The Complete Capsule: Our List of the Best Basics Money Can Buy
Behind every immaculate outfit and fabulous wardrobe is an arsenal of reliable basics. Scroll down to see my edit of the best basics for women.
Behind every immaculate outfit or capsule wardrobe is an arsenal of reliable basics. It's all well and good having the latest "it" bag or trend piece, but getting dressed will always be difficult if you don't have the foundations right too. Once you find the perfect black blazer, pair of jeans or pair of loafers, you never need to find another one again. So it's worth putting in the time to find the best versions of these staples—when you own the perfect tee or white shirt, there's no need for mediocre duplicates that won't ever make you feel as good. This only-go-for-the-very-best approach to shopping leads to not only a tighter wardrobe that is made to last but also a more polished look overall.
Together, our Who What Wear editors have close to half a century of experience in the fashion industry, and so we have learned first-hand the best places to find all of these basics. And it's not just a case of spending more money on things—our list includes investment pieces by Gucci, Celine and Loewe, but many of the items we champion are also under £100. This list will also help you to identify the gaps in your own wardrobe, as we believe that these 36 items make up the complete capsule.
Shop the Best Basics for Women, According to Fashion Editors
1. Tops
Style Notes: It can be difficult to find the perfect white T-shirt, as they are often a little too sheer, tight or have a neckline that doesn't sit quite right. This slightly heavier cotton COS style has none of these drawbacks, and the premium-feeling material stays crisper for longer. Size up if you prefer a boxier fit.
Material/s: 100% Organic cotton
Colour/s: Available in most neutral tones, including black and white.
Sizes: XXS - XL
Style Notes: Trust me when I say I've tried all the tank tops out there, from expensive designers to the cheapest high street. I can confirm it's this Leset number that takes the cake as being the very best style. It's comprised of durable cotton and rendered with a delicate pointelle knit detail that elevates even the most rudimentary of outfits.
Material/s: 100% cotton
Colour/s: White
Sizes: XS - XL
Style Notes: Reformation basics are some of the best on offer. Fusing style and sustainable practices, this long-sleeve truly is the best of the bunch simply because of how comfortable, high-coverage and long-lasting it is. With a thicker fabric and slightly-cropped hem length, you'll never be stuck figuring out what to wear it with, thanks to its uncompromising versatility.
Material/s: 60% Organically Grown Cotton and 40% TENCEL™ Lyocell x REFIBRA™.
Colour/s: Available in 5 core colours; white, navy blue, heather grey, black and taupe, and 1 seasonal shade.
Sizes: XS - XL
Style Notes: With Nothing Underneath has quickly become the fashion crowd's go-to brand for shirting of all kinds. They have over 20 iterations of the white shirt alone, so you can be sure you'll find your perfect style here (we know it's a subjective matter). From linen to silk, relaxed to slim fit, they have it all covered, but our personal preference for the most all-time classic look is the Boyfriend in poplin. Relaxed but not too loose, ideal for tucking in or wearing out, and in that famous crisp organic cotton.
Material/s: 100% Organic Cotton
Colour/s: Offered in 5 colours, including white, blue pinstripe and chocolate brown.
Sizes: UK 6 - UK 18
Style Notes: A satin top or camisole can be worn on its own, and it's the perfect partner for a suit, but it's also really useful for layering. This silk fabric adds a refined feel without hurting your budget. What makes this one particularly cool is the lace detailing.
Material/s: 100% Silk
Colour/s: White and black.
Sizes: EU 32 - 46
Style Notes: Casual, cool and endlessly chic, H&M's linen shirts are honestly some of the best around. Available in plenty of colours, including neutrals, stripes and bright, bold hues, it's a high-street item I really recommend snapping up. Plus, it comes in long-sleeved and short-sleeved options too.
Material/s: 70% Livaeco™ viscose, 30% linen
Colour/s: Available in 5 shades; white, chartreuse, beige, black and white-and-black stripes.
Sizes: XXS - XL
Style Notes: As we know, the best wardrobes are made up of great staples, and there's nothing more classic than a striped top. Take it from the French girls—this is a top to rely on for years to come, and Navygrey have nailed quality and design.
Material/s: 100% Organic Cotton
Colour/s: 1; ecru and navy
Sizes: XS - XL
2. Knitwear
Style Notes: A cashmere jumper is a wardrobe classic, for all year round (I always throw mine over my shoulders on cooler summer evenings too). While there are numerous beautiful knitwear brands working in higher price points, we don't think you can top M&S for value and number of colours. It creates quality, durable cashmere that—if you look after it properly—will last for years.
