How to build a clever capsule wardrobe this autumn

How do I build a clever capsule wardrobe? It is – without doubt – the question that’s most frequently asked of stylists, and yet millions of us get befuddled the moment the new season drops.

You can almost hear the ‘Ready, set, September!’ siren calling us to shop ‘New boots! New coats! New EVERYTHING!’

But what if we shop smarter this season? Investing in:
    ✔ quality-rich
    ✔ affordable
    ✔ versatile
    ✔ autumn/winter staples that stand the test of time? Then rent the rest

Are you time-poor or looking to shop more sustainably? Perhaps you’re worried about the cost of living crisis? Whether you’re Marie Kondo-ing your current closet or are investing in some new future-proof fashion – these brrr-beating, mood-boosting, giddy-inducing, hard-working classics are packed with September’s fresh start feels, but they’re also timeless.

Introducing autumn/winter – and the 16 pieces that every stylist swears by…

hush Long Sleeve V-Neck Slub Tee, £32
It’s obvious but it’s true – literally no wardrobe is complete without a perfect white T-shirt such as this. But you knew that. Worn solo or layered, trusty white tees are the backbone of any wardrobe come spring/summer too. Do invest in long-lasting 100% cotton if your budget allows.

John Lewis Stripe Cotton Shirt, £39.00
Worn as a wafty shirt dress in summer heatwaves, layered under a tank top, as a shacket (shirt jacket) over your tee, or doubled-up with denim jeans [NB this looks great with a French tuck] there’s a reason why all celebrities, stylists (and Susan at the school gates) own a sensible-but-chic shirt in suits-all blue. Feeling particularly fash? Try wearing it backwards, a la those Instagram and TikTok sorts. Seriously.

John Lewis cream knitted sleeveless tank in Ecru, £39 Coming Soon.
Speaking of tank tops – chuck any Chandler-from-Friends connotations to the curb – the knitted tank is set to be one of the hardest working warmers in your forever wardrobe. Layered over shirts or under suits, it’s one versatile slice of knitwear. Sure, your Nan and Grandpops probably own one – but anyone who’s tried to squeeze a thick knit-clad arm into their coat sleeve will fully appreciate the need to tank up. Colourwise, ease yourself in with ecru.

AND/OR Rachel Stripe Round Neck Jumper, Cream/Navy, £59
Naturally any successful knitwear collection needs sleeves too, for when winter rolls in. Why not use it as an excuse to stripe? Sure – you probably have a few (dozen) striped jumpers up your metaphorical sleeve, so here’s where you get to do a smug little smile and work with what you’ve got. If not? Meet Rachel – all stripey swagger and perfect puff sleeves. Consider her the battle for Breton, won.

John Lewis Ultra Light Edge to Edge Cashmere Cardigan, Navy, £99
Is it even autumn/winter if you’re not slipping on a clever cashmere cardi? In a word, no. First up, cashmere helps our skin to regulate temperature, in both hot and cold climates (shout-out to all those thermally insulating fibres). Secondly, this chuck-it-on style suits all scenarios, from speedy school drop-offs and park-to-pub walks, to office Christmas parties and chilly Zoom calls. Layer it over your shirt, tank or tee, safe in the knowledge that this ‘cuddle-in-a-cardi’ comes with zero regrets.

AND/OR Cotton Ruffle Collar, White, £4
Fashion's love affair with colossal collars is showing no signs of slowing down – with ruffles, lace and moody floral trims adding chutzpah to jumpers day and night. Treat yourself to this £4 beauty – an easy and affordable way to feel fash in a flash.

Mango Newmom High Waist Jeans, Dark Blue, £35.99
Looking for a jeanius new buy? Mango’s budget-friendly blues will suit all shapes and moods. With an average 4.8/5 star rating (Gemboo, Hertfordshire calls them: ‘A super comfy jean with a bit of stretch, and the most perfect fit!’) these denims are easily dressed up or down, for date nights, bonfire nights, autumn walks kicking up leaves or simply deployed when you just fancy a feel-good jean.

Whistles Ella Essential Wool Blend Trousers, Black, £99.
Not much beats the feeling of finding the perfect pair of suits-all occasions smart black trousers. Whistles’ high-waisted, well-cut mid-rise tailored trews are made from a tactile wool blend, with a longer hem to elongate the look of your leg. Put simply, they’re The Ones. Not sure of your trouser tribe? Try a range of fits from one brand – like Whistles – to work out your winning style.

John Lewis Archive Floral Print Midi Dress, Dark Green/Ecru, £59
Chances are you already own a do-it-all dress – fashion’s answer to all accidental lie-ins, last minute Zoom calls, and impromptu nights out. Worn with heels, this heroic headturner packs all the punch of a ‘WOW’ evening outfit and – teamed with trainers – works wonderfully on mornings when you just need a lift. Want serious cost-per-wear credentials? Make this the one-and-done dress in your wardrobe.

John Lewis ANYDAY Boilersuit Coming Soon
Like your autumn/winter wardrobe with a side of cool? In slides the jumpsuit. Worn relaxed and wafty for daytime wandering, or with heels by night, this boilersuit is a capsule classic. Add accessories at your leisure.

Phase Eight Libbie Longline Teddy Coat in Rust, £179 
Nothing says September like a new season coat. Haven’t got yours yet? Autumn 2022’s best coat trends come cocoon in shape, and cocktail in colour – think dopamine brights (easily dressed up or down) or cuddle-soft teddy coats, to soothe winter-weary souls. Both will boost your mood on meh days and Mondays. And both will make your capsule wardrobe work even harder.

John Lewis Short Boucle Shacket, Neutral, £79
And then there’s the joyful jacket – promising all the comfort of a coat, but less weighty – ideal for all those awkward in-between weather days. Make yours neutral (cream, khaki, black, navy or camel) for a look that lasts a lifetime. Want something deliciously current? Say ‘yay’ to boucle, fashion’s fabric du jour, which manages to make ANY outfit look expensive. Truly.

John Lewis Double Breasted Wool Blend Blazer, Black, £120
Whether you’re a suit sort or you’re simply looking for a cool cover up for your one-and-done dress, think ‘blazer’. A stalwart of stylists, blazers will take your Sunday best to better – and your favourite midi dress to boardroom, baptism, brunch and back again. Even if you don’t think you’re a blazer type, trust us when we say, your capsule wardrobe wants one.

John Lewis ANYDAY Longline Puffer, £89 Coming Soon.
Like wearing a duvet out (only less frowned upon) if you don’t have a longline puffa yet, you’ll want one for winter. Soft, padded, wet weatherproof and WONDERFUL – they’re regret-free fashion at its cosiest. Snuggle up, then laugh in the face of cold weather days.

John Lewis Sugarpoppy Stiletto Heel Long Boots, Black, £59
Looking for a new season treat? Whether it’s a payday pick-me-up or you’re celebrating a big birthday, September = new boots. These black beauties are undeniably timeless, with a mid-heel that spruces up date-night dresses, weekend denims and work trousers alike. Plus, the stretch fit suits all calves meaning all day comfort (and a lifetime of style). 

AND/OR Elana Leather Star Trainers, White/Leopard, £85
And finally, don’t forget trainers. One for your summer capsule wardrobe too – soft leather trainers will complete your every autumn outfit need, guaranteed. An easy way to add a dose of nonchalant cool, why not use them to zhuzh up your new neutrals, squirreling in a little (or a lot) of leopard print, for kicks.