Ask anyone who sits near me in the Who What Wear office, and they will, without hesitation, tell you that I'm not a safe person to ask about buying into trends. I don't have an ounce of self-control when it comes to clothes, shoes, and accessories, and I want those around me to act accordingly. But even a certified trend maniac like me sometimes grows tired of them. When that happens, I know I can count on chic anti-trend staples to get me through.
First, I want to clarify that being classified as anti-trend doesn't mean something is boring. In fact, I'd argue that for a piece to be considered anti-trend, it must be good enough to have outlived the trend cycle and entered into the very exclusive "timeless" category. Think cat-eye sunglasses, trenches, button-down shirts, and a stellar pair of black strappy sandals. They'll be cool forever—no matter what's trending—making them the best investments.
Below, see which trends I'm passing on in favour of some more classic anti-trend items that I'm seriously considering for summer.
Trend: Bra Tops
Anti-Trend: High-Neck Tanks
Style Notes: Though bra tops can be a fun option for certain events, I want to invest only in pieces I can wear anywhere and with anything rather than ones that only work for a few occasions. That's why I'm mostly skipping the trend in favour of high-neck tank tops that are beyond easy and look good no matter what they're paired with.
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A great option for a night out.
I love how this looks with tailored trousers.
I'll be recreating this entire look this summer.
Trend: Sporty Sunglasses
Anti-Trend: Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Style Notes: I exclusively wore sporty sunglasses not too long ago. But when you only wear super trendy items, you often quickly become tired of them. That's exactly what happened with those shield-like shades I used to wear. One style of eyewear I never get tired of is cat-eye sunglasses. I always fall back on this retro and chic style. It's by far the best style to invest your money in.
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The best of the best.
A white pair is perfect for summer.
A neutral pair to go with all of your summer outfits.
Trend: Early '00s–Inspired Asymmetric Dresses
Anti-Trend: Halter-neck Dresses
Style Notes: I can't be the only one seeing asymmetric, sheer dresses like those popular in the early '00s by designers like Jean Paul Gaultier all over my feeds. And while I'm not mad about their resurgence, I'm also not jumping at the chance to buy a ton of the styles for summer. Instead, I'm choosing a forever silhouette that's flattering and gorgeous every time: halter-neck dresses.
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Such an easy dress.
Calling all brides to be... Or just those of us that love white dresses (guilty).
This has such a retro feel to it.
Trend: Micro Miniskirts
Anti-Trend: White Cotton Skirts
Style Notes: I've owned my fair share of miniskirts during my 27 years. However, I likely won't be adding another to my collection in 2024. Instead, I'm focusing that portion of my shopping budget on white cotton skirts with just the right amount of volume and a classic silhouette that feels too perfect for summer to resist.
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The perfect way to wear a white skirt is with a white tee of course.
What a look.
So elegant.
Trend: Platform Flip-Flops
Anti-Trend: Simple Strappy Heels
Style Notes: I've been telling my friends to skip platform flip-flops and prioritise more classic sandals since the '00s style repopularised a few years back, but many didn't listen. And yet, here I am again, trying to convince them of the staying power of timeless, strappy styles.
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An investment worth making.
Such a great affordable option.
Minimalists will love these.
Trend: Puff-Sleeve Blouses
Anti-Trend: Poplin Button-Downs
Style Notes: Though one puff-sleeve blouse will come in handy when your outfit appears otherwise lifeless, your wardrobe doesn't need dozens. It would, however, benefit from a few new poplin button-down shirts, which can be styled in dozens of different ways, from tucked-in to unbuttoned and loose.
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Arket always has a great selection of basics like cotton shirts and tees.
I'm a huge fan of everything The Frankie Shop does, including this simple shirt.
Wear this on its own or pair with with jeans and a chic slingback heel.
Trend: Quilted Jackets
Anti-Trend: Classic Trench Coats
Style Notes: Quilted jackets had their moment a few summers ago but have since lost momentum, as many buzzy trends do. A lightweight outerwear item that never loses steam? Trench coats.
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A cult classic.
This will serve you well all year round (especially if you're a UK resident!).
A linen trench is perfect for the chillier summer days.
Trend: Split-Hem Jeans
Anti-Trend: Relaxed Denim
Style Notes: In my opinion, denim is sacred and shouldn't be messed with very often. I don't want purposely distressed jeans, coloured jeans, or ones so skinny that they cut off your circulation. Instead, I'm a fan of the classics: relaxed, comfortable denim that's existed for decades.
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The perfect dark wash.
Agolde's denim always get a yes from me.
You'll reach for this mid-blue wash on a daily basis.
Trend: Low-Rise Maxi Skirts
Anti-Trend: Pencil Skirts
Style Notes: We've discussed the rise of low-rise maxi skirts on Who What Wear. They're trending on runways and social media alike. However, if I had to pick between them and my favorite high-class pencil skirt, I'd pick the latter every time.
Shop the Look:
Opt for a lightweight material for the summer months.
Try pairing your pencil skirt with a one-shoulder top for an effortlessly chic look.
Perfect for a night out.
Trend: Mini Bags
Anti-Trend: Top-Handle Totes
Style Notes: I feel very strongly that handbags should be able to fit your necessities (and then some) rather than hinder you from being able to carry things as simple as your phone and lipstick. Such is why I've completely given up on mini bags and will forever favour top-handle totes with plenty of storage space for my long list of must-have items.
Shop the Look:
The It bag of the season and beyond.
Throw everything in and go!
Doesn't this look so expensive?
This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.
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