Material/s: 100% cashmere
Colour/s: 11, including black, slate grey, mole, red, pale pink and cobalt blue.
Sizes: UK 6 - UK 24
Style Notes: There's no well-edited wardrobe complete without a V-neck. Offering a glint of your base layer underneath, this style gives any look its paired with a preppy and architectural feeling, and there's no piece that does it better than Rise & Fall's cashmere-merino blend.
Material/s: 30% Mongolian cashmere, 70% merino wool
Colour/s: 7; including poppy red, chocolate brown, buttermilk white and classic grey.
Sizes: XS - XL
Style Notes: A chunky jumper is the perfect piece for throwing on when you want to hide away from winter's chill. This boxy style from COS is the superlative style, thanks to the way it gracefully clings over your body and helps regulate body temperature in style.
Material/s: 100% wool
Colour/s: 2; black and beige.
Sizes: XS - L
Style Notes: From the streets of London to the annals of your local library, there's no setting a cardigan wouldn't look good in, especially if it's this polished COS iteration.
Material/s: 100% Wool
Colour/s: 2; navy and beige.
Sizes: XS - XL
Style Notes: Dainty button line the middle of this effortlessly elegant style from The White Company. Featuring a ribbed hem and classic crew neckline, consider this the perfect lightweight layering piece during cooler months or standalone hero for warmer days.
Material/s: 47% wool (RWS), 38% viscose (LENZING™ ECOVERO™), 10% nylon, 5% cashmere
Colour/s: Chocolate beige.
Sizes: UK 4 - UK 18
3. Denim
Style Notes: Looking for a pair of stovepipe jeans that do it all? Introducing: M&S's Mom High Waisted Ankle Grazer Jeans. As per the brand's website, "they're designed in a comfortable mom fit, with a flattering high waist and an ankle-grazing length".
Material/s: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Colour/s: 6; including medium indigo and ecru.
Sizes: UK 6 - 24
Style Notes: With a silhouette that's as sharp as a razor, these Reformation jeans are the answer to any styling woes when you don't know what to pair that elegant blouse or refined shirt with. When you think of a 'jeans and a nice top' outfit, these are the jeans that should call to mind.
Material/s: 57% Regeneratively Grown Cotton and 43% TENCEL™ Lyocell
Colour/s: 13 core shades, including indigo, white and light blue.
Sizes: 23" - 34"
Style Notes: All our editors agreed that Agolde is the best for designer jeans, as it has really flattering cuts and uses very soft, comfortable denim. Fashion insiders always rave about the '90s Pinch Waist style, noting it's the ultimate straight-leg jean, and according to Karen Phelps, Creative Director of AGOLDE, the 90s Pinch Waist is the brand's best-selling fit with "a flattering, high-rise waist, close-fitting through the hips... an easy, classic straight leg with endless versatility."
Material/s: 100% organic cotton
Colour/s: 6; including light denim, white and indigo.
Sizes: 23" - 32"
Style Notes: Barrel-leg jeans have quickly formed part of any modern woman's wardrobe, especially if they reside in the city centre. With a relaxed shape and casual attitude, this Agolde style is practical and polished.
Material/s: 100% organic cotton
Colour/s: 3; black, indigo and dark denim.
Sizes: 23" - 32"
Style Notes: Generously cut to allow the fabric to beautifully gather around the foot, these baggy jeans from COS are a worthy addition to any wardrobe seeking a reprieve from tight cuts and skin-pinching waistbands.
Material/s: 65% recycled polyester, 35% organic cotton
Colour/s: Available in 5 shades, including brown and dusty blue.
Sizes: 23" - 32"
Style Notes: From Bella Hadid out and about in Beverly Hills to Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl, there's no tasteful dresser who doesn't own a pair of bootcut jeans. Make like these Los Angeles natives and invest in a pair from California-based denim brand, Citizens of Humanity.
Material/s: 93% cotton, 5.5% cashmere, 1.5% elastane
Colour/s: Dark denim
Sizes: 23" - 32"
Style Notes: The Who What Wear team also agrees that COS does the best affordable denim. It's all organic and recycled cotton, and there's a mix of comfortable stretch styles and vintage-inspired rigid versions. The cropped designs are perfect for petites, and the loose, wide legs feel incredibly fresh for right now. It's the Arch Tapered Jeans that I wear on repeat, though.
Material/s: 100% Cotton
Colour/s: 8; including cream and light blue.
Sizes: "23 - "32
4. Accessories
Best Crossbody Bag: COS
Style Notes: COS might be your go-to for trousers, tops and knitwear; however, with styles like this, they're becoming a mainstay for designer-looking accessories too. This black bowling bag is a classic and miraculously still in stock. It's simple enough to go with every single outfit, and not to mention practical thanks to the generous design and roomy interior.
