Every Chic Person I Know Is Wearing These 7 Elegant Trends

I was really trying to take a break from saying the q-word, but my break didn't last long, because there's a quiet luxury trend that I think needs to be classified as such. The trend I'm referring to is elegance. Sophisticated, polished pieces are dominating the fashion landscape right now, and I've been spotting inherently rich-looking trends on a daily basis as of late.

The popularity of elegant trends can be attributed to the fact that they're easy to style, versatile, and timeless. Refined, classic outfits have been en vogue for decades upon decades, with women such as Audrey Hepburn, Dorothy Dandridge, Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, and Jackie Kennedy continuing to provide plenty of modern-day inspiration. 

There are certain elegant styles that have really risen to the top of the trend popularity list this winter, and I think they're very much worth shopping for your own wardrobe. Scroll to do just that with my curated roundup of elegant trends.

If someone told me that chocolate brown is the new black, I wouldn't argue with them. This once-unpopular colour has suddenly become one of the most coveted neutrals on the market. I, for one, have noticed that chocolate-brown pieces have been flying out of stock, so don't delay adding it to your wardrobe.

Kitten heels are the number one heel trend of the year, hands down, and they've been adding an elevated, vintage quality to chic outfits across the land this season.

Off-the-shoulder tops had fallen out of favor after peaking in the early 2010s, but they're finally back. This time around, tops with a wide band of fabric that folds over the chest and shoulders is the way to go (thanks to Khaite and Saint Laurent).

Of all the bag trends, none gives an elegant feel quite as strongly as a top-handle one—hence the recent resurgence of the Hermès Kelly bag. Whether in the form of a satchel or a tote, top-handle is a go-to elegant style.

Gone are the days of pencil skirts only being associated with office-wear. Now, chic dressers are wearing them everywhere and with everything—from ballet flats during the day to heels at night.

Throwing on a long coat is the easiest way to make literally any outfit instantly elegant—even a sweatsuit and sneakers. For the most sophisticated look, opt for a wool coat. 

Structured peplum tops like this Tory Burch beauty have been a sleeper-hit trend this year. The frilly, cutesy peplum tops of seasons past these are not. The new class of peplum tops are structured and decidedly grown-up.

Up next, expensive-looking shoe trends we love.

This post was published at an earlier date on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.