At Who What Wear, we pride ourselves on bringing you the latest in fashion trends, bold new looks and must-see collections, but it is equally important to us that we bring you inspiring new ways to wear the pieces that you already own and love.
While there are inevitably plenty of new and exciting pieces to add to your wardrobe right now, the savviest purchases are the ones that will breathe new life into what you already own and that will go the distance within your wardrobe. There are a few styling tricks that we're taking notes on for their sheer outfit-elevating abilities.
Prepare for some VIPs (those are very inspirational pieces), microtrends that come runway approved and plenty of double-tap-worthy outfits from some of our favourite influencers who know how to put together a striking look. So keep scrolling to see (and shop) the new styling tricks I've picked up on my recent scrolls through Instagram. You won't regret it.
1. THE EVENING SKIRT + CASUAL TOP
The ultimate in high-low pairing, there is something about this unlikely combination that stopped me in my tracks. Spring might have given us the rise of the miniskirt (no pun intended), but summer's chic answer to the micro hemline is a demure A-line.
From Bottega Veneta to Christian Dior, Emilia Wickstead to Valentino, the A/W 22 runways showed plenty of voluminous taffeta midi skirts, almost always paired with a low-key chunky knit or midriff-baring crop top.
Style Notes: This trend is all about playing with proportions, so the bigger the skirt, the better. For the summer months, enjoy wearing it with your favourite tank top or a cropped polo or bandeau as seen on Pernille Teisbaek and Emili Sindlev. And when autumn comes around, layer up with a knit and trench like Louisa Hatt did.
Shop the Look:
Update the classic polo by pairing it with a statement skirt. Just keep accessories to a minimum to avoid looking too stuffy.
An entrance-making skirt if ever we saw one.
Nothing says summer like seersucker and gingham.
If taffeta feels too formal, try a cotton skirt for an easy-to-wear option.
2. THE SKINNY BELT + BLAZER
Tailoring is always a sure-fire winner. A great cut and considered fit can make even the most casual outfit feel a little more polished, but to add interest to a plain blazer, add a skinny waistbelt to draw in the waist of a boxy, oversized jacket.
The look is surprisingly versatile—take cues from Balmain for a lesson in power dressing, or pair with slouchy trousers for more low-key, androgynous suiting. It's even the perfect accompaniment to the mini for those ready to bare their legs for summer like Emmanuelle Koffi.
Style Notes: Mismatch the colour of your belt and blazer to help it really stand out, and for the sunnier seasons, we're drawn to fresh shades of terracotta and sage green on white or tan jackets.
This affordable belt also comes in sky blue for a pop of pastel colour.
The chain detail on this belt will instantly make any blazer look more expensive.
The perfect shade of green for summer.
3. HEAD-TO-TOE COLOUR-BLOCKING
Lining up with our post-lockdown mood, we're ready to dress up in bold, celebratory colours to herald the return to being outdoors, and what better way than to max out on feel-good shades?
The monochromatic outfit might not be an entirely new concept, but rather than the fail-safe black uniform, we're encouraging you to layer up on brights. Jewel tones, pastels and even clean white make an impact when worn together (accessories included). Cobalt blue, emerald green and sunshine yellow have grabbed our attention, but after an unforgettable show from Valentino, fuchsia is topping our list.
Style Notes: If bolder brights are a little daunting, try soft pastels in different shades and textures. We love how Naya Elizabeth pairs buttermilk yellow with lemon and pops of orange and white to give the look different layers.
A cropped cardigan, in fuchsia, and with a keyhole cutout—this ticks all of the trend boxes.
Leg-lengthening tailoring from Peter Dundas's second collaboration with Revolve.
These shoes have "party" written all over them.
4. THE SCARF TOP 2.0
Summer is firmly upon us, and with temperatures steadily climbing and the promise of holidays on the horizon, we had to include a beach-ready styling tweak. Perhaps one of the easiest, and most creative, is the scarf top.
You might remember the scarf top from its first time around in the '90s (almost certainly in a bandana or butterfly print), but this version is a silkier, more grown-up iteration. The final look has an effortless "heading from the beach straight to dinner" energy that we are almost certainly backing.
Style Notes: There are plenty of ready-made scarf tops on the market, but choosing your scarf and tying it into a top gives you the opportunity to create your own look from any print. Pair with a satin skirt and flat sandals for a sunset-dinner look.
One of my favourite scarf tops on the high street.
Any piece that comes with Lucy Williams's seal of approval is one worth adding to your basket.
Designed by Fashion designer Ashish, the proceeds of Pret's playful pasta salad scarf go to supporting grassroots charities in communities local to Pret shops. Trés bien.
The more vibrant the print, the better.
5. BLAZER + BAGGY JEANS
It's about time there was a new denim shape for us to obsess over, and after the skinny gave way to the straight-leg, we're now focusing our attention on the baggy fit. Unlike the wide-leg flare, these jeans are high-waisted but loose all the way down, tapering at the ankle.
Paired with a blazer, this look is business meets casual—the happy medium between dressed up and down, so for the obvious answer to "What should I wear to brunch?", just add heels.
Style Notes: The blazer-and-jeans combo is one we know and love at Who What Wear, but the new jeans shape is a great opportunity to get creative with top pairings. The high-waisted nature of the jeans lends itself well to crop tops and cutouts, but we're equally happy to tuck in a trusty white tank top.
A staple in the Who What Wear office.
The ideal slouchy fit in sizes 4 to 18, designed to properly fit your waist.
Strappy heels comfortable enough for all-day wear.
The Frankie Shop always nails oversized, ultra-cool tailoring.
Tastefully distressed denim and in organic cotton.
I'm predicting it now: These slides are about to be all over your social media feed.
6. 'STOCKS + SOCKS
All hail the comfortable return of the humble Birkenstock. Although Versace and Valentino might be making a case for the skyscraper platform, during the week, we're looking for less of a party shoe and something a little more practical. What better than thick-soled flats that mould to support your foot? Last year, the classic Arizona shoes were the sandals of choice, but the Boston clogs are fashion's current obsession. Influencers are wearing them in the comfiest way possible—with socks.
Cloud-soft and shearling-lined for the colder months.
Sheer socks with embroidered details are a great choice for spring/summer for when a thick cotton sock is a little too much.
The OG Boston in Clay is a crowd favourite, so act fast before they go out of stock (again).
If you only have one pair of socks in your drawer, make it Falke. Soft, comfortable and long-wearing socks so light you'll forget you're even wearing them.
7. CARGO PANTS + BOLD TRAINERS
The '90s called—cargo pants are back. If you hadn't already heard (quite literally) them rustling through the streets, the utility trouser is another throwback making its presence felt this year. While we made space in our wardrobes for the other pre-millennium calling cards—the cropped cardigan, slip dress and logo tee—cargo pants have quietly been appearing in our feeds, and we back any trend that is as practical as it is cool.
Style Notes: Just like Y2K styling, add a pair of bright trainers, but keep the top half grown up for a look that's more sporty than Spice Girl.
There is something about the volume and the paper-bag waist of these trousers that makes them feel like updated cargo trousers for 2022.
Stella McCartney is the queen of the statement trainer.
Not quite ready to dive into the trend? Dip a toe and try M&S cotton stretch trousers for a subtle nod to the look.
These Adidas x Gucci trainers are a celeb favourite, from Harry Styles to A$AP Rocky.
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