Material/s: 100% leather and cotton
Colour/s: Black
Dimensions: H27cm x W44cm x D12cm
Style Notes: When it comes to designer bags, it's hard to pass up The Row's Marlo. Lacking any flashy labels or discernible marks of the brand, this is a style that has garnered a cult-following thanks to its excellent craftsmanship. Better still, it's spacious enough to fit everything from laptops to makeup bags and your emotional support water bottle, making it ideal for work or travel.
Material/s: 100% calfskin leather
Colour/s: Three; deep brown, caramel taupe and black
Dimension: W43.18cm x H 30.48cm x D19.05cm
Style Notes: For summer, a basket bag has become an absolute essential, whether you're heading to the beach or not. Of course, Loewe is the gold standard. If you're looking for something more low-key with fewer logos, though, Dragon Diffusion's woven styles are completely timeless too.
Material/s: Raffia and calf leather.
Colour/s: One, cream weave.
Dimensions: H17cm x W36cm x D12cm
Style Notes: It's often said that a good belt can be the most elegant accessory in your wardrobe. And we're inclined to agree. Buy a good belt, and you never need to buy another one again. Khaite's Benny belt boasts a cool but timeless silhouette and is offered in multiple colour ways. Keep an eye out for it on the waists of fashion editors everywhere. For one that's more affordable, try COS's classic leather belt.
Material/s: Black leather
Colour/s: Multiple, including black leather, brown suede and tan leather with silver studs.
Dimensions: Not listed.
Style Notes: Celine's sunglasses are popular for a reason. The brand's various styles are flattering on almost everyone and most are shapes that won't feel dated in a year or two. Whether you're a fan of mod oval sunglasses or statement cat-eye sunnies, there is bound to be a silhouette to suit your face shape.
Material/s: Acetate
Colour/s: 12; including tortoiseshell, pastel pink, black, milky azure blue and olive green
Sizes: L15.4cm
Style Notes: The iconic Cartier Tank watch can be dated back to 1917—proving just how timeless the shape is. The brand is world-renowned for its timepieces and offers the kind of investment watch you'll wear for the rest of your life. The smooth black leather is probably the most classic, but I have a soft spot for this incredibly elegant alligator version. They sell out quickly, so keep your eye on it when you're ready to invest.
Material/s: Stainless Steel case, blue cabochon crown, sapphire glass crystal and black leather
Colour/s: Black strap and silver dial
Sizes: L17cm - 20.5cm
Style Notes: A silk scarf is a classic wardrobe item. We recommend you go straight to Toteme. The logo on this one is subtle and the black-and-white colour combination will always feel timeless.
Material/s: 100% Silk
Colour/s: White and black
Sizes: L52cm x W52cm
Style Notes: Acne Studios is the ultimate label for luxury basics, and the wool and cashmere scarves are close to perfect. The brand makes the classic scarf with a fringed hem in every colour you could want, from cream to pink to plaid.
Material/s: 100% wool
Colour/s: Grey
Sizes: L200cm x W45cm
Style Notes: Hoops go with everything. Most importantly, these are lightweight enough to complement anything you pair them with, but also bold enough to add a structured touch to your look. You can literally wear these all day, every day. The brand also has other hoop options, whether you like a thicker style or something with gemstones.
Material/s: Either 18k Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver
Colour/s: Gold and Silver
Sizes: 4; Huggie (12mm), Medium (16mm), Large (25mm)and Oversized (40mm)
Style Notes: A gold chain is the perfect addition to any outfit all year round. I personally have this necklace, and I've not taken it off for a good couple of years—it still looks brand new!
Material/s: Either 18k Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver
Colour/s: Gold and Silver
Sizes: L45cm
5. Shoes
Style Notes: Gucci's horsebit loafers were first launched in 1953 and are a classic piece worth investing in because they will last for decades. While loafer trends come and go, the timeless shape and cool horsebit detail of these will never feel dated.
Material/s: Gucci does not outline the materials used on its website, instead saying the products use "carefully selected materials".
Colour/s: 9, including suede, light grey leather and ancora red.
Sizes: IT 32 - IT 42
Style Notes: Undeniably, the best heels in the world come from Manolo Blahnik. Whether you're looking to invest in a wear-with-everything pair of simple, comfortable court heels like the BB 90s (a favourite of Meghan and Princess Kate), or you want a bit more sparkle in your life with the Hangisi, you just can't beat them. On the high street, we find Mango's heels to be the best.
