I'm embracing an anti-trend aesthetic, here's how I'm doing it

Leather bomber from Zara, White shirt from WNU and a trench from Damson Madder — (Image credit: Zara, With Nothing Underneath, Damson Madder)

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Spring is almost upon us, and with the great wardrobe switchover looming, I've been thinking about what I want to wear in the coming months. Social media has been awash with 2016 nostalgia, and as a woman in her forties, who did indeed invest in the era-defining Gucci Marmont bag, I'm considering moving away from a trend-led wardrobe this season and thinking about investing in capsule pieces that can last.

Don't get me wrong, I still want everything to have a contemporary feel, but I want to know that I'm shopping for pieces that won't feel like they're out of style this time next year. Scouring for inspiration, I, like many other fashion-conscious women, have been quite taken with Phoebe Philo's eponymous label. Once the trailblazing creative director at Celine and Chloé (where she launched the original Chloe Paddington bag), Philo's own brand has a cool, pared-back aesthetic that offers a refined, quiet luxury look.

If, like me, you want to dress simply but stylishly, with a modern finish, it's the luxury label to use as inspiration. Made up of items that are timeless and rewearable year after year, rather than the latest it-item, and this is where Phoebe Philo's aesthetic truly excels. However, the designer's look doesn't come cheap. Thankfully, I've scoured the high street for items that will help you recreate her style for less.

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I've looked through the Phoebe Philo new arrivals and collated some of my favourite pieces from the ready-to-wear line, before finding close matches on the high street, that will effortlessly slip into your spring capsule wardrobe. From the best trench coats with a contemporary update to directional bomber jackets and perfectly plaid pieces, all of these items will stay with you for years to come.

Check shirt and trousers, leather jacket and trench coat - all Phoebe Philo

Black/white Check Long Sleeve Shirt

Continuing from this season's heritage trend, plaid and checks are a timeless pattern that will still be relevant in your wardrobe for months to come. This easy shirt will pair with everything from jeans to tailored trousers, and even with tonal plaid trousers for a maximalist twist.

ZARA

Zw Collection Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

Bomber jackets are once again back in the fashion spotlight, and this sports luxe silhouette is another shape that works throughout the year. This oversized cut has an almost cape-like back, which elevates the classic athleisure design to something more runway worthy.

Damson Madder

Camille Trench

A trench coat will always have a home in your wardrobe, but even the classics need a contemporary update sometimes, and this oversized design, that's belt-free, offers a more relaxed take on a staple. The tie detail under the cape front will help to highlight your waist.

Scarf T-shirt - Pebble Stud earring, white shirt all Phoebe Philo

Classic shirting, t-shirts with a twist and simple, wearable jewellery that gives a nod to the spring/summer jewellery trends for 2026 are all key to Phoebe Philo's much sought after look, but thankfully the high street delivers these key staples at budget friendly prices.

Mint Velvet

White Satin Scarf Detail Top

Scarf detailing has been huge the last few seasons covering everything from coats to cardigans, this elegant, take on the trend feels both directional, yet timeless, which kind of sums up Phoebe Philo's aesthetic perfectly. But while this looks designer, it is in fact under £40 from one of our favourite British clothing brands, offering quiet luxury for less.

MONICA VINADER

Nura Pebble 18ct Gold-Plated Vermeil Sterling Silver Stud Earrings

When it comes to affordable jewellery brands, Monica Vinader is the royal-approved label that we turn to for simple, timeless pieces that will go with pretty much everything. Gold-plated, these stud earrings are wearable from AM to PM and can dress up jeans and a tee, or finish off a date night outfit idea.

With Nothing Underneath

The Weekend: Seersucker, White

A white shirt is a hero buy in any closet. This relaxed silhouette emulates Philo's laidback look, while the seersucker fabric, and self-stripe adds a little detail for a point of difference to your usual button-down. Wearable under blazers, sweaters, or open over t-shirts, it's so versatile.

With her cool, stripped-back style, which some even refer to as 'anti-trend', because it's so timeless, it's not hard to see why many women are embracing Philo's latest collection - elegant, contemporary but classic designs in a neutral palette offer an elevated twist that feels refreshing amongst the fast-fashion merry-go-round that circles social media style.

If the new year has you feeling like it's time to swap endless wardrobe updates for timeless elegance, Phoebe Philo's latest collection offers a revitalising look at classic lines and pared-back style perfect for your spring capsule wardrobe, and delivers great inspiration for how to enjoy quiet luxury, classic style, with a contemporary edge.

Antonia Kraskowski is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

Having started her career at Conde Nast working for titles including Easy Living, Glamour and Vogue New Markets, Antonia went on to work in the fast-paced world of newspapers and weekly magazines, becoming Fashion Editor at Express Newspapers and Magazines in 2014, a role she held for five years before going freelance.

Her career has seen Antonia travel the world, shooting in 18 countries and styling campaigns for brands ranging from Ben Sherman and DKNY to Wallis.

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