While I like to keep my style fresh and up-to-date by participating in some trends each season, I always prefer to jump on board when the trend is in fact a classic that is, as we say, “having a moment.” This year classics as a whole have been trending, and I see that momentum continuing into the new year. If you, like me, have a fairly classic wardrobe, now is the time to pull a few key items to the front of your closet. That’s why I’m sharing a few trending classics for winter 2023 – 2024 today.
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In fact, if you find this helpful, I may make this a quarterly post. I know that many of my readers share my personal style aesthetic of “modern classic,” so keeping abreast of the classics that are most “in style” at the time may be beneficial to us all. Let me know if you like the idea of this quarterly round-up and I’ll schedule it again for early spring.
Here are the trending classics that I’m seeing everywhere this winter. Some are specific items, while others are ways of wearing things. You’ll see as we get going.
Black Trousers
I won’t state the obvious every time, but of course black trousers are indeed classic wardrobe basics. We probably all have a pair or more in our closets. And I’m seeing quite the emphasis on them this year. I chalk that up to the trend we’re seeing in elevated basics. Wearing a pair of sharp black trousers is such a great way to elevate any outfit.
I have several pairs of great black trousers, and I’ve ordered two more recently. Above I’m wearing the Spanx Perfect pants in slim straight. These are my go-to black pants when I want a really trim look. They work just like your Spanx undergarments, but are extremely comfortable. I am wearing a size large. And just yesterday I received the Spanx Perfect Pants in the high-rise flare cut in the mail. I immediately tried them on and they fit wonderfully. They’re definitely long (I got the regular and they come in tall and petites, too), so I’ll be wearing them only with heels.
I also ordered the Veronica Beard Hibiscus scuba pants, which feature a flare leg, too. They’re quite pricey, but I’ve heard such good things. And I wear black pants year round so much. They really are my favorite, and I’m so glad they are trending this year. But meanwhile I also enjoy my Talbots Tribeca ankle pants and my Talbots Hampshire Ankle pants, which sit a little lower on the waist.
I’ve filled a shopping widget with additional great black trousers. And while you certainly can swap in classic navy or gray trousers, I find that black are the most on trend right now.
Full Skirts
While I’m still seeing the slip skirt quite a bit, I’m noticing even more full skirts. And I understand from my research that we can expect to see fuller skirts in the spring and summer, too.
Of course, I think it’s delightful that skirts in general are trending. I’ve really enjoyed the accordion pleated skirts in recent years, and they’re still looking very contemporary but oh so classic.
Button-Up Shirts
Yes, button-up or button-front shirts continue to trend into 2024. And if you love a crisp, slightly oversized button-up shirt I’m sure you’re all in. But I know women either love them or hate them.
After discovering the Joedy button-up shirt from Frank & Eileen I’ve come to love my button-up shirts. I do think that quality makes a difference in this classic piece, just as it does in most. I never cared for button-up shirts before because they always seemed so uncomfortable. But this lightweight, crisp and fuller shirt feels so nice on. Since finding it I’ve found others I like equally, such as this Citizens of Humanity Kayla shirt.
Fair Isle Sweaters
I don’t actually have a new Fair Isle sweater to share with you, but I’ve enjoyed them in the past. This year I’m seeing even more of them available and in a wider variety of styles.
You’ll definitely see Fair Isle sweaters that look very holiday-ish, but I also see a many (like mine above from last year) that look appropriate all winter long. I found so many beautiful Fair Isle sweaters for you to check out in the shopping widget below. I think my favorite is this icy blue.
Socks and Tights
Don’t you just love it when you hear that something as classic as socks and tights are trending? Yay for keeping warm! In fact, I think that’s the bigger picture here. Remember, wearability is one of our trending themes this year. It’s all about being able to wear your garments with confidence, comfort and ease.
I’m all for keeping my feet toasty warm, so I’ll definitely be wearing socks this winter. And this year the trend is to wear fun, colorful or contrasting socks that show. If you want to be truly fashion forward, try wearing longer socks with your sneakers and pulled up over your leggings or joggers. Hmm. Not sure I’ll do that, but I never say never.
And yes, you’ll look contemporary in your classic tights this year, too. Wear them confidently with skirts, sweaters dresses, jumpers and more. We’re even seeing those with patterns this year, too.
Shades of Red
I think the color red qualifies as a classic, don’t you? Well, it’s definitely classic in my closet. And this year I’m enjoying wearing all my red! Shades of red from burgundy to salmon to saffron to beet, they’re all trending right on through into 2024.
And while red garments, shoes and other accessories are definitely on trend, it’s also very on trend right now to wear a bold red lip. I read somewhere just yesterday that every woman should spend a little time at the makeup counter scouting out the perfect shade of red for her. Yes, we absolutely ALL can wear red; we just need to find the shade(s) that works best for us.
By the way, when I wear something red, especially close to my face, and I don’t have a lipstick that perfectly matches, I wear a nude lipstick. That works perfectly every time. Recently I picked up this Yves Saint Laurent lipstick in nude lavalliere 44 and it works perfectly with anything that I don’t have the right match for. Plus, it’s just a great lipstick.
