WearsMyMoney

It’s been a while since I did a capsule wardrobe post, so I thought now was as good a time as any to have another bash at it. We will call this a ‘trans-seasonal special’ as it’ll work for now but will also take you into spring. Whenever that may appear. I must caveat this by saying you might need to throw your winter coat over some of these looks, and don’t pack away the thermals just yet, either. But fashion is all about looking forward, is it not? I’ve also looked at my own wardrobe as inspiration here and picked out a few things that I’ve been reaching for most frequently of late.

The 15 pieces I have come up with are as follows. Under each of the outfits I will, as ever, show some alternatives at all price points, so you can just use these examples as a guide.

1. Grey jumper. Ideally, cashmere if you can stretch to it. This one from COS is my top pick.
2. Black jumper. I love the shape of this one from ME +EM, but this one from & Other Stories is a great alternative too.
3. Neutral cardigan. The boxy style of this Whistles one is perfect.
4. White/cream silk blouse. It doesn’t HAVE to be silk, but it’s the perfect fabric to go from day to night. This one from Cefinn is beautifully designed.
5. Stripe polo/rugby top. A new way to wear your stripes this year. I like this one from Massimo Dutti best.
6. Denim shirt. WNU make some of the best shirts around, so I’m going with this one from them.
7. Long-sleeve white T‑shirt. This one from COS is soft, the right shape and washes well.
8. Short-sleeve white T‑shirt. Arket now do a mid-weight T‑shirt so I’m going with that one.
9. Wide-leg jeans. I love my Citizens of Humanity Ayla jeans, but these from Zara come close and are a tenth of the price.
10. Barrel/tapered jeans. Try indigo denim here. The COS Arch jeans are a great cropped style.
11. Smart trousers. Usually, I’d say the COS pleated ones but they are perennially out of stock, so we’re going with Hush who have a similar pair.
12. Midi/maxi skirt. Depends how tall you are, but it should hit mid/lower calf, ideally. I covet this one from Massimo Dutti.
13. Brown suede jacket. Doesn’t have to be real suede (and there are some really good faux versions out there too) but for the purposes of the tape we are going with this one.
14. Barn jacket. Not got one yet? You should give it a try, as a barn jacket works with so many outfits. I have this one from Stradivarius. It’s perfect and a very good price.
15. Trench coat. I stand by the Sezane Clyde trench being the best one. I love mine.

Right, we now have our 15 pieces and no, I haven’t included shoes or accessories as that would be ridiculous. Let’s have a look at just a few of the outfits you can make out of them…

SMART FOR WORK OR EVENING OUT

This is basically what I wore to the theatre the other week. Simple, smart and understated. Something you can wear when you don’t know what to wear, and it’ll work for now and years to come.

1. Cefinn Bria Cream Silk Shirt 
2. Massimo Dutti Suede leather blazer with pockets
3. Hush Lya Wool Trousers
4. DeMelier New York Midi suede tote bag
5. & Other Stories Relaxed Knit Jumper
6. Gucci Women’s loafer with Double G

A PREPPY LOOK

Yes, I think that – even if you’re a middle-aged woman – you can wear ankle socks with a skirt. If it’s good enough for Mrs Prada, then it’s good enough for you.

1. Massimo Dutti Striped cotton knit polo sweater
2. COS x Linda Farrow rectangle sunglasses
3. Sezane Clyde trench coat
4. Massimo Dutti Cotton blend box pleat midi skirt
5. & Other Stories Classic Leather Tote
6. Grenson Susanna leather moccasin loafers
7. Rock + Ruby grey Betsy wool socks 

CASUAL YET CHIC

Adding some small-heeled boots to your cropped jeans and barn jacket is a really easy way to elevate an otherwise super-casual look. Just make sure they’re close-fitting at the top so they fit nicely under the jeans. 

