As a Fashion Editor with a penchant for luxury, here are 5 anti-trend outfits I turn to when I want to exude wealth.
While I enjoy discovering new-season trends, not all pieces are easily integrated into every wardrobe. Even as a fashion editor, it can be challenging to determine which trends will last and which will fade away as quickly as they emerge. I have always leaned towards a more classic, timeless aesthetic, focusing my wardrobe on core items that endure over time. My style is minimalistic at its core, preferring neutral shades and subdued tones to vibrant colors and striking patterns. As I've matured, I've also adopted a more sustainable shopping mindset: I only purchase items I can incorporate into at least five different outfits that I know I'll want to wear year after year.
However, that doesn't imply that designer items are always superior. I seldom indulge in significant splurges on investment pieces (partly because my budget doesn’t allow it!) and usually prefer the high-street brands I trust when enhancing my capsule wardrobe. The high street has significantly advanced in recent years, and often, its offerings appear far more luxurious than their actual prices. Additionally, with proper care, these items can last for years—which is exactly what our garments should do.
To show that timeless, anti-trend looks can be budget-friendly, I’ve explored Instagram and curated five of my favorite classic, high-end looks, then recreated them with affordable high-street selections. You (and your wallet) can express your gratitude later!
**5 Anti-Trend, Expensive-Looking Outfits to Emulate This Winter:**
**1. Crew Neck Jumper + Jeans + Pointed Boots**
**Style Notes:** In winter, I practically live in a basic crew-neck jumper. They pair well with numerous outfits and are effortlessly easy to wear for a polished look. I appreciate how Lison coordinated her boots with the jumper for a cohesive aesthetic.
**Shop the Look:**
- Mint Velvet Indigo Polished Straight Jeans - The rich blue wash is incredibly versatile.
- MANGO Leather Pointed Ankle Boots - A pointed boot has a sleek appearance.
- Massimo Dutti Split Suede Leather West Satchel Bag - An affordable designer alternative.
**2. Basic T-Shirt + Jeans + Wool Coat**
**Style Notes:** Simplicity doesn’t equate to dullness, and Marianne’s outfit exemplifies that. A basic white tee with jeans is effortlessly stylish, and wool coats are a winter staple that enhances the look.
**Shop the Look:**
- Hush Meridah Italian Wool Coat - This is a coat you’ll be reaching for year after year.
- COS Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt - All my essentials are sourced from COS.
- Massimo Dutti High-Waist Straight-Leg Cropped Comfort Jeans.
- Russell & Bromley Dartmoor Loafers - The distressed leather adds an edgy touch.
**3. Oversized Shirt + Wide-Leg Jeans + Boots**
**Style Notes:** An oversized shirt is a timeless staple that will carry you through various seasons. For colder days, you can layer a knitted vest on top, or simply wear it alone with wide-leg jeans and boots for an effortless outfit.
**Shop the Look:**
- Zara is one of my preferred brands for shirts, with these available in 14 different washes.
- Topshop Pippa Point Toe Stretch Ankle Boot - Such a refined everyday option.
**4. V-Neck Jumper + Straight-Leg Jeans + Loafers**
**Style Notes:** A v-neck jumper has recently become one of my favorites. I tend to choose an oversized fit, which I pair with straight-leg jeans to balance the overall proportions.
**Shop the Look:**
- Reformation Jadey Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater - It’s on the pricier side of the high street, but I believe it offers much better value compared to some pieces costing over £1000!
- COS Reprise Straight-Leg Jeans - Some of my favorite jeans are from COS.
- New Look Truffle Brown Faux Suede Loafer.
- M&S Slouchy Top Handle Shoulder Bag - I adore every aspect of this bag.
**5. Plain T-Shirt + Black Skirt + Pointed Flat Shoes**
**Style Notes:** Skirts can be worn year-round, and Taffy’s outfit is a perfect illustration. Keeping it simple with monochrome hues allows for seamless seasonal transitions. Pair it with sleek pointed shoes, or when it’s colder, opt for knee-high boots.
**Shop the Look:**
- Uniqlo offers excellent basics at fantastic prices.
- ARKET Full Circle Wool Skirt - A wool skirt is essential for colder winter days.
- & Other Stories T-Bar Leather Ballet Flats.
- Daisy London Jewellery Amulet T Bar Necklace 18ct Gold Plate - A simple gold necklace completes the look beautifully.
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As a Fashion Editor with a penchant for luxury, here are 5 anti-trend outfits I turn to when I want to exude wealth.
From t-shirts and skirts to traditional crew-neck sweaters and jeans, these are the enduring, anti-trend ensembles I wear frequently when I aim to appear affluent and sophisticated without overspending.