Well, well, well, if it isn't the rise of the anti-trend outfit. As it turns out, we love a look that's styled using pieces that are either brand-new or decades old, including button-up shirts, classic jeans, and black midi skirts. Perhaps they're from the latest drop at COS or a pre-pandemic designer sale rack. Trench coats and relaxed blazers could be this season's designer vibes or vintage finds. It's impossible to tell.
It makes sense. I'd like to think we're all doing better when it comes to buying pieces we love, not just things we're told we should love this season. When we're booked and busy, anti-trend looks are the exact outfits we can rely on to get us out the door without having an identity crisis. So take a moment, try to ignore the obvious contradiction that anti-trend outfits are trending, and dive into these seven delightfully anti-trend looks I've spotted on chic women in New York and Paris. The brief is classic, foolproof, and perpetually in style.
Chic, Busy Women in Paris and NYC Wear These 7 Easy Outfits on Repeat
1. Denim Jacket + Faded Jeans + Coordinated Accessories
Style Notes: The Canadian tuxedo is a tale as old as time. It's always a little bit wrong but oh so right. Double denim have been popping up as a trending combo of late, especially outside the shows during fashion month.
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This is a best-seller for good reason.
An easy layering piece.
These come with extra-stretch for ultimate comfort.
I almost thought these were designer.
Just dreamy.
2. V-Neck Sweater + Midi Skirt + Tall Boots
Style Notes: Taking an easy knit and pairing it with a polished skirt and knee-high boots for a seamless look is, in my experience, peak Parisian. It's a regret-free look that's gotten me out the door on more than a few occasions.
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This comes in so many different colours.
Layer this underneath so you can wrap your knit around your shoulders when the temperature rises.
A satin midi will serve you well in every season.
So sleek.
A pair of polished earrings will tie the look together.
3. Relaxed Blazer + Ecru Jeans + Suede Loafers
Style Notes: Even when blazers are trending toward styles that are cinched, cropped, and collarless, boxier styles always hold up. This is a fact, according to Saint Laurent, The Frankie Shop, and the men's section of any vintage store you'll ever come across.
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An investment you won't regret.
I'm loving chocolate brown at the moment.
Every wardrobe needs a versatile belt.
Such a good shape.
Don't these look so expensive?
Melie Bianco never disappoints me.
4. Denim Top + Denim Skirt + Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: Every time you think double denim is passé, it comes back around for another spin. With a relaxed shirt and a fitted skirt, it's been delivering off-duty looks with a hint of "maybe I haven't been to bed yet" for decades.
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Indigo denim will always look more expensive than it is.
French-girl approved.
The block heel is a nice twist on the classic ballet pump.
We're big fans of Demellier here at Who What Wear.
5. Button-Up Shirt + Pinstripe Trousers + Loafers
Style Notes: Nothing says "I'm cool, I'm busy, and I live in New York" quite like polished tailored separates that manage to be entirely nondescript and exquisitely chic.
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This went to the top of my sartorial wishlist.
The perfect trousers for the spring/summer season.
A pair of classic loafers will polish up any outfit.
This went straight into my basket.
6. Trench + Midi Dress + All-Black Accessories
Style Notes: If you told me this minimalistic look was from an early 2000s runway, I'd believe you. I'm so happy for all these absurdly low-key staples. Just look at them—styled flawlessly and doing the absolute most.
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Iconic.
Wear on its own now, or layer over a long-sleeve top come autumn.
Simple? Yes. But so very effective.
Every fashion person has these on their wishlist.
7. Classic Peacoat + Mini Skirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: I feel like I can't leave my apartment in Paris without seeing someone wearing this exact look—a miniskirt with extremely practical boots, a crewneck sweater conspicuously layered over a tee, and a peacoat that could belong to a school uniform. There's lots of navy, and it's very French.
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With the right tweaks, you can make this coat work for any time of the year.
A knitted t-shirt is a must for the transitional weather.
I love the belted-detailing on this mini.
Riding boots are not just for winter.
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