian style? The baggy fit will ensure comfort, too.
Shop the Look:
Head to With Nothing Underneath for all of your shirt needs. You'll be so impressed with the quality.
I love that Abercrombie offer short, regular, and tall versions of all their trousers.
Love or loathe clogs, you'll most definitely appreciate the ease. It's slipper comfort, for the outdoors.
4. Quilted Coat + Slouchy Jeans + Black Jumper
Style Notes: At times you do want your coat to do all of the talking (and bundling). This puffer has more of a streamlined feel as compared to the duvet styles. You can wear just about anything underneath but for slow days I recommend black jeans and a thick knit to lean into the monochromatic look. The beanie adds a pop of warmth.
Shop the Look:
The boxy shape of this is perfect for casual everyday wear. It's also available in sky blue and a soft oatmeal colour.
Chelsea boots will always be a classic, but there's something about the pointed toe of this pair that elevates them.
5. Scarf Coat + Knitted Dress + Boots
Style Notes: If you’re anything like me, you’ll find inordinate amounts of joy in slipping a scarf coat over everything this winter. Try wearing it with a casual knitted dress, just like Lauren did.
Shop the Look:
There is now a long version of everyone's favourite scarf coat. Thank you Toteme.
Because Saint Laurent bags will always be some of the best in the business.
Are these not the perfect way to keep your feet toasty warm when leaving the house? P.S. - they also come in tan.
6. Wool Skirt + Tonal Jumper + Shopper Bag
Style Notes: A wool skirt is perhaps the easiest way to stay comfy while looking très chic. Style with a matching tonal jumper like Erin has and you'll create a gorgeously flowy silhouette. Add an oversized shopper for an extra casual touch.
Shop the Look:
These would fit like a glove - just use a suede protectant on them before leaving the house.
Don't make the mistake of thinking sunglasses are the reserve of summer. They're the easiest way to elevate a winter outfit.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
-
I Searched for Expensive-Looking 2025 Buys—Arket, Topshop and Zara Delivered
Capsule-wardrobe heroes in the making.
By Florrie Alexander
-
The Stats Don't Lie—These Are the Bestselling Fashion Buys of 2024
And they're coming with me into 2025.
By Florrie Alexander
-
I Tried On Over 100 Pieces This Year—These 11 Joined My Capsule Wardrobe
My 2024 try-on wrapped.
By Florrie Alexander
-
I've Tried On So Many Coats This Winter But I Keep Coming Back to One Elegant Style
And these are the best-high street versions.
By Florrie Alexander
-
European Women Rely on This Elegant Coat Trend to Look Polished in Winter—18 of the Best for Every Budget
A modern classic.
By Maisie Bovingdon
-
6 Winter Outfits That Are Guaranteed to Make You Look Rich
From a designer-loving editor.
By Humaa Hussain
-
I Searched for Anti-Trend Autumn Buys—COS, M&S and Arket Delivered
Editor-approved picks.
By Florrie Alexander
-
I Never Thought I'd Wear These "Ugly" Shoes, But I Was Wrong—8 Ways to Style Them
They're selling out like crazy.
By Sierra Mayhew