1. Whistles Neutral Button Front V Neck Cardigan
2. & Other Stories chunky chain link necklace 
3. COS clean cut long sleeved t shirt 
4. Mango metal buckle belt 
5. Stradivarius Contrast multi-pocket jacket
6. COS Indigo wash Arch jeans 
7. Coach Bowery Satchel 22
8. Staud Wally 55 suede ankle boots

ANOTHER OUTFIT I WORE RECENTLY

Because I can’t get enough of these Zara jeans, which are surprisingly true to size and the perfect length for me (at 5ft 7in). You can match your shoes to your jacket. Brown suede loafers are everywhere this season and I’ve totally bought into that trend.

1. Cefinn Bria Cream Silk Shirt 
2. Massimo Dutti Suede leather blazer with pockets
3. Dehanche Hollyhock leather belt
4. Zara Relaxed oversized high waist jeans 
5. Monki faux leather bowling bag 
6. COS Pure Cashmere jumper
7. Zara colour block silk style scarf 
8. Zara Soft split suede lace up moccasins

A VERY EASY EVERYDAY OUTFIT

If you want to get that flash of your white T‑shirt under your black jumper (it really works to lift your face a bit) then try wearing your T‑shirt back to front, because the back is always higher than the front. You may have to trim the label, but that’s easily done. That said the two I’ve picked this capsule both have the perfect height neck to show under a sweater. 

1. Daisy London Personalised Name Necklace
2. Arket mid weight cotton t shirt 
3. & Other Stories Relaxed Knit Jumper
4. Whistles Plum Square Buckle Belt
5. COS Indigo wash Arch jeans 
6. Sezane Clyde trench coat
7. Flattered Lola Tote Leather Patent Burgundy Bag
8. Autry Medalist Leather Trainers

MATCH YOUR ACCESSORIES

If you’d like to add some colour to this otherwise fairly muted outfit, you can do that with your accessories. Doesn’t have to be red: you could go for any colour, or even mix it up with a little bit of leopard print. 

1. With Nothing Underneath Classic Denim shirt 
2. COS Pure Cashmere jumper
3. Stradivarius Contrast multi-pocket jacket
4. Massimo Dutti Cotton blend box pleat midi skirt
5. Campo Marzio Edith bowling bag 
6. Zara dog and scarf keyring bag charm 
7. Mint Velvet MJ Red Leather Ballet Pumps

EASY COOL GIRL LOOK

I think it’s the combination of the on-trend polo-style stripes and the French-girl chic trench coat that I like the most here. A super-easy look that would work for anyone. 

1. Massimo Dutti Striped cotton knit polo sweater
2. Thomas Sabo Aviator sunglasses 
3. Arket mid weight cotton t shirt 
4. Zara leather belt with square buckle
5. Arket Suede Tote Bag
6. Sezane Clyde trench coat
7. Adidas Spezial suede trainers

DOUBLE DENIM

I had to put some some double denim in here somewhere. I always think it works best when you have two slightly different hues of blue and break them up with a good belt. 

1. With Nothing Underneath Classic Denim shirt 
2. Louise Wade 3D Swallow Pendant necklace
3. Tom Ford square frame sunglasses
4. Free People Rori Leather Belt
5. Stradivarius Contrast multi-pocket jacket
6. Zara Relaxed oversized high waist jeans 
7. Ganni Oversized canvas tote bag 
8. Adidas Gazelle indoor trainers

THE 3 COLOUR METHOD

To be honest, all of these outfits work with this ‘rule’, but brown, grey and blue (black and white don’t count as colours) are a really chic combination: something you can pull out and wear without even thinking about it. 

1. COS Pure Cashmere jumper
2. Mejuri Dôme Figure Hoops
3. Massimo Dutti Suede leather blazer with pockets
4. Massimo Duttti Studded nappa leather belt
5. COS Indigo wash Arch jeans 
6. Dragon Diffusion Japan woven-leather tote bag
7. Arket mid weight cotton t shirt 
8. & Other Stories Suede Penny Loafers

I hope this has given you some inspiration for curating your basics. I have to say, it’s really helped me hone down what I actually wear on a daily basis. I’m also hoping that looking at capsule collections can help me stop impulse-buying frivolous stuff that I just don’t need. 

K x