How to Assemble the Ultimate London Capsule Wardrobe in 10 Elegant Pieces

The term, ‘capsule wardrobe’ is often bandied about as a way of describing any pieces we want to wear on repeat, but if you trace it back to its core meaning, the idea is a lazy dressers dream. Imagine, one, easy streamlined wardrobe of mix and match pieces that could help kerb our excessive shopping habits. Sure, you might love that top you spotted in the window of Zara, but how much wear will you really get out of a sequin crop top? As an overzealous fashion editor who got tired of constantly donating clothes that I bought in the heat of the moment but didn’t wear more than a few times, I’ve spent the last 12 months relying on the concept of the capsule, and shopping less in order to be able to wear more.

I know I’m not alone in wanting adopt this approach to dressing, and many of the influencers whose style I admire the most also subscribe to a core collection of timeless pieces that work for any instance. Winter walks, days in the office, dressing up for something special, or simply running errands—a handful of pieces can do it all, but the women who have the art down to a tee are definitely laidback Londoners.

The French may know how to look polished and New Yorkers are always the first to uncover new brands, but women in the capital have mastered the balance of effortless and elegant. Taking British weather and our favourite brands into consideration, I scoured through sites and socials to pull together the perfect beginner’s capsule, curated for the woman who wants to get ready in five minutes (but look like she took a few hours). Sound good? Keep scrolling to see the 10 easy-to-style, timeless pieces that make up the Brit girl wardrobe. I promise you won’t regret it.

1. The Leather Tote

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: As much as we’d like to pretend that we’re the kind of women who could carry a teeny, tiny top-handle only big enough for a lipstick and a mirror, Brits are known for carrying everything including the kitchen sink, and need a bag that does the trick. You’re more than likely to spot overstuffed, branded cotton tote bags on the tube, overflowing with books, water bottles and extra pair of shoes, but on the days when we’re dressing to impress, a large leather tote never fails to look chic.

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2. The Longline Coat

(Image credit: @basma_K)

Style Notes: Spring and summer are all about light trenches, and autumn/winter is the time to layer up your wool, but whatever the time of year, Londoners favour longline midi and maxi coats that create a longer, streamlined silhouette. Not only is the final result undoubtedly refined, but it also creates a barrier against the inevitable wind and rain that we’ve come to expect in the UK.

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3. The Plain White Tee

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: Sometimes the best pieces aren’t necessarily the sexiest, and if I were to log just how many times I wore a white t-shirt over the last year, the numbers would far surpass any other item. Under knits, shirts, and dresses, worn alone with jeans, skirts and trousers, there’s no casual outfit that can’t be bettered with a simple white top—the key is investing in a quality t-shirt that won’t lose its shape, colour or crispness, so I’ve rounded up our favourites below.

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4. Straight Leg Jeans

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

Style Notes: While debates continue in the comments section over the supremacy of skinnies, wide-legs, boyfriend, mom and barrel, we can all agree that the one jeans style that never dates is the classic straight-leg. High-waisted and straight from hip to ankle, this is the shape that suits every body and goes with, well, just about every style of shoe I can think of. Now that’s a smart investment.