Ditching trends in favour of a timeless wardrobe

The year was 2002. I’d completed my University studies, and as a reward, I booked in a six-week holiday across Europe, planning to rendezvous with friends and family along the way. I had the key tourist sights marked down to visit, along with detailed maps for a couple of very fashionable cities, for some serious shopping. All trend-led, of course. I wasn’t thinking a year ahead or even a month ahead when it came to these purchases. All that mattered was whether said item “looked cute”, and was within my budget.

Wearing H&M striped knit; H&M trousers; Vaneli two-tone pumps; Von Holzhausen shopper tote; Mejuri earrings

Fast forward a couple of years, and that attitude had shifted. My style became less dictated by trends, and instead punctuated with them. I focused more on those “timeless” classics, sprinkling in the odd trend which felt like a bit of me. Peplum tops, chunky bejewelled necklaces, flippy hem skirts in brocade fabrics.

And looking back now, at many of the outfits I wore (a decade ago!), I see many of the same style principles I use today reflected in them. A (mostly) neutral colour palette, with outfits generally grounded by simple basics.

The defining point for me was discovering minimalist French bloggers. Getting entirely caught up in their way of thinking; less is more. Obsessing over new purchases in minute detail. Being considered about how things will pair together. About quality. How fabric feels against your skin. I began to think about things like “cost-per-wear”, and what at the time I referred to as “investment” purchases. And it revolutionised the way I looked and and shopped for my wardrobe.

I realised how little value there was in shopping for trends. How I would look back and realise how unlike me I felt in those items. And also, how little I would even wear them. One or two times, and I’d be satiated. I’d have my fill of the trend, ready to move on to the next. And it didn’t sit quite right with me.

While I’m sure I’ve said this before, I feel like I’m constantly learning about my personal style. My thoughts tend to be quite scattered most of the time. Something I put down to trying to balance work, a second small business, caring for a child, and “me” time, with everything else. So often I’ll ruminate on a concept, only to drop it and come back months later, like catching up with an old friend. It’s not uncommon for me to have the same revelation under a different guise.

So today I’m celebrating the simple. The style formula which I can already tell will be seeing me through the seasons to come (which I’m sure you’re well familiar with by now…!). For autumn, we’re mostly talking slouchy knits, worn with easy tailored trousers or jeans, some smart shoes, and a great do-it-all bag. Throw on a wrap coat and switch out the pumps for boots in the winter. When you know what works for you, lean into it. Trust me when I say it makes getting dressed each morning much easier.