I’ve noticed a major shift in the overarching fashion realm and maybe you’ve noticed it, too. Style right now is heading in a very elegant direction where we’ve taken a sharp pivot away from experimental Y2K trends and have begun embracing polished, grown-up, and utterly sophisticated looks. You might be thinking that this is simply the next phase of the quiet-luxury movement, and you wouldn’t be wrong about that. But the mood du jour is also one that’s inspired by the opulence of 1960s fashion with elements like A-line skirts, luxe duchess satin, and lots of belted silhouettes.
I could go on and on about it, but for the sake of this story, I’ll cut to the chase: I’m personally stepping into my elegant era in 2024 and have gathered the outfit inspiration I’m looking to emulate in the coming weeks and months. These looks are littering my mood board for their low-key polish that’s both chic and easy to wear without feeling overly costumey. Ahead, I’m sharing eight elegant outfit ideas that are quite effortless to put together.
This outfit just told me I need to own a long white coat. While a long black coat has long since been one of my wardrobe mainstays, this shade of off-white feels so much more elegant and forward to me. I especially love the simplicity of styling it with other neutrals and have already started shopping for a version to buy since the Frankie Shop one pictured is currently sold out.
Scarf coats are still a very on-trend item for 2024, and no matter what you wear them with, they look utterly sophisticated. I’m especially a fan of styling one with a pair of relaxed trousers and ballet flats for an easy elegance.
Long opera gloves bring a level of drama to an otherwise standard winter coat and I’m positively swooning over the duo.
Yes, classic blue jeans are downright elegant when you marry them to a beautiful piece like this satin peplum-hem jacket from rising brand Liberowe. Dainty ballet flats and a simple handbag complete the pretty and polished ensemble.
Nineties simplicity is a theme I’m leaning into in a major way this year. I’ll be taking notes on how the supermodels of the era remixed timeless items like a black turtleneck into something pared-back but very chic, and this look with its clean lines and “less is more” approach defines that vibe to a T.
Sometimes it all comes down to the shoe choice. A classic pair of point-toe flats or point-toe pumps makes a simple pair of jeans look utterly sophisticated. Double that by adding a pair of tights underneath (a savvy move that I’ve been copying from fashion people this winter) and denim have never looked fresher.
Wearing leggings as pants again was not on my 2024 bingo card, but here I am, looking at this immaculate outfit I can’t wait to re-create.
Easy elegance doesn’t need to take a lot of effort, which is why I’m excited to re-create this look that requires little brainpower to look pulled-together. All it takes is draping a scarf atop your coat, ideally one in a contrasting color.
