6 of the best all-weather buys to build a capsule wardrobe

To create your capsule wardrobe, think hard about the way your clothes make you feel. Are you most confident in a pair of great fitting black trousers? Does owning a selection of clothes that can be easily combined help you feel relaxed about the busy week ahead? 

From hardworking everyday items to the mood boosters always worth having as an option, here are six timeless ideas to style your look for next season – and beyond.  

The search for the perfect pair of black trousers can be a laborious one. Certainly, it’s one that tests our patience, with so many options and so much room for error! Here’s the thing though, do the work and you’ll find a style that will stay with you forever. As a crowd pleaser with longevity, a well-cut pair of high-waisted cropped pants is the trouser-lover’s holy grail. To find your perfect pairing try a range of fits. Slim legs are ideal for those who favour a heel, while denim is the dream for those who live in boots. 

Breaking up is hard to do, especially when it comes to shedding our favourite sofa-surfing attire for something more structured. But what rule says your love-in with your cherished sweatshirt can’t continue? Undoubtedly, with a host of luxe basics around these days, such as smooth grey marl and rich navy crew necks, the humble sweatshirt has found itself playing a legitimate role in our workwear wardrobes. Opt for classic fits and wear layered on top of oversized shirts for a look that encapsulates the idea of smart casual. 

The notion of ‘wardrobe building blocks’ begins and ends with the trouser suit. Versatile, multifunctional and loaded with aesthetic appeal, it’s the style statement that pays its own way. To find the one that works for you, skip faddy trends and think about colour and fit. For maximum value, you want a jacket that looks as good with a pair of jeans as it does with its matching trousers. Similarly, you want a trouser style that will see you through all seasons. For a contemporary look that won’t quickly date, stick with neutral shades and avoid anything with too much structure. A boyfriend blazer is the style world’s perennial.  

As an everyday staple, a skirt emblazoned with an eye-catching motif or in a vibrant colourway sounds like a bit of a bold move. And yet it works – particularly for those who are most comfortable wearing separates. A classic white T-shirt worn with something like Boden’s Kristen pleated skirt is an effortlessly chic and easy office look, while a crisp white shirt, worn tucked and rolled up at the sleeves, is a fine match for an oversized workwear skirt. When winter begins to bite, incorporate a chunky knit. 

It’s 2020, which means the obligation to approach your daily commute in a pair of heels is as out of date as a newspaper, but there’s still so much joy to be found in a pair of power pumps. An adaptable pair of kitten heels – see L.K. Bennett’s mono courts – is the perfect pick-me-up to leave under your desk for the moments when the mood takes. They’ll look ideal with everything from cropped black trousers to your favourite jeans. Similarly, a heel in a statement colourway – think cornflower blue or boozy claret – will continue to brighten your mood and your look for seasons to come. With this one, think less about everyday wear and more about a style you’ll always want to come back to. 

Easy to wear and effortlessly stylish, it’s not hard to see why the jumpsuit has cemented its place in the modern woman’s wardrobe. It’s this longstanding appeal that makes the right one-piece a super-savvy investment. Those seeking highly functional fashion may find something like The Fold’s Avondale jumpsuit becomes a regular fixture in their weekly repertoire. Those who veer towards a more casual look may wish to experiment with dungaree-inspired shapes such as the below slouchy style from Ghost – wear it layered over a basic T-shirt.