21 Classic Fashion Pieces That Go Way Beyond Trends

The Burberry trench

The trench coat serves as the foundation of the Burberry brand and is as relevant now as it was when the label launched in 1856. Wear yours oversized and with sleeves rolled up for a modern look. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Chanel 2.55

Instantly recognisable, Chanel's most iconic bag is yet to lose its allure, thanks to its elegant timelessness and versatility. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Calvin Klein slip dress

Kate Moss was the first to wear Calvin Klein's minimalist slip dress back in the 90s. It became a sartorial symbol for laidback, grunge- chic and has recently been revived. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

Converse All Stars

Classic fashion pieces don't have to be expensive; Converse's Chuck Taylors (named after the US basketball player they were designed for) imbue an understated cool that has stood the test of time. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Chanel tweed suit

Coco Chanel designed the tweed skirt suit as a way of freeing women from the restrained cinched-in silhouettes of the 50s. Still widely desirable today, the look is still sported by diverse high-profile women from Veronika Heilbrunner and Alexa Chung to Vanessa Paradis and Kendall Jenner. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Fendi baguette bag

The Fendi baguette bag first found fame in Sex and the City, after Carrie Bradshaw gave it her patronage. It fast become the It-bag of the Noughties, and has recently been updated to appeal to an entirely new generation of shopper. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Birkin bag

Over 30 years have passed since Hermès first created Jane Birkin's namesake bag and it still remains the most exclusive accessory in the world. Shoppers need a purchase history in an Hermès store just to get started, then staff will meet with you, assess how serious you are about spending, and then you go on their list. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Levi's 501 jeans

Winona Ryder, Kate Moss, James Dean and Johnny Depp were the original poster children for Levi's 501s, a clear indicator of their cool kid allure. Boyish, nonchalant and with a rebellious air, they're the antithesis of groomed, high-maintenance fashion. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Gucci loafers

The Queen has long known the value of Gucci loafers, often pairing them with her midi-length pleated skirts and headscarves. Twenty years on, the fashion world has caught up - its latest backless incarnations are seen on the feet of countless editors every Fashion Week. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Belstaff leather jacket

Whether worn with high-waisted jeans like a 90s style hero or with a floral tea dress and utility boots, a leather jacket adds a rebellious, tough edge to every ensemble. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Manolo Blahnik pumps

Manolo Blahnik's decorative court shoes have become a go-to for women who want to dress up their look without trying hard. It's a true classic. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Max Mara camel coat

There's something about a camel coat that spells luxury, elegance and timelessness and no one does it better than Max Mara. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Prada backpack

Miuccia Prada first launched her take on the humble backpack in 1984 and it is still the ultimate go-to for those days where a handbag just won't do. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Ray-Ban Aviators

Fashionable sunglasses styles come and go, but few have remained as enduringly chic as the Ray-Ban Aviators. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Saint James Breton

No woman's wardrobe is complete without a Breton, and Saint James was the first to offer the famed iconic striped knit. Originally worn by sailors, fishermen and yachtsmen, the style was brought to the fashion world by Coco Chanel, who was a fan of the coast. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Rolex

If you're going to invest in a watch, it would be wise to remember that few have remained as consistently desirable and sophisticated as a Rolex. This a piece to hand down to generations to come. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Cartier Love Bracelet

Born in the 70s, Cartier's Love Bracelet is a subtle yet feminine jewellery piece that never upstages an outfit, adding an understated elegance. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress

Diane von Furstenberg first designed the iconic wrap dress because she wanted a zip-free item that meant she could leave suitors early in the morning without waking them. Flattering and effortless, the wrap dress will never go out of style. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo

When Yves Saint Laurent first designed the Le Smoking suit, it was nothing short of revolutionary in terms of women's fashion. Previously it was thought inappropriate and unseemly for a woman to wear trousers, but Saint Laurent broke the rules, creating a look that was empowering and nonchalantly glamorous. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Burberry scarf

Burberry's signature check is famed the world over, and its scarf - perhaps due to its accessibility - is still one of its more popular pieces. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends

The Barbour coat

Whether worn by the royals (the Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen are both fans) or by the fashion crowd (think Alexa Chung and Kate Moss), the trusty Barbour is still the ultimate in relaxed, practical country chic. Photo: Getty

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classic fashion pieces that go way beyond trends