Edward Berthelot
Photo: Getty Images
Foc Kan
Christian Vierig
Photo: Getty Images
Arnold Jerocki
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis
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.
The Trend: Chocolate Brown
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.
Shop the trend:
Arket
Wool-Alpaca Roll-Neck Jumper
£97
Reformation
Miller Knit Top
£78
Ninety Percent
Priam Dress in Bracken
£240
The Trend: Kitten Heels
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.
Shop the trend:
Mango
Kitten Heel Shoes
£45
Aeyde
Catrina 35 Leather Pumps
£325
Massimo Dutti
Shoes With Ankle Straps
$119
The Trend: Folded, Off-the-Shoulder Necklines
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).
Shop the trend:
Topshop
Colour Block Sheer Long Sleeve Bardot in Stone
$28
Reformation
Florentina Knit Top
£98
Free People
Maple Sweater
£118
The Trend: Top-Handle Bags
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.
Shop the trend:
Ganni
Bou Braided Faux-Leather Cross-Body Bag
£328
Aspinal of London
Small Florence Frame Bag
£995
Ferragamo
Hug Small Leather Shoulder Bag
£2265
The Trend: Pencil Skirts
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.
Shop the trend:
Victoria Beckham
Stretch-Knit Midi Skirt
£290
Loulou Studio
+ Net Sustain Rona Organic Denim Midi Skirt
£250
Zara
Soft Midi Skirt
£18
The Trend: Long Coats
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.
Shop the trend:
COS
Oversized Double-Breasted Wool Coat
£270
Raey
Exaggerated Shoulder Wool-Blend Tux Coat
£995
Massimo Dutti
Wool Blend Double-Breasted Trench Coat
£299
The Trend: Structured Peplum Tops
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.
Shop the trend:
Tory Burch
Hook-and-Eye Tunic
Toteme
Contour Rib-Knit Peplum Top
£320
Reformation
Oakley Vest
£168
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.
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