FW24 Women’s Buyer’s Guide: Seven Must-Have Key Pieces

In 1985, Donna Karan introduced the world to ‘Seven Easy Pieces,’ which, for that inaugural season, included a bodysuit, a tailored jacket, a cashmere sweater, a dress, a leather jacket, a wrap skirt, and a white shirt. Amidst the excesses of the most flamboyant and indulgent decade of the twentieth century, the concept of a streamlined wardrobe featuring essential items brought a breath of fresh air.

Nearly four decades later, in a consumer landscape teeming with myriad choices, revisiting this concept proves valuable for store buyers and merchandisers alike.

Late last year, Phoebe Philo emerged from a six-year hiatus with a similar approach to that of Karan’s. Backed by LVMH, she presented an eponymous capsule collection in two drops, most of which sold out almost immediately. As reported by FashionUnited.com, the brand’s proposition was, “a contained, seasonless offer, focused on high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and designs that maintain relevance over time.”

We are just weeks away from the FW24 ready-to-wear runway season. New York Fashion Week starts February 9, 2024, followed by London and Milan, ending almost a month later in Paris, on March 5, 2024. Loosely based on the idea of offering essential key items, here is a buyer’s guide for the ready-to-wear FW24 season.

1. Overcoat A wool coat remains a perennial winter essential. For FW24, coats exhibit textured features, such as tweed or plaid. The silhouette may embrace a classic trench style or incorporate detailed embellishments, especially fringe. Floor-sweeping lengths take center stage.
2. Statement Puffer Coat Statement puffer coats in various shapes and sizes are key items for FW24. They can be short or long, adorned with or without details, and feature a matte or shiny surface, creating a versatile day-to-night look.
3. Knit Dress Knit dresses take a slightly off-kilter approach this season, with asymmetric hemlines gaining popularity. In a season dominated by somber tones, a pop of bright red adds a refreshing touch.
4. Midi Skirt Following the success of last year’s mini-skirts, hemlines extend to mid-calf length for FW24. Texture plays a vital role, with sequins, tweed, or chintz being popular choices. Waistbands may sit high or be omitted altogether, and additional details include pleats and slits.
5. Cable Knit Sweater Chunky sweater knits, particularly reworked cable knits with embellishments, continue to rise in popularity. These sweaters can be cropped or longer, with or without a turtleneck.
6. Velvet Pant Suit In a season where texture and detailing prevail, a velvet pant suit exudes chic sophistication.
7. Leather or Pleather Pants A pair of leather or pleather pants is an essential for FW24, with silhouettes ranging from skinny to wide-legged. Clean styles or those featuring moto details are both on-trend.