13 Anti-Trend Basics That Will Become the Foundation of My 2024 Wardrobe

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 season. Keep scrolling to see the 13 anti-trend buys you won’t regret.

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 THE WHITE SHIRT:

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:

3. Hoop Earrings

Style Notes: Forget custom throw-away jewellery; a great pair of (most likely gold) hoops will work with every single outfit you own. And they never fail to look polished. 

SHOP HOOPS:

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 THE RELAXED BLAZER:

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 THE SLIP SKIRT:

6. The Knit Dress

Style Notes: No matter the season, a knit dress will never fail. For winter, add a blazer and knee high boots for a sleek day-to-evening ensemble. 

SHOP THE KNIT DRESS:

7. The Trench Coat

Style Notes: Simply because no wardrobe is ever complete without a timeless trench. Fact. 

SHOP THE TRENCH COAT:

8. The Waistcoat

Style Notes: The waistcoat is now a fully fledged member of any capsule wardrobe. For now, wear with jeans or trousers. Then come summer it's all about pairing it with linen.

SHOP THE WAISTCOAT:

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 THE INVESTMENT BAG:

10. A Simple-But-Bright Knit

Style Notes: Even the brightest days can come with cooler evenings. Celebrate the sunshine or add a dopamine hit to your winter dressing with an uplifting hue, like this gorgeous green.

SHOP THE BRIGHT KNIT:

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 THE LEATHER JACKET:

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 LEATHER LOAFERS:

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:

Next Up: I'm a Stylist—9 Easy Trouser Outfits I Plan on Copying This Winter

This post was previously published and has since been updated.