I'm Anti-Trend, But These New-In Pieces Work With My Classic Capsule Wardrobe

When I was a teen, I was besotted with the runway and a stickler for fashion forecasts. Perhaps it was one too many re-runs of The Hills, but I became fixated on the artistry of designers and used that to dictate my fashion choices. Marvelling at designer creations taking place centre stage became my favourite pastime and although that piece hasn’t changed, my shopping habits certainly have.

As I became more attuned to my personal style and a more conscious shopper, I noticed a discrepancy between the trends that were showing up and the way I preferred to dress in day-to-day life, so in time I separated my affinity for the runway from my personal style.

Nowadays, I report on trends and it’s not too often that I buy into them, as I’m more discerning about the clothing I acquire. This season, however, the trends are speaking to me as many of the influences coincide with my pre-existing collection. Therefore it's allowing me to celebrate my personal style and invest in cuts that have served me well over the past decade.

Although I consider the way I acquire clothing under the umbrella of a capsule wardrobe, my style is nuanced. There are varied influences—from a Parisian essence to a bohemian and modern lilt. Therefore, I’m extracting the pieces I most admire from the trend pool, be it ruched dresses or denim.

This season, there’s a catalogue of trends to take our fancy—from bold statements, inspired by Haute Couture, to the subdued ready-to-wear runways and micro trends. Take denim, for example, it feels inherently Parisian. The same goes for full skirts, which my love of never diminishes and maxi length styles that are no longer solely associated with light cotton voiles worn whilst holidaying.

Keep scrolling for some spring trends that will slot seamlessly into a capsule wardrobe. From denim to column skirting, many pieces have a timeless appeal. If you’re a conscious shopper like me, these styles have my stamp of approval. They just so happen to be on-trend.

Shop My Edit of Timeless Trends:

1. Bandeau Silhouttes

We saw the reintroduction of the bandeau silhouette last year and its prevalence lives on in the styles we're continuing to see for spring. As a person who rarely wears miniskirts, I adore décolletage-bearing clothing like bandeau tops and dresses instead. The options for 2024 are aplenty, whether you're looking for a light-hued bandeau top or something entirely whimsical for an evening event.

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2. Denim in Excess

The double-denim look has garnered fans over the years and served us with iconic pop culture moments and major celeb kudos. This is intriguing considering denim is perhaps the most simple fabrication that we likely all possess in our midst. You may have seen the colloquial term 'Canadian Tuxedo' flying around: it refers to full denim looks, which were once deemed inappropriate but now we can't get enough. I'm enjoying the rigid offerings composed of 100% cotton, in hues that air on the side of indigo, as it has a richer, vintage (and not to mention timeless) element. This season, I'll be offsetting double-denim looks with slingback heels and gold jewels aplenty, to tie in with my personal style.

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3. The Full Skirt

Many moons ago I become obsessed with the '50s style fit and flare, so the pronounced skirt trend has a nostalgic appeal. Although I'm a minimalist (in terms of my clothing acquirements) my capsule doesn't just consist of svelte shapes. I also enjoy exaggerated shaping in neutral colourways.

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4. Extended Hemlines

From on-the-knee skirts to free-flowing maxi dresses, sweeping styles are dominating. Extended hemlines have been part of my capsule for a decade and nine times out of ten you'll find me in some form of midi or maxi. Although it may be an unconventional way of dressing for someone with a petite frame, I don't ascribe to the notion of flattery. I appreciate excess fabrics and their ability to make us feel emboldened.

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5. Oversized Studs

Earrings have taken centre stage over the past few seasons and it's a trend I favour. Everyone who knows me will know that come rain or shine, earrings are part of my uniform. What I love most about the newer releases is that they're less regal in appeal. Instead, they come in jaunty, organic shapes, and are juxtaposed with metals for a modern lift. We're witnessing earrings dominate refined outfits. I've been a lover of '80s style earrings since the beginning of time so I'm using this season to pick forever pieces to add to my jewellery capsule.

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6. Sheer Elements

It's been some time since we witnessed the resurgence of noughties-inspired illusion frocks by the likes of Totême, Jacquemus and Maison Margiela. It may seem like a contemporary design but it dates back to the '90s and Jean Paul Gaultier's cult barely-there dresses. Although I'm not accustomed to mesh dresses, I appreciate sheer textures in doses and with clever placement. Tulle, organza styles and overlays (especially on the arms) are designs I appreciate for eveningwear.

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7. Sweeping Coats

I may be a dress girl but I'm so inspired by menswear this season and in particular, sweeping coats. It's the perfect way to offset overly feminine looks. You'll notice a plethora of brown hues on outerwear, too.

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8. The Directional Flat

Flat shoes have permeated fashion spaces over the past year, starting with the revival of the noughties ballet flat in 2023. The style has been reimagined and 2024s iterations are nothing short of directional. From skin-tight gloved silhouettes to the (controversial) mesh pump. There's something for all.

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9. Suede Handbags

Oh, suede bags, how you've stolen my heart. This fabrication has come as if out of nowhere and it's provided a contrasting element to many ensembles. The Row's Margaux has spearheaded this sudden interest in textured handbags, with many of its suede iterations sold out on retailer sites across the board. Fear not, as there are many just as beautiful styles.

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

Opening image: @_marisamartins_