Starting The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe

Minimalism, It's all the rage, all the cool kids are getting on board and emptying their wardrobes in search of a simple, easy and wearable wardrobe. It's a big trend right now not just within fashion but with books like Marie Kondo's 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying' leading the way people are clearing through their homes de cluttering their living space.

With this in mind I thought I'd do a small Capsule Collection post. Looking at the key underlying items that create the perfect wardrobe (in my opinion, obviously). Less is more so by investing in good quality basic items that are classic and stylish you will be sorted. This is a Autumn Winter version as obviously you won't be wearing the same things come March, maybe I'll create a Spring Summer version in a few months! I have to admit I'm a bit too much of a shopper to stick to just this capsule collection but working in the fashion industry I kind of feel It's all part of the job?!

Prepare for the ramble...

The first thing you need to invest in this season is a good quality coat, whether you go for fur, wool, or a trench it needs to be good quality so it will ideally last you a few years. My coat wishlist is currently growing at an unhealthy rate, particularly if I am channeling this minimal wardrobe ever so slightly but my favourite so far has been this Zara Wool Coat in a beautiful neutral grey colour, classic and easy to wear. The second thing you need to be sure about is your footwear selection, if you want to keep it simple I would say go for a pair of comfy trainers (on trend if possible like these Adidas Stan Smiths) then a pair of smart boots that will see you from desk to bar, I love these Reptile Embossed Ankle Boots from & Other Stories and at £79 they're a bit of a bargain! Obviously a pair of smart boots would be good but not essential - Zara + Aldo are perfect for heeled ankle boots.

If you're anything like me you carry round your life in your bag, ridiculous but you may NEED that first aid kit full of plasters you haven't opened for three years... one day. I saw this Geometric Tote in store at Zara a few weeks back and couldn't believe how cheap and good quality it was.

Another optional piece but would be perfect for the smarter days or evenings out would be this beautiful Suede Leather Midi Skirt from Zara. It is simply gorgeous, imagine that with the simple black roll neck jumper, how classic! This does make me think those smarter boots I said were optional would be really great for this look.

Okay so I have to hold my hands up and admit I already own this Floral Printed Dress from Zara, and it will be coming to you in outfit post form sometime this week. I absolutely love it, It's perfect for the current weather situation and looks amazing with trainers or ankle boots. It definitely adds a bit of colour to an outfit. So another thing I think would be perfect each season is a statement dress, whether It's a shorter length you wear with tights, a body con or a floral floaty gypsy like this one. Whatever suits your shape and you feel comfortable in, this will be more of an on trend piece so will need updating each season.

So above I've got the jeans, in my opinion the best 3 styles you could invest in however I wouldn't say the third pair are essential... I've always rated Topshop's jeans as the best quality I've found on the highstreet; and I've tried them all. I know everyone has different opinions on jeans and the best fit so I feel this is the area that once you find the brand you stick to what you know and will always re purchase from there.

1. Topshop MOTO Ripped Knee Leigh Jeans - the jeans every wardrobe needs, skinnies in the most wearable colour, black. Will literally go with any outfit and the ripped knees (optional as they also come in a normal version) adding a bit more detail.

2. Topshop MOTO Lucas Slim Boyfriend - a pair of loose fit mid wash jeans, your Sunday jeans. Perfect for lazy days however you can also smarten these up worn with a blouse as above and some smarter boots.

3. Topshop MOTO Indigo Cropped Flare - these are the pair I feel are the least necessary if you really are going for that minimal wardrobe. They are the 'trend' pair, this style will change every season and will need updating with the seasons key shapes - this season it is the flare. Unlike the other two styles which have been consistently 'on trend' the past few seasons.

So we move onto the tops, these three I feel will see you through all scenarios, all you're missing is a bit of sequin for Christmas. This wonderful Ikat Pocket Shirt from Whistles will look great with all three of the jeans above, dressed down or up depending on where you're headed. Then the more trend lead blouse would be this Pussybow Blouse from ASOS, they're everywhere at the moment but also a cream blouse is very classic so will see you through the season. Finally the Stripe, what all good wardrobes need. A staple piece perfect for any occasion and this particular one from Zara is a bargain at £25.99!

And finally we get onto my favourite part, the knitwear. Obviously this is very toned down but If you're taking this minimalist lifestyle seriously these are the two styles I would invest in. A roll neck, that classic piece of knitwear that again, you can wear with all of the above styles of jeans. I have chosen thisRibbed Polo Neck from Marks and Spencer as you know you will have a great quality piece that will last the season. And finally the Cashmere, expensive but an investment. It will keep you warm come December/January and will last for years. I bought this exact one from & Other Stories last year and they have brought the same one back this year proving it really is an investment piece and won't change much through the seasons.

I hope this was helpful and not too ramble ridden. I'm really going to try my best at keeping my wardrobe looking 'minimal' this season. Less is more, after all.