Sustainability is a hot topic right now where we are all looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint – particularly in the fashion industry where the environmental impact of fast fashion has been heavily documented.
One of the easiest way to reduce waste caused by the constant need for the next new thing is to replace our fast fashion shopping habits with smart shopping. That is, to invest in timeless and trend-proof pieces that will stand the test of time.
This begins with creating a foundation capsule wardrobe with essential items that you will be able to mix and match for hassle-free dressing.
There is also something satisfying about streamlining your wardrobe and opting instead for dependable, interchangeable garments that show you have got your stuff together sartorially and really “bring you joy” Marie Kondo-style.
Not only will this save time in the morning as you agonise over having nothing to wear while staring at a wardrobe full of clothing, but it is also more space-efficient, particularly for those living in London where there is not an overwhelming amount of closet room.
Load up your online basket with classic styles like a well-cut blazer or that perfect-fit pair of jeans that will go with just about anything and suit all occasions, while remaining perennially chic season after season, year after year.
We have gathered a checklist of key pieces that will form the building blocks to your functional wardrobe, covering all the basics that you may be lacking.
See our favourites below
The basic white tee
Finding that perfect white t-shirt can be a lifelong search – but when you finally do, it will play a vital and timeless part in your wardrobe. A crisp, fresh tee is an easy solve to any sartorial woes, whether you are heading to the boardroom or the beach. It must be opaque, have that ideal fit and be cotton.
Hanes X Karla The Original cotton-jersey T-shirt
£45 | Matches Fashion | Buy it now
Women 100% Supima Cotton Crew Neck Short Sleeved T-shirt
£9.90 | Uniqlo | Buy it now
The lifelong leather jacket
A leather jacket is an investment piece – destined to only get better with age. It marks an effortlessly cool addition to your wardrobe with just the right amount of attitude. The all-weather, all-outfits, all-occasions piece has an enduring appeal.
Balfern Leather Biker Jacket
£318 | AllSaints | Buy it now
Real Leather Biker Jacket
£169 | Topshop | Buy it now
Shop the Topshop biker jacket in faux leather
The humble trouser
For both work and play, nine times out of 10 your outfit begins with a classic black or navy trouser. Whether you are dressing it up with a chic blazer, pairing it with a white tee for an easy win or donning it alongside a “nice” top for an evening out, they are the ultimate sartorial chameleon.
Stretch-wool Tailored Trousers
£79 | Cos Stores | Buy it now
Ivory Cotton Canvas Trousers
£190 | Young British Designers | Buy it now
Tapered Leg Trousers
£39.50 | M&S | Buy it now
The throw on and go shirt
When it comes to work wear, the daily struggle is real. No matter your office environment, be it casual or conservative, there is one item that promises instant class, elegance and sophistication no matter what it is paired with – the humble shirt/top/blouse.
Pure Linen Button Detailed Shirt
£27.50 | M&S | Buy it now
50s Frill Organic Cocoon Top
£260 | Young British Designers | Buy it now
Narrow Cuff Buttoned Silk Shirt
€335 | Piece of White | Buy it now
The Fantine Top
£115 | ACT V London | Buy it now
The well-fitting jeans you’ve always needed
Finding that perfect pair of figure-flattering jeans is not easy. It can take hours upon hours of trial and error but when you finally do, it’s an undeniable game changer. High or mid-rise, skinny or wide leg, black, blue or white – there are endless varieties.
Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
£98 | Levi’s | Buy it now
Mother The Swooner Roller cropped high-rise jeans
£220 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Shop Mother jeans in light blue and black washes
Vintage Indigo Raw Hem Jamie Jeans
£42 | Topshop | Buy it now
The British weather essential raincoat
Whatever the time of year, us Brits know that a raincoat must always been on hand. Even in the height of summer, sporadic showers are par for the course in this country.
But this does not mean that your wet weather wear needs to sacrifice on style, invest in a chic raincoat to keep you protected from the elements.
Waterproof City Walker
£169 | Protected Species | Buy it now
Long Jacket by Rains
£89 | Rains | Buy it now
The got my sh*t together blazer
By adding a blazer to any ensemble – dress, skirt, jeans or suit trousers – you will add instant elevation to your look. Whether you prefer oversized, checked, colourful or classic, all wardrobes must include a trusty blazer in its arsenal.
Hoxton Pleat Back Blazer by Palones
£150 | Palones | Buy it now
Double-breasted jacket
£24.99 | H&M | Buy it now
Isabel Marant Deagan double-breasted checked cotton-blend blazer
£775.01 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now
The Parisian chic Breton
Failsafe, timeless and perennially chic, you only need to look around your local pub, the office or even at dinner with your friends to see the ubiquity of this quintessential Parisian cool piece. With endless iterations, you can just never go wrong with a striped shirt.
Comme des Garcons Play Long Sleeve Heart Logo Stripe Tee
£100 | End Clothing | Buy it now
Striped boatneck T-shirt
£44 | J.Crew | Buy it now
The all-occasion dress
We all need that one dress that when all else fails you can just throw on and you are sorted. A versatile LBD or a floral dress that could take you from day to play and everything in between.
Reformation Christina crepe midi dress
£205 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Kitri Lenora black midi dress
£125 | Harvey Nichols | Buy it now
A-Line Jersey Dress
£55 | Cos | Buy it now
Sabrina Dress Lulu Ditsy
£95 | Ghost | Buy it now
The British uniform trench
It doesn’t get much more quintessentially British than a trench coat where the timelessness of the style is shown through the continual variations that are brought out each season on catwalks around the world.
The Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat
£1,490 | Burberry | Buy it now
Button Detailed Hooded Longline Coat
£55 | M&S | Buy it now
The subtle but statement belt
No longer just a practical piece, your belt is a fashion statement to hold up your trousers and look good while doing it.
ASOS DESIGN leather double circle waist and hip jeans belt
£16 | ASOS | Buy it now
Leather belt with Double G buckle
£240 | Gucci | Buy it now
The everyday bag
While we have been partial to teeny tiny bags and their oversized XXL counterparts, the staple bag you need is far more practical.
It is just the right size to house all your possessions without being too heavy to carry. It is versatile to go with every outfit and it can be worn at home or abroad without the continually needing to move your phone and keys from one to the other.
Heritage Victor Bag
£260 | Sezane | Buy it now
Croc-effect bag
£19.99 | Mango | Buy it now
Longchamp Le Pliage backpack
£70 | Selfridges | Buy it now
The all-weather chic black boots
Like the leather jacket, black boots have shed its rebellious edge to become part of the mainstream fashion agenda. While still oozing with an effortless cool, they have entered the realms of the everyday as both a highly practical and highly fashionable piece.
Park Boot
£455 | Dear Frances | Buy it now
Chelsea Leather Boots
£100 | & Other Stories | Buy it now
The reliable office flats
No wardrobe is complete without at least one reliable pair of flats that are timeless, bring an element of sophistication to your look and are there when you need them.
Gommino Driving Shoes in Leather
£340 | Tod’s | Buy it now
Office Destiny Trim Loafers Black High Shine Leather
£69 | Office | Buy it now
The style set favourite white trainers
You no longer see the front rows at fashion week lined with sky-high heels. The style set around the world have pushed their stilettos to their backs of their respective wardrobes in favour of a far more comfortable set of footwear – trainers.
The rise of athleisure and the versatility of this shoe has made them a sure-fire staple where they can easily be paired with work wear, pub-ready ensembles or exploring new cities abroad.
Stan Smith Trainers
£74.95 | Adidas | Buy it now
2750 Cotu Classic
£55 | Superga | Buy it now
Shopping Editor // Jessica Reynolds
