Seasonal Fashion
Aug 6, 2023

I Have Classic Style—11 Anti-Trend Pieces I Always Come Back to

by Maxine Eggenberger

Traditionally, the role of a fashion editor is all about reporting on newness and what you should be wearing in six months' time. However, in 2023, this way of talking about clothes is dated and simply unpractical for the way we live and are all trying to consume in a more mindful fashion. Now I write about classic items much more than I report on buzzy microtrends. So, as many of us are about to do a wardrobe switchover and are looking to fill gaps in our existing summer capsules, below I've listed 11 items that always make getting dressed easier in warmer months.

These are simple pieces that will form a useful foundation, and then you can layer brighter, more statement separates on top. First, you'll need sensible summer accessories, such as basket bags and leather sandals, as well as throw-on summer dresses, breezy button-down shirts and vest tops. Whatever your style, I'm confident that the 11 classics below will find a happy home in anyone's wardrobe this summer.

Classic summer items: big basket bag

Photo:

@smythsisters

Style Notes: Celine and Loewe basket bags have been popular each year, but Jacquemus is another strong contender.

SHOP THE STYLE:

Loewe + Paula's Ibiza Medium Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote

+ Paula's Ibiza Medium Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote

I love this updated style on the classic basket.

Celine Triomphe Classic Panier

Triomphe Classic Panier

A mood booster in bag form.

Classic summer items: white sundress, basket bag and sandals

Photo:

@thandimaq

Style Notes: Clean, classic and one to throw-on anytime during warm-weather days. Go for neutral shades to ensure your dress really works hard for you.

SHOP THE STYLE:

Aje Jessica Frilled Linen-Blend Midi Dress

Jessica Frilled Linen-Blend Midi Dress

Look at those sleeves.

Reformation Hedda Dress

The detail on this one is so special.

Zara Linen Shirt Dress

Linen Shirt Dress

You can't beat a shirt dress.

Classic summer items: leather flip flops and black trousers

Photo:

@nlmarilyn

Style Notes: Invest in great quality footwear and it'll last you past the year you buy it in. Quality over quantity is key with summer sandals.

SHOP THE STYLE:

Dear Frances Tye Slide

These winners come in so many colours.

& Other Stories & Other Stories - Create Your Own Fashion Story - Online Shop - Ww

& Other Stories

Criss-Cross Leather Sandals

The supportive back strap gets our full attenton.

Classic summer items: linen blue shirt and linen beige skirt

Photo:

@monikh

Style Notes: Worn with a midi skirt like Monikh, white jeans or shorts, the classic shirt is a staple that'll never fail.

SHOP THE STYLE:

Arket Linen Shirt

So good with ecru jeans.

H&M Linen-Blend Shirt

Linen-Blend Shirt

I really rate H&M's linen.

Classic summer items: Marissa Cox black swimsuit

Photo:

@ruerodier

Style Notes: If it isn't broke, why fix it? I truly believe a black swimsuit should be in every summer capsule.

SHOP THE STYLE:

Arket Square-Neck Swimsuit

Square-Neck Swimsuit

It's made from waste and recovered fishing nets.

Alexandra Miro Whitney Belted Swimsuit

Whitney Belted Swimsuit

The contrasting detail is so flattering.

Classic summer items: green blazer

Photo:

@lizzyhadfield

Style Notes: The common theme among blazer wearers is the fit, and it can't be too snug. No matter the colour detail or material, just make sure it looks slightly looser than it should.

SHOP THE STYLE:

H&M Waisted Blazer

Such a gorgeous cut with the oversized fit and nipped in waist.

Classic summer items: tank tops

Photo:

@basicstouch

Style Notes: Simple, yet so effective. You'll layer a vest top under every shirt, blazer or bomber this season. Or wear on its own just like you would a classic tee.

SHOP THE STYLE:

Weekday Close Fitted Tank Top

Close Fitted Tank Top

Weekday is my go-to for tanks.

COS Ribbed Vest Top

Ribbed Vest Top

This will look great tucked into tailored trousers.

Classic summer items: beige or white jeans

Photo:

@_jessicaskye

Style Notes: Because indigo blue can be stashed away until autumn—it's time for white and ecru to have their time to shine.

SHOP THE STYLE:

Still Here Rainbow Walker Striped Cotton-Canvas Wide-Leg Pants

Rainbow Walker Striped Cotton-Canvas Wide-Leg Pants

The perfect length to show off great sandals.

COS Tapered Ankle-Length Jeans

Tapered Ankle-Length Jeans

Try out the tapered jean trend while still sticking to summer classics.

& Other Stories Slim Cut Jeans

& Other Stories

For those who prefer a slim leg.

Classic summer items: floral dress

Photo:

@abimarvel

Style Notes: A staple throughout summer, this beauty will never let you down for any occasion—from a park stroll to wedding guest.

SHOP THE STYLE:

Rixo Sathya Dress

Get ready to turn heads in this punchy number.

Classic summer items: linen shorts

Photo:

@tylynnnguyen

Style Notes: When the temperatures rise, shorts are my go-to. The way to wear them this year is with a matching top and minimal accessories.

SHOP THE STYLE:

H&M Cotton Poplin Shorts

Cotton Poplin Shorts

Love this boxer shorts style.

Mango Slouchy Denim Shorts

Slouchy Denim Shorts

Slouchy denim gets our vote.

COS Elasticated Linen Shorts

Elasticated Linen Shorts

Put comfort first (without sacrificing style) in this longline linen pair.

Classic summer items: short-sleeve shirt

Photo:

@bellathomas

Style Notes: This Matteau shirt was key last year, and naturally sold out fast. If you were lucky enough to snap it up, you'll be wearing it on repeat once again. If not, there are loads of other styles to try for summer 2023.