published on Stories on Zalando
Numbers don’t lie, so we dug deep into the world of fashion data to find the ultimate wardrobe staples that are proven to never go out of style. See the results and shop the pieces that stand the test of time.
If you (like us) are chronically online, chances are high that you feel overwhelmed by the constant rise of new ‘-cores’ and find it hard to shop for pieces that outlast the latest hype. And we get it. Distinguishing between ever-changing must-haves and true wardrobe staples can be especially hard at a time when trends seem to change with every swipe.
To help you navigate the fast-paced world of fashion, avoid bad buys, and find styles that stand the test of time, we did what everyone does when looking for hard evidence: dig deep into the world of numbers. Using databases, we’ve looked at styles that have had high or increasing search volumes since 2004 and have been consistently featured on the runway since FW16. The result is a list of eight fashion evergreens made to be worn forever. Whether you take this as a guide to building a wardrobe that lasts or a nerdy insight, scroll down to see the eternal wardrobe staples.
CRUSHING ON CLOGS
Shoes that are equally loved by maximalists and minimalists might be hard to find, but clogs are one of them — let the numbers serve as proof.
Deep dive: According to several online publications, clogs have had countless revivals, but truth be told, they never went away. The silhouette first became popular in the ’70s and made appearances on the runway in every decade that followed. It was styled with floral skirts and see-through blouses (Marni SS99), elegant tweed jackets (Chanel SS10), and tailored two-pieces (Hermès SS21). While the shape didn’t change much over time — sometimes, the heel got chunkier or thinner — fresh materials and details, like denim or rubber, gave the classic shoe an updated look. And with over 1200 tagged runway looks since FW18 alone and a consistently high search volume since 2004, it’s safe to say that clogs are a footwear favourite. The only question remaining is: which pair will you choose?
IT’S A LEATHER AFFAIR
There are many occasions to wear leather trousers. Wear them to brunch, wear them to the library, wear them to a gig.
Deep dive: Leather trousers are a timeless staple. That’s a fact. With silhouettes ranging from baggy to skinny, as well as numerous colour variations, there are plenty of options to choose from. On the runway, the jeans alternative has been featured in over 5700 looks since FW16, while the search volume for ‘leather pants’ has increased dramatically since 2019. If you get a pair, take styling notes from Gianni Versace in 1994 and wear a classic all-black look, including a sleeveless high-neck top, or switch it up and pair a red version with brown Chelsea boots and a textured, belted blazer, just like Maison Margiela did for its FW17 menswear collection.
COWBOY COSPLAY
Fashion’s bond with the Wild West is unbreakable. In other words, it’s never too late to invest in a pair of cowboy boots or a fringe jacket.
Deep dive: With Pharrell Williams’ latest collection for Louis Vuitton, Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter and Bella Hadid’s new penchant for cowboy hats, western-inspired looks are arguably one of the biggest trends in recent years. But fashion always had an ongoing bond with the cowboy aesthetic. Whether it’s Raf Simons’ reserved denim shirts and boots from the 2010s or Versace’s extravagant all-leather look from the ’90s, influences can be found throughout the last three decades. Since FW16, 1418 cowboy-inspired looks have made an appearance on the runway, while people’s interest in Western style has been peaking in 2006, 2012, and from 2022 to today. Some of the most searched terms include cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and fringe jackets, three pieces that truly stand the test of time.
STATEMENT SLEEVES
The motto is ‘The bigger the sleeves, the better’ because why choose between a wardrobe staple and a statement piece when you can have both?
Deep dive: The rise of Scandi’s maximalist approach to fashion came with puffy-sleeved blouses and dresses, best seen in brands like Stine Goya. The playful garments were on everyone’s wishlist, but statement sleeves were popular long before the late 2010s. Think ’80s power dressing or go as far back as the Renaissance period, which has been referenced numerous times on the runway by designers like Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. And with 4551 runway looks since FW16 and the search for ‘big sleeves’ on the rise since 2008, it’s safe to say that statement sleeves are here to stay.
DENIM SKIRT LEGACY
From mini to maxi, denim skirts can pull off any length. Now, it’s up to you to pick one you’ll want to keep forever.
Deep dive: Mini, midi, maxi; denim skirts can do it all. And looking at the numbers, they are one of the most loved wardrobe staples: since 2004, there hasn’t been a time when people haven’t searched for a denim skirt online. The search volume peaked from spring to autumn 2005 (with an exceptionally high interest in long denim skirts), spring to autumn 2017 and increased again in April 2023. On the runway, denim skirts have been featured 1254 times since FW16. Still, of course, they’ve made regular appearances a lot earlier, for example, in the ’90s, when Tom Ford showed an embroidered mini skirt for Gucci, and Jean Paul Gaultier presented an embellished maxi version.
ANIMAL PRINTS ARE A NEUTRAL?
Your style might change over time, but animal prints are forever. Yes, sometimes, fashion can be that easy.
Deep dive: From jackets to shoes, skirts and trousers, animal prints have been worn in various ways over the last decades. While leopard print is the most popular pattern (the search volume for “leopard print coat” has been peaking every winter since 2009), cow and snake prints aren’t ones to underestimate. On the runway, the eye-catching patterns have been featured over 6500 times since FW16, but they’ve been a favourite in earlier years, too. Take, for example, Naomi Campbell, who wore leopard print from head to toe when walking for Alaïa in the early ’90s. But of course, not everyone has to go all out, as the eye-catching patterns are more versatile than you might think. Pair a leopard coat with jeans like Balenciaga did for its SS24 collection, or wear snake print boots or a cow print bag for a more subtle look.
PLATFORM TAKEOVER
If you’re feeling down, look no further than a pair of platform shoes for an uplifting experience.
Deep dive: According to the data, everybody loves a bit of extra height. Search volumes for platform shoes have been continuously high, with peaks in 2004, 2012, and 2021 through to 2023. The 13,892 menswear and womenswear runway looks featuring platform shoes since FW16 are further proof that the chunky footwear will probably never disappear from the shoe racks. Styled with black leather trousers and chunky knitwear (seen at Alexander McQueen FW24) or a maxi skirt and a layered top (seen at Sunnei SS24), platform shoes are suitable for any occasion. And if you haven’t found a pair yet, there are plenty of options, whether you prefer sandals, boots, or heels.
EASY RIDER
Biker fashion remains an all-time favourite — luckily, you don’t have to ride a motorcycle to look good in a moto jacket and biker boots.
Deep dive: Long before biker chic was rebranded as bikercore, supermodels Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, dressed in biker boots and quilted leather jackets, posed on a motorcycle for the Chanel fall 1991 ad campaign. In the following decades, biker jackets and boots became a crucial part of Indie Sleaze and popular elements of the boho revival. In recent years, the influences of the biker style aren’t tied to a specific aesthetic and boots and jackets are paired with everything from jorts (jeans shorts) to kitschy dresses. So, while there were times when biker style was trending, it never went out of fashion — and the data backs it up. With 3616 runway looks and a consistently high search volume for ‘biker style’ since 2005, moto jackets and biker boots remain an all-time favourite.