Clutch Bags
Now here’s a classic that many of us may actually be short on: clutch bags. And these chic handbags are definitely trending right now. True, they’re not the most practical bag, but I think it’s fun to choose to carry one at least for special occasions.
And I am finding more and more clutches that are a little roomier and thus a little more practical. I can easily fit my reading glasses, keys, card pouch and lipstick in this supple Allsaints leather clutch above. Those grommets make it look so modern, but it’s still classic enough that I feel confident in investing in it. The bag is also available in grey.
Stripes
I shared all about this trending classic in this previous blog post. Of course, we’ve seen lots of stripes in button-up shirts this year, too. But the biggest place I’m seeing trending stripes for winter is on sweaters. And I’m all in!
Shiny Silver
Obviously silver is a classic, but this winter we’re seeing silver shine like never before. And by shine, I mean shiny! The holidays are perfect for adding shiny silver accessories and garments to your look. But I expect this lustrous trend to continue past January 1st and into 2024.
I’ve only, and quite literally, dipped my toe into this shiny silver trend with my silver loafers, shown above. But I’m considering buying other silver pieces, such as these sequined pants (maybe for my 60th birthday coming up in February?!). I think this silver trend could be a fun one to participate in. What do you think?
Monochrome Dressing
Like all of our trending classics, monochromatic dressing is nothing new. And in fact it’s been trending for several years now. A monochromatic look is always easy on the eyes, even if the color of choice is bold and big.
Above I’ve actually worn the same red head to toe, just in different textures. But you can create a monochromatic look with various shades of the same color, too. It’s such a modern style choice, but really quite classic.
So which of these trending classics will you be pulling to the front of your closet this winter? And will you be adding any of them to your wardrobe? Honestly, these are the kinds of trends I don’t mind investing a little in because, while they are “having a moment,” they are, indeed, timeless.
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Blessed for My Day
The prophesies about the Messiah may have seemed vague, mysterious or even unsettling to the Israelites. But the promise of a child who would be born of a virgin and then named “Immanuel” must have been astonishing to them. It certainly amazes me every time I read that name in Scripture. Emmanuel (in the New Testament Greek) – God with us. A people who walked in darkness, struggling to keep the Law and failing over and over, dispersed and oppressed and demoralized…surely they chilled at the thought of God dwelling amongst them.
As Christmas approaches let’s whisper that name to ourselves over and over. Let’s try to wrap our brains around the fact that God came down to dwell among sinful man so that He could restore our relationship with Him. Ahh, what love! What compassion and mercy and grace. And while Jesus, Emmanuel, died and rose again and ascended into heaven, He later sent His Holy Spirit to dwell, not among us, but in us. Emmanuel. God with us. God with me. Praise Him!
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. ~ Isaiah 7:14
I love your classic looks. It is my preference also.
Could you include classics at a more affordable price?
Kay usually has more inexpensive options in the shopping pictures. Also, you can look at past posts that she has done from Kohl’s and I think she did one on Walmart. It is easy to look at the outfit and find cheaper versions of it at more economical prices.
Merry Christmas!
I tried to include a variety in the shopping widgets at a full range of prices. But I also only recommend items that I’m pretty familiar with. That said, yes, when I work on one of these for spring I’ll definitely make an effort to include a full range of prices. I threw this together yesterday afternoon and did the best I could in limited time. Thanks so much for reading!
I would love to have you do posts on updates of trending classics. That would help me keep in the loop in a fun and enjoyable way. Always love your posts.
Loved this post. My style is classic/preppy since high school in the early 80’s and one of my favorite colors is red. I’m a Georgia Girl and my 60th birthday is in February, as well.
Fun! It sounds like we have a lot in common.
Kay, I always enjoy your posts and would love for you to give us a quarterly update on trends. I am actually wearing one today, red sweater with red jacket. Not sure I would have thought of wearing these together but you inspired me. Appreciate you!
Hi Kay I Loved your post about ‘Classics’ and yes I think it would be fabulous having a ‘Quarterly Classics Trending’ Blog Thank you . Loved ALL your outfits but loving particularly the Striped Sweaters , Fairisle Sweaters (specially that baby blue one) , the pleated skirt and that Red Monochrome Outfit ….Totally Gorgeous. Thank you for all your hard work and Styling Inspiration ❤️. Not long now for the wait for that little bundle of Joy to be with you all. P.s So pleased your Orthotics are helping you Xx
I would love a quarterly update on current trends. Thanks, Kay!
I have everything you mentioned in my closet but an accordion pleated skirt. Black pants are a weakness of mine. Socks and tights are always something I wear in winter. Today I wore Christmas socks that didn’t match the color of my my shoes. I like the look. I like the Spanx pants and the red coat and jacket. I would like a quarterly update too.
Thank you, thank you, Kay for including a Classics theme! I don’t like jeans, never have so it’s so good to see a variety of trousers. Love your site.
Kay, I also love the classic look and really appreciated this round up of classic items that are on trend. Please update this type of post seasonally for us.
Thank you for all you do!
I will be wearing socks and red. And even red socks. 🙂
Thanks for this post. I am definitely interested in seeing posts regarding classics pieces that are trending each season.