If you are a regular reader of Who What Wear UK, you are aware that we take great pride in our ability to scour the runways and street style in order to bring you the most pertinent trends for the upcoming season. However, when it comes to assisting you in constructing a wardrobe that is comprised of pieces that are designed to withstand the test of time, we take even more pride in our ability to do so. In spite of the fact that trendy new trends come and go, we will always advocate for the kind of smart buying that enables you to buy less and wear more. When we looked to our sources for advice on what to wear in 2024 and beyond, we were not dissatisfied with the findings.
As a result of the fact that the previous year was an excellent year for constructing timeless outfits, it is highly likely that you already possess some of the year’s most prominent pieces, such as the boxy blazer, the perfect white t-shirt, and the crossbody bag. You have arrived at the perfect location, however, if you are looking to improve on those accomplishments this year. We have compiled a list of versatile fundamentals that we have seen on the runways and that are able to create a capsule that is uniquely their own. If you add them to the items that we have already acquired over the course of the past year, you will be onto a winner.
Keep scrolling to see the eight pieces that are already being spotted everywhere for 2024, and beyond. Who knew it would be so easy to re-create 2024’s biggest trends with less than 8 items?
2024 Capsule Wardrobe Pieces:
1. Mid-Heel Sandals
2. Fifty Shades of Brown
Style Notes: You’d have to be living under a rock to not notice that beige has been a huge colour trend over the last few years and while it’s not going anywhere anytime soon, it has had a grown-up glow up for 2024 in the form of a whole host of new shades. Elegant, classic and timeless, cocoa browns and earthy tans are the perfect way to add luxurious edge to an otherwise monochrome capsule.
3. Loose-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: If 2021 saw the return of the skinny, and 2022 was all about the straight-leg, this year continues 2023’s baggy jean adoration. Although the runways tried to convince us that we’d all be wearing low-slung jeans, we prefer something a little more wearable, and the looser wide-leg style is right up our street. This roomier, more casual fit is perfect to pair with a tank top or tee in summer and cashmere knits in autumn.
4. Oxford Shirt
Style Notes: Thanks to pared-back brands like The Row, Khaite and Jil Sander, we’re still turning to Oxford shirts over jersey for an easy layering piece that always looks polished. Take tips from fellow stylish stars like Katie Holmes, Jennifer Lawrence and of course, the Olsen twins by wearing an oversized shirt with with jeans and simple strappy sandals.
5. Midaxi Skirt
Style Notes: Sorry, miniskirts; we’ve made up our minds and there’s much more longevity in the midi and maxi than the micro hem. Which other skirt dresses up and down as easily as a longer, elegant slip or A-line? All you need is a change of shoes for two entirely different outfits in one, and that makes the long skirt well worth its cost per wear.
6. Minimalist Tote
Style Notes: If there’s one bag that is guaranteed to do it all, it’s a roomy tote, and we keep spotting minimalist styles on the arms of Instagram’s best dressed. Logomania had its moment and bold, statement bags are great for bringing a look to life, but if you’re looking for an investment bag to spend a little more on for a lot more wear, an understated tote will only go up in value (and I can get behind any bag that fits a laptop inside).
7. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Back for another year (as if they ever left), the tailored, wide-leg trouser continues to be team Who What Wear UK’s favourite silhouette to flatter every shape and size. Celebs and influencers are still wearing “puddle pants” (a trouser long enough to gather around the ankle) but if that feels like too much fabric, a kick-flare cut or linen fabrication will give the same effect without overwhelming your frame.
8. Simple Midi Dress
Style Notes: Just like the midaxi skirt, there’s only one dress trend worth committing to this season. The versatile midi dress came into its own with knee-high boots for autumn, but its equally as chic with flat sandals for summer weekends. Pure, polished perfection.