When hundreds of people are vying for dozens of photographers’ attention before and after a show, it’s easy to see why attention-grabbing outfits are the norm at fashion weeks across the land. Bold colors, It accessories, prints, trend upon trend, and clashing styles are the street style norm, but I’ve found there to be a bit of a shift over the past few seasons.
Pared-down, low-key outfits that are polished and chic as opposed to casual are creeping back, so minimalism lovers can rejoice. Pieces such as trench coats, pleated trousers, nipped-in blazers, black dresses, and straight-leg jeans are standing out among a sea of maximalist outfits (the fashion-week term to define those looks is “peacocking”) as of late.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with peacocking if that suits one’s aesthetic, but the difference when it comes to these anti-trend outfits is that they translate seamlessly to real life. And yes, you will spot some trends among the looks I’ve rounded up below, but they tend to be subtle and are paired with basics instead of other trends.
With that, keep scrolling to see some of the best stand-out anti-trend looks from New York, London, Milan, and Paris, and shop anti-trend pieces for your own wardrobe.
This all-black layered look works for practically any occasion.
The nipped-in blazer with the relaxed trousers here is an excellent example of how to balance out proportions.
The perfect low-key way to style the denim-on-denim trend.
This is how to make sneakers and casual wide-leg pants look chic.
Our Editor-in-Chief Kat’s tonal look is relaxed and undeniably fashionable.
Full skirts are an anti-trend trend I’m getting behind.
A pretty sweater set, trousers, and pumps is a French girl anti-trend uniform.
Jeans, a jacket, and a tee is the no-fail outfit formula minimalists swear by.
Monochromatic dressing is always a good idea. Add a cool twist by sprinkling in accessories in contrasting colors.
Trench coats are an easy way to make any outfit look more polished.
It goes without saying: All-black outfits will never betray you.
A long camel coat is a wise investment that’ll stay in your wardrobe for years to come (and it’s an outfit in itself in this case).
A black blazer, jeans (or black pants), and black boots is as timeless of an outfit as it gets.
A trench coat over a suit is the workday outfit you need in your life.
I love this combination of basics that are dressed up with a pair of pointed-toe pumps.
White jeans are a year-round staple, as evidenced by this off-duty-model’s look.
A long flowy skirt with a nipped-in blazer is a look you’re about to see everywhere.
These creamy jeans will go with everything.
Take it from me: It’s time to add a nipped-in blazer to your closet as opposed to another oversized one.
It’s the new minimalist It bag—get it before it’s sold out everywhere.
Spring is coming and this is the hat you’ll wear on repeat.
The beauty of these pants is that no one will guess that you got them from Zara for under $100.
I don’t think I’ll ever be over the vest trend.
It’s the gold buckle for me.
This skirt will even elevate something as simple as a plain white tank top that cost $20.
Everyone needs one.
Stock up on these highly rated tanks before they sell out.
How these haven’t sold out yet is beyond me.
There are a million ways to style this airy sweater. Additional sizes available here.
People tend to go crazy over J.Crew’s sweater blazers.
