We’re only a couple of weeks into 2024 and already we’ve seen the rise of the “mob wife” aesthetic, the “Birkin mom” trend and the unexpected return of the peddle-pusher. Is it me, or are trends suddenly moving faster than they used to? Often, buzzy pieces pop up on the underground circuit, earning their stripes as an It buy through word of mouth and becoming fully fledged trends through exposure. But there are some pieces so established they cannot be considered trends. Certain buys are such classics that at any given time, in any given place, you’ll spot them somewhere, signalling that the wearer is someone with undeniably good taste.
Take for example the trench coat you’ll dig out of your wardrobe whenever you need a light layer, the perfectly tailored trousers that go with every top in your rotation, or the flat shoes you can rely on for everyday wear. We all depend so much on these reliable staples that often they’re not given their dues, but seeing as these wardrobe foundations really are the backbone of any well-curated capsule, it’s time they had their turn in the limelight.
If you’ve scrolled through social media lately and felt like you’ve had enough of viral trends and meme-able looks, it’s time for a palette cleanser. I’ve rounded up the pieces that I’m convinced will work the hardest in your 2024 wardrobe and beyond, and chances are, you’ll already own at least one of them. No big red boots, no leg warmers and no low-slung jeans. You might spot these seven “anti-trend” buys enjoying a revival on the runways, but you certainly won’t regret wearing them long into 2025 too.