I've Fallen in Love With These Classic Pieces, and I Think You Will Too

classic-pieces-2023-303972-1669307086608-main

(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

Nine times out of ten, when an item makes it into my basket, it sits in the ‘classic’ category rather than the ‘trendy’ one. As much as I enjoy absorbing the changing fashion currents each season, my personal wardrobe mostly consists of timeless buys that I know will stand the test of time.

And while, in theory, this should limit my spending, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), many of my favourite brands are masters in creating classic pieces. Think Arket, COS, Reformation and Everlane—these are just a few of the labels that frequently grace my inbox with high-quality, trend-defying designs. Everything from thick wool jumpers and hardwearing denim to elevated loungewear (yes, I still work from home). If I can't picture the piece working in at least five outfits, it's a pass.

Over the last couple of weeks, a select few items have repeatedly caught my eye. From perhaps *the* most versatile knitwear to the shoe set to be my go-to for the foreseeable, scroll on to see the wardrobe staples I've fallen hard for lately. I bet you will too.

1. Cream Knitwear

classic-pieces-2023-303972-1670864476774-main

(Image credit: @chiarasatelier)

Style Notes: Living in an Edinburgh tenement flat, investing in quality knitwear is my #1 concern. Usually, I lean towards black and grey jumpers, with a few stripes in the mix for good measure, but right now I'm seeing a lot of cream iterations that feel a touch more sophisticated.

Shop cream knitwear:

2. Long Black Coat

classic-pieces-2023-303972-1669308526209-main

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Style Notes: I'm convinced a long black coat is the most wearable outerwear option, and it makes every outfit more polished. Buy the right one and you'll be holding onto it for seasons to come. 

Shop black coats:

3. Structured Tailoring

classic-pieces-2023-303972-1669306968427-main

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: As much as I love a slouchy suit, I can't help but lust after the more structured tailoring I've been seeing from designers like Balmain and Veronica Beard. They sure know how to create a really flattering silhouette.

Shop structured blazers:

4. Mid-Blue Denim

classic-pieces-2023-303972-1669307229731-main

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Style Notes: Time and time again, I find myself pushing aside the light- and dark-wash denim in my wardrobe and reaching for that perfect mid-blue pair. My favourites are from Mango, but there's tons of others to choose from in all shapes and sizes.

Shop blue jeans:

5. Brown Loafers

classic-pieces-2023-303972-1669307164124-main

(Image credit: @sallyomo
)

Style Notes: Brown might be a trending colour, but it's also totally timeless. Tan and chocolate-toned loafers will break up all-black outfits beautifully, and can also be seamlessly incorporated into tonal looks.

Shop brown loafers:

6. Gold-Toned Jewellery

classic-pieces-2023-303972-1669309827782-main

(Image credit: @saraloura)

Style Notes: Gold is as classic as it gets, in my opinion. I used to be a silver loyalist, but after realising the power that a pair of gilded hoops or a chunky chain has to transform an outfit, I'm sold on gold.

Shop gold-toned jewellery:

Next Up: 30 Expensive-Looking All-Weather Buys From H&M, & Other Stories and Arket

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer. After receiving an Audrey Hepburn box set for her 10th birthday and subsequently swooning over the actor’s wardrobe, Bébhinn felt pretty confident she wanted a career that involved clothes. She started her first blog at age 14—the title was a pun, but we’ll leave it at that—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 for 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 updated takes on classic designs. 


While she still loves Audrey Hepburn films, these days, Bébhinn’s sartorial taste sits closer to Annie Hall’s and Alexa Chung’s. In her spare time, she’s likely cooing over cute dogs on rescue websites, playing folk songs on her guitar and browsing bookshops for new additions to her already-overpacked shelves.