You may have seen my latest Instagram styling reels where I shared some of my key staples from my wardrobe and I had so many messages about this topic with so many of you saying how much you enjoyed it and found it useful, which was so lovely to hear.

A capsule wardrobe is something that most of us aim for, whether the aim is to be more sustainable and reduce over consumption, encourage us wear more of what we already have, or reduce the amount of time, energy & money invested on planning outfits and shopping.

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is a collection of absolute essentials (usually around 30 items but this can vary from person to person depending on lifestyle) that are well loved, interchangeable so can be worn with lots of different pieces, non seasonal so can be worn all year round, and generally timeless pieces that you can rely on and can add more seasonal and trend led pieces to across the year.

For the minimalists, a small amount may be enough to form the majority of their wardrobe, whereas people on the more the maximalist side could still benefit from investing in a capsule wardrobe to form the back bone of their wardrobe that will enable more extravagant pieces and impulse purchases to be worn in multiple ways – ultimately it’s a win win and something that will benefit most of us.

I have been asked a few times recently to put together a list of what I would include in a capsule wardrobe, often these items are included on my clients shopping lists during a wardrobe edit ahead of a personal shopping trip. So here we are, hopefully some ideas that you love and can provide inspiration for the year ahead, stay tuned for the essential accessories to style with a capsule wardrobe in the next blog and do drop me an email if you would like more help with how to style each piece.

1. Jeans

A light pair and a dark pair, in your best fit. If looser fitting jeans are new to you then the best place to start is with a straight leg as they suit all body shapes.

2. Black Wide Leg Trousers

A wide leg full length trouser can add length to the legs and is flattering for pretty much all body shapes. Wear with a white t-shirt, oversized blazer and platform trainers as a dressed down look, or a pair of pointy heels to dress up.

3. Block Colour Trousers

Such a fun way to inject a splash of colour into your wardrobe and they can be any colour you like as they are not directly next to the face. If coloured trousers are new to you try a darker pair such as khaki or if you’re feeling braver a red pair, both are such versatile shades that can be styled in so many ways.

4. Midi Skirt

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to midi skirts and it can be a bit over whelming finding your perfect fit. The most current skirt to add to your wardrobe is a slip skirt, layer with an oversized knit and chunky boots for winter and a t-shirt, denim jacket and chunky sandals in summer. Why not give a nod to the nineties and try a chocolate brown as an alternative to black and experiment styling with neutrals, orange or purple.

5. Leather Trousers

Leather trousers are a real investment so experiment with faux leather first and then go for the real deal if you are wearing as often as you wear jeans. People often associate leather trousers with evening wear but dressed down with sweatshirts & trainers can be a super cool alternative to denim and just as comfortable.

6. Day Dress

Day dresses are an easy way to inject print into your capsule wardrobe. They need to be comfortable and something that can be easily layered up so why not try styling yours with a thin polo neck underneath or a cropped jumper over the top to change the look as and when you please.

7. Shirt Dress

We all need a go to dress for any last minute invitations or events where there hasn’t been enough time to prepare for. A shirt dress allows for you to feel smart and put together for an evening occasion but can be worn unfastened to look like a kimono over jeans and a t shirt during the day.

8. Boilersuit

If you’ve followed me long enough you’ll know that I’m not shy of a boiler suit/jumpsuit and I truly believe there is a style out there for everyone. There is something about dressing in only one piece and they are the ultimate easy going day off outfit.

10. Cardigans

A cropped cardigan is not only super cosy but is a great way to nip you in at the waist and add a splash of colour to your basics. Style over your favourite t-shirts with jeans or wear with just a bra underneath with leather skirt or trousers for a night out.

11. Jumpers

Knitwear is the easiest way to inject your best colours directly next to your face which harmonies with your complexion and have the power to lift your mood. Crew necks are so versatile as they can be layered over shirts or polos or simply add some layered necklaces over to add interest to the neckline. Find your favourite style and buy it in your favourite colour and a warm or cool neutral depending on your skin tone.

12. Sweatshirt

Coral & peach scream spring summer so this sweatshirt will give an instant lift to your basics. Style under a khaki quilted coat or shacket with leather trousers & trainers for a put together but comfortable spring outfit.

13. Knitted Dress

A knitted dress is like wearing a hug and perfect for days where comfort and warmth is key. Throw on an oversized blazer and chunky black boots for an alternative dressed down and stylish look.

14. Shacket

A teddy shacket in a neutral shade is such a versatile piece that acts as an indoor to outdoor layer so ideal for working from home to popping to the shop or running errands in while looking like you’ve made an effort.

15. Black polo

The ultimate layering staple for all year round, if black worn next to your face isn’t the ideal shade then switch the black for cream or a pop of colour instead.

16. Knitted Vest

Knitted vests seem to be going nowhere so if you are yet to try the trend that is becoming a firm wardrobe staple again then look for a style that complements your colour pallet and can be layered over your existing dresses and shirts or simply worn on its own with jeans or trousers.

17. Classic Tshirt

Finding the perfect white tee can be a task in itself but COS never fails to disappoint when it comes to jersey and their heavy weight cotton wears and washes like a dream. Don’t forget to wear a flesh toned bra rather than white for a clean look.

18. White Shirt

A white shirt is a firm staple in all capsule wardrobes. However off white or ivory often suits most complexions more than stark white and this soft feminine style will layer well under knitwear and dresses up well for an evening look.

19. Long Sleeve Basics

Essential pieces such as basic jersey tops can often be left to the bottom of the priorities pile but investing in good quality and responsibly sourced cotton that will wash well can really open up new ways of layering your clothing to create different looks.

21. Blazer

A checked blazer is a timeless classic can take you from desk to dinner with very little effort needed. Make sure you are choosing either a cool or a warm toned check to compliment your complexion.

22. Leather Jacket

We all know and love the trusty leather biker jacket but the leather blazer has come back from the 90’s and this oversized wardrobe staple freshens up the simplest of outfits. Style with jeans and a simple t-shirt with either heels or jeans and you’re ready to go for almost any occasion.

23. Trench Coat

The trench coat is the ultimate transitional staple that you can wear with confidence and hold on to forever knowing that it will never go out of style. Go for classic beige to lift darker pieces and style with denim or black, khaki, navy or a pop of colour are great alternatives.

24. Colour Pop Coat

There’s nothing quite like to power of a colour pop statement coat on a dull day to brighten up and lift your mood. Green is a physical balancer and is perfect pick me up if you’re feeling a little under the weather.

25. Faux Fur Jacket

We all now know that leopard is a neutral so it only seems right to include a faux fur leopard cropped jacket in my list of essentials. It can be styled with other neutrals or colour pops, dressed up or dressed down and in my opinion is a true all rounder.

26. Practical Coat

I can’t think of a colour that I wouldn’t team with with khaki so style up your school run or grocery shop with a quilted coat and be sure that whatever you happen to throw it over it will work.

27. Suit

A colour pop suit is such a versatile investment taking you from work worn with a shirt & loafers to a wedding styled with satin vest & metallic accessories. The blazer and trousers can be worn separately opening up so many ways that you can wear these investment pieces across the whole year.