Often, certain items in the fashion world earn their stripes from being an It buy or the latest piece everyone is wearing a particular week. But some items are so established they needn’t be trend-led to be important. We’re talking about the trench coat you’ll wear a million times without ever tiring of it, the tailored trousers that go with any top and the leather bag that’ll become part of your everyday uniform. It’s easy to not shout about these reliable staple pieces, but since they’re the base of many great outfits, it’s time to give them some recognition.
While some trends can be tricky to translate for us mere mortals, we can almost guarantee the fail-safe items we’re about to show you will be the hardest-working in your wardrobe (if they’re not already). And we’re not the only ones who believe this, as our fashion friends have given us endless inspiration for how to style them for the new year. Keep scrolling to see the 13 anti-trend buys you won’t regret.
THE COOL, ANTI-TREND STAPLES I RELY ON:
1. The White Shirt
Style Notes: Worn buttoned up, undone, with a blazer for work or over a bikini for vacay, a white shirt will be one of the most versatile items you can own.
Shop White Shirts:
Arket's 100% cotton version is top-tier on the high street.
An investment shirt that will last you for years to come.
2. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Styled with a simple tee, worn as a suit or taken on a night out with a bandeau, the tailored trouser will never fail to look put together (with minimal effort required).
Shop Tailored Trousers:
A pair that you can wear all year round.
Mango always delivers brilliant tailored pieces.
3. Hoop Earrings
Style Notes: Forget throw-away costume jewellery; a great pair of hoops will work with every single outfit you own. And they never fail to look polished.
Shop Hoop Earrings:
Editor approved.
Simple, but very effective.
4. The Relaxed Blazer
Style Notes: Arket (as seen here on Aida), & Other Stories, COS and H&M always have great oversized-blazer options. Of course, there's that Frankie Shop style, too.
Shop Relaxed Blazers:
This light layer will come in handy all year round.
The high street also has some great options.
5. The Slip Skirt
Style Notes: Slip skirts come and go as a trend, but the fact is midi skirts will always be an essential. Dressed down with a jumper or up with a matching slinky cami, they can do no wrong.
Shop Slip Skirts:
Jewel tones are the easiest way to look expensive.
Give it a French-girl twist by pairing it with mules or loafers.
6. The Drop-Waist Dress
Style Notes: No matter the season, a sleek drop-waist dress will never fail. For winter, add a wool blazer and knee high boots for a sleek day-to-evening ensemble.
Shop Drop-Waist Dresses:
This will go so well with ivory accessories.
This entire look is so chic!
7. The Trench Coat
Style Notes: Simply because no wardrobe is ever complete without a timeless trench. Fact.
Shop Trench Coats:
This chic style is available in black as well.
This lighter shade is ideal for pairing with pastel colours like sage green or baby pink.
8. The Waistcoat
Style Notes: The waistcoat is now a fully fledged member of any capsule wardrobe. For now, it's all about layering.. Then come spring, wear with jeans or linen trousers.
Shop Waistcoats:
Wear with light denim or cream tailored trousers.
This will look so good with jeans or a sleek slip skirt.
9. A Love-Forever Bag
Style Notes: Granted, a Birkin may not be in everyone's price range (we'll keep wishing), but a classic bag can be. Tan, black, beige or white leather is always a wise investment.
Shop Investment Bags:
Such a great shape.
A Loewe puzzle will always be iconic.
10. A Tank Top
Style Notes: There are just some items that will never leave my wardrobe and a simple tank top is one of those pieces that I'll hold onto forever. Some might think it boring, but it will act as the basis of some of your chicest outfits. Not to mention you can get them at super affordable prices all across the high street.
Shop Tank Tops:
H&M does great basics at such an affordable price point
This will undoubtedly go with everything in your wardrobe.
11. The Leather Jacket
Style Notes: When you find The One (the leather jacket made for you, that is), you'll never let it go. Just as well, then, since real leather often looks even better once it's worn in a bit.
Shop Leather Jackets:
A sleek alternative to the classic biker.
Brown will pair perfectly with the neutrals in your winter wardrobe.
12. Chunky Loafers
Style Notes: Yep, the Prada loafers are still going strong, but Gucci has some seriously strong contenders. Team them with socks for a cool twist.
Shop Chunky Loafers:
A Gucci loafer will never date.
I can't believe these are from the high street.
13. A Great Suit
Style Notes: Anti-trend pieces don't have to be dull; they just have to fit seamlessly into your existing style.
Shop the Suit:
A neutral tone suit will always serve you well.
Just like the blazer, these can work just as well with other outfit combinations.
This post was previously published and has since been updated.
-
Sambas Aren't a Trend Anymore—They're a Staple: Here's How to Wear Them in 2025They've become a classic.
-
The Timeless Shirts Londoners Are Willing to Line Up and Down the Street ForThe perfect button-down shirt does exist.
-
Kendall Jenner Is Already Dressing for Spring—4 Pieces Making Up Her Capsule WardrobeThey're all so versatile.
-
5 Winter Basics to Own If You Refuse to Follow TrendsOur forever favourites.
-
If I Rebuilt My Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget, I'd Start With These 13 Smart BuysBuy now, wear forever.
-
So You Bought a Suede Bag—Here Are the Affordable Ways to Keep it Looking Brand NewRestore your prized possession to its former glory.
-
Pamela Anderson's Perfect 6-Piece Capsule Wardrobe Ensures She Looks Elegant at All TimesSo many gems.
-
5 Ways I'm Wearing This Classic Jacket Style Now and Well Into SpringThe styling possibilities are endless.
