I'm a London-Based Fashion Editor—Here's Everything I'm Retiring and Buying Now

The trend cycle can be incredibly fickle and so I am always careful when investing in new pieces to err on the classic side and opt for those that are more in line with my own personal style. The fall/winter 2024 collections saw a shift toward elegant, grown-up dressing, and I for one am happy to see a break from the Y2K naked dressing and highly saturated Barbie pink that has dominated in recent seasons. There was a focus on timeless, investment pieces from the likes of Miu Miu and Gucci, but that doesn’t mean designers fell back on vanilla styling. Clever layering, sculptural silhouettes, and a rich color palette gave me lots of new ideas for how to get dressed for the colder months.

As always, Who What Wear has delivered extensive coverage of the runway trends that will impact how you get dressed over the next six months, however these are the new season purchases that I personally will be considering. From a pair of flat riding boots to a flowing boho blouse, these are the swaps I think will unlock new styling ideas with my existing wardrobe.

Buying: Khaki and olive

Retiring: Winter whites

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

When it comes to colors, moss, olive, and khaki tones were key across the collections and look just as expensive as beige or white, but are far more practical. It was a dominant hue as seen at Gucci above, while Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta also are behind this color moment. The key is to wear it head-to-toe, pairing knitwear and blouses with pants or skirts. This & Other Stories crinkle top is at the top of my wishlist.

Buying: Barn jackets

Retiring: Quilted puffer coats

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Any Brit needs a practical coat for blustering, countryside walks. In recent years many of us have hibernated in ankle-length duvet coats, myself included. I am ready for something a little more fashion forward, however, and ever since Prada included a wax barn jacket in its spring summer collection I have been considering purchasing this classic country coat. The above jacket by Wales Bonner is a fantasy purchase, but I’d be just as happy with Mango’s offering.

Buying: Pointed slingbacks

Retiring: Platforms

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Instead of towering platforms or disco-ready heels, for autumn/winter designers showed how stylish an elegant pointed slingback can be. They look especially elevated with pencil skirts and shift dresses, as seen above at Jason Wu. I would personally go for a glossy, patent pump, such as the below pair from & Other Stories.

Buying: Barrel pants

Retiring: Slim-fit pants

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Tailored pants have been prominent on the runways for several seasons, however, this year it’s all about the barrel leg, either realized in denim, leather (as above at Bottega Veneta), or wool. Alaïa has led this trend with horseshoe jeans that jut out from the hips, creating a banana-line curve. Citizens of Humanity’s horseshoe jeans are a best-seller, however, I personally have my eye on this taupe COS pair.

Buying: Brown suede handbags

Retiring: Impractical micro bags

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Chloé might be spear-heading a return to ’70s-style boho, however, several designers created chocolate brown suede handbags that looked straight from that decade. The above crossbody bag from Isabel Marant will be a crowd pleaser, while the crystal-embellished bag from Mango is already an influencer favorite.