Fashions change with each passing season, but one thing that remains a constant is the blending of old and new, creating unique trends that combine classic pieces with contemporary cool for a thoroughly modern look each season.
High-end designers know exactly how to reimagine timeless pieces and bring them bang up to date – and if you love tradition and innovation, you’re probably keen to know how to bring the two into your own wardrobe.
To give you some inspiration, here, we take a look at some of the best examples of classic meeting contemporary in luxury fashion and that promise to take your 2025 look to a chic and sophisticated new level.
The pearl necklace
Pearls have always been a symbol of elegance, and the latest modern designs are giving these timeless jewellery pieces a new lease of life for the year ahead.
We’re seeing designers pairing pearls with unexpected materials like leather and bold metallic chains to create edgy yet elegant pieces – but they don’t have to be OTT. Brands like Freya Pearls (https://freyapearls.com.au/necklaces) offer a range of modern, understated pearl necklaces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and that are perfect for nailing this new twist on an old favourite.
Modern suits
Tailoring is another classic fashion staple that never falls out of favour, but that doesn’t mean that today’s suits look just the same as the suits of several decades ago.
Some of the biggest contemporary designers are playing with unconventional shapes and fabrics, with imaginative colour pairings that once would have been unimaginable. Popular designs include oversized blazers with slim trousers and bold prints, each making the traditional silhouette more exciting.
Reimagined trench coats
The trench coat has been around for a long time now, and there’s no denying that it’s one piece that has truly stood the test of time. Their origins date back to the 1820s, but they’re still a popular outerwear choice for men and women alike today – and rightly so, because they’re a sophisticated choice that adds the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, whether casual or smart.
In modern fashion, we’ve seen luxury brands introducing bold updates like oversized collars and sheer fabrics, respecting the heritage of the trench but making it relevant for today’s fashion lovers – so look out for these in 2025 to ensure your ensembles never fall short of the high-fashion mark.
Handbags with heritage elements
Iconic handbag designs from leading fashion houses such as Hermès or Chanel will always be considered on trend, but modern designs from brands like these are bolder and more daring than their predecessors. Available in a range of eye-catching colours and innovative textures for people who want to make a statement, such elements keep them feeling fresh and contemporary without losing the timelessness that makes them so appealing.
Shoes that combine past and present
When it comes to durability and quality, shoe design has improved drastically over the years. But we’re still seeing old designs, albeit somewhat reimagined from their original style – from loafers with sculptural heels to sneakers featuring vintage-inspired embellishments.
Today’s high-end shoe designers are succeeding effortlessly in combining the classic with the modern, creating designs that are ideal for people who want the practicality of footwear that’s made to last whilst also complementing more modern outfits, based around laid-back staples such as jeans and leggings, without sacrificing style.
The bottom line
When classic fashion meets modern style, it’s a match made in heaven for people who love to express themselves and pay homage to well-known designs.
Today’s fashion doesn’t just preserve the heritage of iconic pieces; it redefines them in new and exciting ways each season. So, if you’re seeking some inspiration for bringing some of your favourite looks from the past into the present, then look no further.