There's nothing like a little time in Europe to remind me that fashion trends are entirely optional. Year after year, any trip I take across the Atlantic inevitably delivers a certain handful of classic outfits, which will seemingly be on rotation for all eternity. Think staple coats, leather skirts, and elevated denim just to start—all the makings of an anti-trend winter capsule wardrobe that evidently will never go out of style.
I'm lucky enough to hop across the pond most seasons (a perk of living in New York and working in this biz), and I love seeing the gentle evolution of these classic outfit formulas. Whether I'm in Paris, London, Milan, or Madrid, these are the four chic and timeless winter looks I inevitably spot every time I'm in Europe.
This Audrey Hepburn–esque look is so classic and secretly comfortable, and I always spot a version of it on a low-key fancy woman at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Cropped, cigarette-leg trousers feel elegant with a bell-sleeve sweater, and any trip to Europe will try to convince you that neutral, cap-toed ballet flats are an investment-worthy staple.
It makes sense that ultra-cozy, après-ski style only gets better the closer you get to the Alps. Whether it's Fair Isle knits or shearling jackets, simply pair them with denim and classic ankle boots or sneakers for a very Euro weekend look.
Leather skirts never seem to be far from view, and when worn over leather knee-high boots to create a seamless look, they feel particularly European and chic. Anything works up top, from a V-neck sweater to a blazer to a button-down shirt, but an oversize denim jacket is perfect to take the edge off.
You can really never go wrong with classic Ray-Bans or a trench coat for that matter. If you're following trends, you might be all about long, oversize coats this season, but the anti-trend trench I never fail to see in Europe has a more traditional silhouette and hits above the knee. Speaking of going against the grain of what's supposedly fashionable, let those black loafers and white socks (always a controversial combo) be a little reminder to ignore the supposed rules and just go with what feels good.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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