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 spring/summer 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.
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. Tip: They look best oversized.
Arket’s organic cotton version is top-tier on the high street.
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).
Massimo Dutti is the destination for sharp tailoring.
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.
Lucy Williams approved.
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.
This light layer will come in handy all year round.
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 shirt or up with a matching slinky cami, they can do no wrong.
Give it a French-girl twist by pairing it with mules.
Style Notes: No matter the season, a knit dress will never fail. For summer, throw over swimwear on a beach trip, or add a blazer and mules for a sleek evening ensemble.
It goes so well with tan accessories.
Style Notes: Simply because no wardrobe is ever complete without a timeless trench. Fact.
French brand Sézane offers this trench in classic hues of beige, khaki and navy.
Style Notes: The waistcoat is now a fully fledged member of any capsule wardrobe. For now, wear on it’s own with jeans or shorts. Then come autumn it’s all about layering with a matchy-matchy blazer.
This will look so good with jeans or a sleek slip skirt.
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.
A Loewe puzzle will always be iconic.
Style Notes: Warmer weather may be here, but even the brightest days can come with cooler evenings. Celebrate the sunshine with an uplifting hue, like this gorgeous green.
Wrap around your shoulders for balmy nights now, or layer up in the cooler months.
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.
A sleek alternative to the classic biker.
Style Notes: Yep, the Prada loafers are still going strong. And Gucci has just brought out a new-season logo pair that we expect to see everywhere. Make like Emmanuelle, and team them with white socks for an cool twist.
A Gucci loafer will never date.
Style Notes: Anti-trend pieces don’t have to be dull; they just have to fit seamlessly into your existing style.
