Building the final word capsule wardrobe is not any small feat, particularly in London. With its sub-zero winters and (at instances) scorching summers, it’s laborious to discover items that may be worn all year long. Because if we’re sincere, in case you’re like me with a continual want for sleep, sorting by an ungodly quantity of garments to create a ‘look’ feels a contact redundant. Which is why, forward of the New Year, I’m enhancing my garments and equipment right into a pared-back assortment, set to final me for the following 9 months. However, I have to say, as I filter by my garments and footwear, making a useful edit that tailors to these two extremes while capturing the very coronary heart of what it means to be a ‘city-girl’ in London isn’t for the faint of coronary heart.
London dressing, to me, feels much more dynamic than different main cities. With an individualistic undercurrent, Londoner’s stability an innate nonchalance with traditional items, a spirited undoneness with an edgy sophistication which suggests every bit of my new wardrobe wants to match the memo.
Naturally, the query of what the vibe will likely be subsequent yr has been on my thoughts for some time. At Who What Wear UK, because it’s our job to dwell and breathe tendencies, there’s a complete vary of aesthetics we predict will take priority in your wardrobe within the coming months. From the softly structured Neoplan-era jackets to folky medieval maiden model maxis which have Chappel Roan’s title throughout them, to Victoriana footwear with a witchy twist, for us, spring/summer season 2026 is shaping up to be the yr of maximalism and really something goes.
However, while one or two of those items can launch your capsule into the 2026 temper, it’s these easy staples—people who we regularly might think about mundane—which are the hidden gems of our wardrobe, and finally, the items that allow the development gadgets shine. Now, am I saying it is best to throw the whole lot away and begin from scratch? Never! However, in case your tried and true tailor-made trousers have seen higher days (very similar to my very own), this checklist is a superb place to begin.
A London-approved Capsule Wardrobe, Ready to See You Through to Spring
1. Tapered Trousers
Style Notes: Whilst tailor-made trousers by no means date due to their innate timelessness, tapered trousers (and ultra-wide tailoring) have garnered extra traction recently. Designers, together with Carolina Herrera and Stella McCartney, concentrate on ultra-wide-leg iterations at their autumn/winter 2025 runway exhibits. This form completely offsets the extra laid-back, “cool-girl” nature of 2026 dressing. In spring, I’m planning on sporting mine as Monikh Dale (pictured above) has with a layered tee and suede bag to match.
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2. Pleated Maxi Skirts
Style Notes: With nostalgic types having a second, the newest of an extended checklist is that of the pleated maxi skirt. Having shed its ‘2010s zest, where Proenza Schouler and Timo Weiland made the elegant ’50s silhouette cool again, there’s been little noise on the pleated skirt entrance till now.
With the rise of free tailoring and in tandem with a newfound affliction for heritage plaid, pleated skirts have out of the blue began trending once more. An offshoot from Miu Miu’s preppy re-birth, longer maxis stability sophistication with edge to create seems to be which really feel effortlessly undone. From brushed mohair striped jumpers to waisted knits, it is not possible for this elegant silhouette not to look stylish in 2026.
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3. Funnel-neck Cape Coats
(Image credit score: @miaisobellebarker)
Style Notes: Call me a snob, however as somebody dialled into the ever-changing outerwear tendencies, only a few types are ready to not solely fight essentially the most frigid of temperatures however lend a refined sophistication which simply works properly. However, the cape coat balances each with ease. Finished with an on-trend funnel neck, this nods to the normal Victorian silhouette while lending a contemporary edge. From denims to maxi skirts, no matter age, essentially the most modern individuals on my feed are gravitating in the direction of this model for an IYKYK vitality inside their seems to be.
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4. Straight Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Whilst the shift in the direction of straight-legged silhouettes has been hardly refined, in case you’re unwilling to shimmy into the thin types trending, why not go for a ‘90s-coded straight-legged jean? With a pinched waist, leg sculpting allure, everyone from Stella McCartney to Victoria Beckham has replaced their baggier styles for these shapely ones during the off-season 2026 previews.
With a vintage feel, styles like the Agolde Pinch Waist and Levi’s 501 have skyrocketed in reputation, quick changing into trend individuals’s go-to shapes when styling layered tees or cosy cashmere knits.
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5. Oversized Suede Bags
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6. Culottes
(Image credit score: @torivanbergul)
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7. Monk Shoes
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8. Hoods
Style Notes: If you have but to spend money on a heat scarf, why not strive a comfortable hood balaklava as a substitute? Gaining in reputation over the previous few years, a luxurious hood feels brisker and cooler than the neck hugging and extra refined than your favorite hoodie. Casting stylish visible curiosity, I’ll be pairing mine as Felicity Bird (pictured above) has with free denims and fitted maxi coat on chiller days.
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9. Vests
Style Notes: The rise of Gorpecore (a mode which see’s hiking-adjacent items worn exterior conventional realms) gilets have quick grow to be the outwear selection of the London trend set. Before you shudder on the thought and see “finance bros” flashing in entrance of your eyes , the types seen aren’t restricted to the quilted jacket seen on Christina Nadin (pictured above). From cosy fake fur to vibrant prints, these jackets are a useful method of vocalising self expression by dressing (one thing Londoner’s love to do). Pairing properly with denims, trousers, skirts and leggings the toughest a part of styling a gilet is deciding what color method to go together with.
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10. Thin Scarves
Style Notes: With an inherent ’90s romcom-core, the elongated skinny scarf is the accent development modern Londoner’s cannot get sufficient off. Picked up initially by the the scandi women, its a chunk which concurrently elevates cold-weather apparel while including an IYKNK vitality to spring’s most vibrant florals weaving your outfit along with ease.
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Chocolate Brown & Blue Striped Knitted Scarf | Oliver Bonas
Offset your winter neutrals with this vibrant shade.
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