As regular readers of Who What Wear will know by now, we pride ourselves on our ability to search through the runways and street style to bring you the most relevant trends for the season ahead, but none more so than when it comes to helping you build a hardworking wardrobe with pieces that will stand the test of time.
While buzzy new trends come and go, we will always advocate for the kind of clever shopping that allows you to buy less and wear more, and looking to our sources for tips on what to wear in 2024 and beyond, we were not disappointed with the results.
It’s been a great year so far for building timeless looks, and if you caught our last recap you may already own some of the years heavy hitters like the boxy blazer, the perfect white tee, and the crossbody bag, but if you’re looking to build on those for 2024, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of versatile basics that we spotted on the runways that manage to build a capsule all of their own, and if you add that to what we already picked up over the last 12 months, you’re on to a winner.
Keep scrolling to see the eight pieces that we know will be everywhere in 2024 and beyond (you’ll only need to swap out wool for cotton once summer rolls around again). Who knew it would be so easy to recreate 2024’s biggest trends with less than 10 items?
Style Notes: This year’s most subtle shoe trend continues quietly into 2024 as the mid-heel shoe continues to strike the perfect balance between dressy and comfortable. Everything from low-heeled ankle boots to party season kitten heels are on our wish lists right now, and what better shoe is there to invest in than one you can wear time and again without the need for blister plasters?
Grab them while you still can.
I wouldn’t blame you if you thought these were designer.
Decisions, decisions.. these also come in black, black suede and cream.
I think I just found my next pair of party shoes.
Style Notes: After Toteme’s smash hit jacket singlehandedly created a brand new genre “the scarf coat” has returned year after year in new colours, lengths and fabrics. It makes sense though, this ultra-chic outerwear takes the fuss out of winter styling and combines everything you could possibly need in one easy item.
Well done Zara, you’ve made the high street feel luxe again.
The jacket that spawned 1000 copies.
The scarf is removable too!
Camel coats never date.
Style Notes: If 2021 saw the return of the skinny, and 2022 was all about the straight-leg, 2023 undoubtedly belongs to baggy jeans. Although the runway tried to convince us that we’d all be wearing low-slung, wide-leg jeans, we prefer something a little more wearable, and the looser straight-leg is right up our street. This roomier, casual fit is perfect for chunky knits in winter and with a tank top or tee in summer.
Just the right amount of slouch.
Such a good wash.
Imagine how good these look with everything.
The sculptural silhouette is so modern.
Style Notes: We may have Katie Holmes to thank for making the cardigan cool again, but years after her “bra-digan” debut, we’re still turning to cardigans over crew necks for a warm layer that still feels polished. Take tips from Alexa Chung, Sofia Ritchie and Hailey Bieber by wearing a fine knit with nothing underneath and pairing with jeans and simple flats.
I’ll take one of these in every colour.
Cropped cardigans are perfect for pairing with high-waisted trousers and skirts.
Wear loosely with leggings and tall boots.
You can’t beat Marks and Spencer quality at a bargain price.
Style Notes: Sorry miniskirts, we’ve made up our minds and there’s much more longevity in the midi and maxi skirt than the micro hem. What other skirt dresses up and down so easily than 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.
I love this versatile shade of sand.
Throw on a blazer and you’re good to go.
You’ll wear this on repeat.
Full, A-line skirts create such a romantic shape.
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 it’s moment and bold, statement bags are great for bringing a look to life, but if you’re looking for an investment that you can spend a little more on, an understated tote bag will only go up in value (and I can get behind any bag that will fit a laptop inside).
A certified celebrity favourite.
Burgundy makes everything look so luxurious.
Our editors are convinced, Demellier make some of the best bags around.
Dragon Diffusion bags look just as good on the beach as they do in the city.
Style Notes: Back for another year (as if they ever left), the tailored, wide-leg trouser continues to be team Who What Wear’s favourite silhouette to flatter every body. Celebs and influencers are still wearing the “puddle pant”, a trouser long enough to gather around the ankle, but if that feels like too much fabric, a kick flare trouser will give the same effect without overwhelming your frame.
Proof that chocolate brown is the ultimate “rich girl” hue.
Taking notes on this whole look for the office.
A sleek wide-leg perfect for petite shoppers too.
These look so much more expensive than their price tag.
Style Notes: Just like the midaxi skirt there is only one dress trend worth committing to this season and the longer, the better. This winter the knitted maxi skirt comes into its own with a knee-high boot for the office, but its also equally chic with a flat sandal and a boxy blazer come spring weekends. Pure, polished perfection.
Honestly, By Malene Birger can do no wrong.
This comes in three different colours. Smart move, Raey.
The flared sleeves are a great additional detail.
Just add a waist-belt and knee-high boots.
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