Over the years, I’ve built up a very impressive clothing collection. So now it spans multiple wardrobes. But the problem is, like most people, of course I only wear a fraction of the clothes I own. So this year, I’m on a mission to be more conscious (working in fashion always requires me to be careful), to be more organized ahead of a move, and to carefully refine my collection so that I only have what I really like on hand as I rediscover my style. And after spending the past few weeks organizing my wardrobe piece by piece, I’ve realized that the pieces I love most are the ones that are versatile, wearable, comfortable, and easy to style with lots of other pieces.
I’ve also noticed that I plan my outfits a lot less than I used to. That’s why you always want to have items that you know look good on you and make you feel the most confident. And let me tell you, the gunny silk tops I kept wearing a size 8 (always too tight even for me in my 20s) are no longer that way, so they’re finally going to a new home through Vinted. Instead, I have building blocks on hand that I rely on every day. You know, the striped shirt that you can throw on over a T-shirt and jeans and be ready to go to work in 5 minutes (after a quick steaming). Or loose-fitting wide pants that will solve the problem of “which shoes to wear?” Pointed-toe boots look just as good with trainers or ballet flats, so you won’t feel stressed.
And when it comes to jackets you always reach for when you run out the door, no style gets more airtime than your trusty black jacket. leather style. Add to this the larger, more practical bags I’ve switched to (after years of carrying canvas totes as well as handbags), and the midi skirts that never fail me, and I’d say these are the five items I wear the most and love the most. Although it does not necessarily follow the latest seasonal trends, it has always remained relevant over the years. And most importantly, I actually wear them over and over again.
Therefore, here you should buy items that you actually enjoy wearing, not items that you think you will wear. should Scroll through to see what pieces will make up my anti-trend wardrobe for 2026 and beyond.
My 2026 Anti-Trend Wardrobe Items:
1. V-neck jumper
Shop the look:
rise and fall
Cashmere Merino V-Neck Jumper
A cashmere jumper for under £200? Yes, please.
C.O.S.
Round wool V-neck jumper
Looks great with skirts, jeans, and pants.
loe
Sculptural compact V-neck
I love this deep khaki shade.
reform
Bess recycled wool V-neck
Navy is a very elegant color.
2. Sophisticated leather jacket
Style notes: I’m sure you have some kind of leather jacket, right? Everyone does it, and it’s no surprise that you can pair it with any outfit, but the question “Do I need a jacket?” is always answered. They also often add cool girl elements to the rest of the outfit, like Marilyn wearing white pants. Bikers are always important, but what’s notable about the timeless black is its sleek, effortless design.
Shop the look:
The fluffy silhouette fits like your favorite trench.
Nurhamour
Priya belted paneled leather jacket
This belted version gives me a stranglehold.
C.O.S.
boxy collar leather jacket
The best of the best. You can’t go wrong with a simple cropped style.
whistle
Black Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
There’s a reason this is a perennial favorite of fashion editors.
3. Striped shirt
Style notes: I think striped shirts are much easier to wear than white shirts. White can be very drab, difficult to steam perfectly, and resemble office wear, but a striped shirt is just as good with jeans as it is over a bikini at the beach. Ever the versatile person, I take a cue from Jen and incorporate a new Yaitte style into brown pants with a trench for the perfect ensemble for all seasons.
Shop the look:
You did it
Puglia Red Pinstripe Classic Shirt
It’s one of my favorite labels.
with nothing underneath
Boyfriend: Fine poplin, blue multi-stripe
We all know that With Nothing Underneath makes the best shirts.
If you’re looking for striped shirts, the men’s section is the place to go.
Massimo Dutti
Striped flowing shirt with pocket detail
I plan to wear it with white jeans until spring.
4. Wide leg pants
Style notes: I love barrel legs as much as the next fashion editor, but I tend to keep refining my pant edits to fit silhouettes that I know look good on me. Especially if you’re spending more money on pants than you used to, the classic wide-leg pants are here. No matter your style, size, height (I’m pretty petite) or vibe, they’re always the basis for many put-together looks. And I really appreciate Div’s take on tucked-in shirts and cropped bomber pants.
Shop the look:
lease
wide leg pleated pants
Some of these are petite. As a 5’4″ person, I’m happy.
C.O.S.
Relaxed twill wide-leg pants
The most timeless pants you’ll ever own.
totem
Fluid Drawstring Trousers Black
Drawstring pants look just as smart as tailored styles.
Staud
Staud Pierre wide leg pants
Basically, it is a must-have item for spring and summer.
5. Practical bag
Style notes: I’ve been carrying not only handbags but also totes with my laptop in them for years, but I’ve finally succumbed to the fact that larger bags are the way of the future. Not only is it practical, we love how the slouchy (possibly suede) style looks with everyday outfits, like this jeans and trench coat combo that Chloe is wearing.
Shop the look:
C.O.S.
Sculpted Tote Bag – Suede
The shape is too good.
The thin handle sells it to me.
totem
textured leather tote
The Row
Marlo 17 textured leather tote
Source: Latest from Who What Wear – www.whowhatwear.com
