7 Anti-Trend Outfits I Always Spot on the Busiest People in Paris and New York

Well, well, well, if it isn’t the rise of the anti-trend outfit. As it turns out, we love a look that’s styled using pieces that are either brand-new or decades old, including crewneck sweaters, classic trenches, and black midi skirts. Perhaps they’re from the latest drop at J.Crew or a pre-pandemic Calvin Klein sale rack at Century 21. Faux-fur jackets and oversize blazers could be this season’s designer vibes or vintage finds. It’s impossible to tell.

It makes sense. I’d like to think we’re all doing better when it comes to buying pieces we love, not just things we’re told we should love this season. When we’re booked and busy, anti-trend looks are the exact outfits we can rely on to get us out the door without having an identity crisis. So take a moment, try to ignore the obvious contradiction that anti-trend outfits are trending, and dive into these seven delightfully anti-trend looks I’ve spotted on chic women in New York and Paris. The brief is classic, foolproof, and perpetually in style.

V-Neck Sweater + White Tee + Midi Skirt + Tall Boots

Taking an easy knit and pairing it with a polished skirt and knee-high boots for a seamless look is, in my experience, peak Parisian. It’s a regret-free look that’s gotten me out the door on more than a few occasions.

Oversize Blazer + Tonal Top + Belted Cream Denim + Suede Loafers

Even when blazers are trending toward styles that are cinched, cropped, and collarless, oversize styles always hold up. This is the gospel, according to Saint Laurent, The Frankie Shop, and the men’s section of any vintage store you’ll ever come across.

Classic Peacoat + Crewneck Layers + Miniskirt + Tall Boots

I feel like I can’t leave my apartment in Paris without seeing someone wearing this exact look—a miniskirt with extremely practical boots, a crewneck sweater conspicuously layered over a tee, and a peacoat that could belong to a school uniform. There’s lots of navy, and it’s very French.

Long Wool Coat + Polished Black Separates + Boots + On-Trend Bag

Nothing says “I’m cool, I’m busy, and I live in New York” quite like a polished all-black outfit that manages to be entirely nondescript and exquisitely chic.

Trench + Wrap Belt + Pencil Skirt + All-Black Accessories

If you told me this minimalistic look was from an early 2000s runway, I’d believe you. I’m so happy for all these absurdly low-key staples. Just look at them—styled flawlessly and doing the absolute most.

Faux-Fur Jacket + Relaxed Denim + Cap + Flats

Every time you think faux fur is passé, it comes back around for another spin. With relaxed denim and a cap, it’s been delivering off-duty looks with a hint of “maybe I haven’t been to bed yet” for decades.

Denim Shirt + Relaxed Tee + Faded Jeans + Coordinated Accessories

Double denim is a tale as old as time. It’s always a little bit wrong but oh so right. Denim shirts and jeans have been popping up as a trending combo of late, especially outside the shows during fashion month.