People Say I Have Impeccable Taste—Here Are 15 New Yet Classic Pieces I Love Now
And just like that, it’s 2025. After spending a non-traditional Christmas in the sun, I'm back on home ground and gradually devouring Katherine May’s Withering and forward planning, all whilst cocooned in the South of France. January 1st brings with it a host of meanderings piggybacking off the “new year, new me” rhetoric. In truth, it’s not something I aspire to in its entirety and the gravity (plus, let’s face it, pressure) that comes with it.
That said, I’m a crisp page and fresh start devotee, so it has its appeal. Over the past year, I’ve realised how drastically my style has been cemented through a newfound confidence. As I approach my mid-thirties, I’m growing into myself and I owe a huge part of this to my move to Paris. My style diary and journey are heavily intertwined as I dress depending on how I want to feel. Last year, I felt emboldened and I plan to follow suit in my clothing endeavours. I’ve cut my hair (a couple of inches, but still!), experimented with colour when I wanted to feel powerful and embraced suited ensembles and shrunken hemlines. In these moments, I’m acutely aware of how my relationship with clothes transcends the material. It’s about wearing a feeling, dressing for hope and fostering an intimate relationship with style.
I seldom buy new clothes but amid party season, I invested in a sheer overlay skirt (one of 2023’s enduring trends), that I foresee being in my occasion and eveningwear wardrobe for years (I envision wearing it well into my forties). Also, in true Avalon style, I’ve been ogling The Outnet and a Cortana top that featured high on my wish list in 2023 is now discounted by 50%. While you’re here, I implore you to step into the new year feeling emboldened—whether that’s rediscovering pieces in your pre-existing wardrobe, or daring to wear pieces you’ve been uncertain about. Wear the skirt, adhere to your own dress code and make your own rules.
There’s no denying that trawling January sales is exhilarating, however, between last season’s picks and the remanence of sparkle, it’s a notoriously difficult time to ascertain what’s truly worthy of a place in your wardrobe. Keep reading to see the pieces featured on my wish list. From Ninety Percent’s trench coat (in the richest hue) to the trainers that may make me (the owner of a mere two trainers) a sneaker girl. Here's to dressing unapologetically in 2025!
Shop My Edit for January:
The scooped neckline and warm hue lend this classic shape a contemporary feel.
Pair this sheer slip with a cable knit jumper atop and mules on the bottom.
I'm a person who wears a fairly muted colour pallet but this year, burgundy is my wild card.
And here you have it, one of the most voguish hosiery collaborations I've witnessed in my career thus far.
Look no further than Carolina de Barros if you're hoping to invest in forever jewels.
I haven't been this excited about pair of trainers since Adidas Gazelle's!
Granted, party season is over but there will be plenty of opportunities for this piece to make an appearance.
Ninety Percent has taken the label in a fresh direction, so expect significantly lower price points but the continuation of its elevated uniform. Case in point, this olive trench coat. It's refined and utilitarian in equal measure.
The creamy hue, resplendent heel and barely-there strap makes this a contemporary take on the heeled sandal.
I first witnessed this shape’s prototype in Aeron's spring showroom, so I'm thrilled to see it available for purchase.
I foresee 2025 being the era of elevated tops. From the scarf detailing to the generous draping and elegant fluted sleeves, this will be a forever piece.
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.
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