Material/s:
Colour/s:
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Style Notes: New Balance has a lot going for them. These trainers are practical, comfy, cool (Euro fashion-girl approved!) and just as useful for exercise as they are for finishing off a look. While the sneaker world is a fickle one, the 530s have managed to hold their own for years now. Hence why we'd pinpoint them as one of the few anti-trend trainers out there, making them ideal for a capsule wardrobe.
Material/s: Leather 41%, polyurethane 31%, other fibres 28%
Colour/s: 2; white and beige.
Sizes: UK 3.5 - UK 7
Style Notes: Sandal trends come and go, but if you're after a timeless pair of impeccable quality and comfort, my personal recommendation is to head to the brand A.Emery. Cool but not cult (read: overexposed), its sandals can be pulled out year after year and remain effortlessly chic. Whatever your sandal style is, they have something to fit the bill, from simple strappy styles to classic leather thong sandals (my favourite, the Kinto) and chunkier options like the Jalen style, a firm stronghold among fashion insiders.
Material/s: Goat suede.
Colour/s: 4; black leather, beige suede, army green suede and burgundy suede.
Sizes: IT35 - IT42
When it comes to ankle boots, you really can't beat Aeyde. Whether you're after a round or pointed toe (or a mixture of both), Western suede style or classic leather, Aeyde has them all. The brand truly isn't ruled by trends, but hurry because its styles sell out quickly.
Material/s: Cow suede
Colour/s: Camel
Sizes: EU 35 - EU 42
6. Bottoms
Style Notes: A simple slip skirt might not be the most exciting purchase, but it really is useful, especially for between seasons. It looks just as good with a strappy top and sandals as it does a cosy knit and boots. The navy shade of this Aligne option suits all seasons, too.
Material/s: 61% Ecovero Lenzing 39% Viscose
Colour/s: Navy and cognac.
Sizes: UK 4 - UK 22
Style Notes: Trousers are always tricky to find, but we think the best place to start is at Reformation. Wide-leg, linen, cargos, petites, extended sizes—you name it and Ref has it covered. The Mason pants have to be our absolute favourites though.
Material/s: 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell
Colour/s: 5; including black, khaki, sugar white and stone grey.
Sizes: UK 4 - UK 28
7. Underwear Drawer
Style Notes: For those days when you need a discreet layer underneath your outfit, COS is the go-to. The merino fabric adds warmth with a soft turtleneck finish and thin form to layer easily underneath your other knits. It's my hidden secret I'm willing to share.
Material/s: 100% wool
Colour/s: 11, including burgundy, blue check, light pink and black.
Sizes: XS - L
It should come as no surprise that Skims is our number one for bodysuits. We love that you can choose a nude colour shade for wearing underneath your clothes, but they also look great worn to be seen as well. This one will hug you in all the right places to smooth, sculpt and support. It's a stylish, useful and practical addition to your wardrobe.
Material/s: 76% nylon, 24% spandex
Colour/s: 8; including black, chocolate brown and dark khaki.
Sizes: XS - 4XL
Style Notes: If you're looking for a brand that really does nail the best capsule basics, Pairs is the brand you need to know. I've spent a long time shopping around for the perfect ankle socks, and I've only ever found what I'm looking for since this brand launched onto the scene in 2020. Whether you want plain black or white, bright colours, chunky or thin, low or high rise—the brand has you covered.
Material/s: 55% Alpaca, 45% Nylon
Colour/s: 10, including tomato red, royal purple, navy blue, chocolate brown and heather grey.
Sizes: S - L
Style Notes: There's so many lovely smaller labels doing pretty lingerie (we love Cou Cou Intimates and Hanky Panky), but I'm prepared to die on the hill of M&S underwear for reliable comfort, practicality and long-lasting quality. My everyday underwear drawer is solely made up of the brand's Flexifit™ modal styles (the thongs are totally invisible under clothes and so comfy—trust me).
Material/s: 88% modal, 12% elastane
Colour/s: 5; including black, white and magenta.
Sizes: UK 6 - UK 28
Style Notes: Say goodbye to ladders, Swedish Stockings's tights are stronger than ever. Plus, they often collaborate with the coolest dressers around, like Camille Charrière and Leandra Medine Cohen, to make tights that feel fashion-forward whilst still being practical. Think: polka dot patterns and tiger prints inspired by Chloë Sevigny.
Material/s: 92% polyamide, 8% elastane
Colour/s: 12; including black, navy, red, pink and dark brown.
Sizes: XS - XXL
8. Outerwear
Style Notes: A classic tailored blazer is a wardrobe essential, and you can call off your search for the perfect one with COS. We can't recommend this jacket enough, partly because of the exquisite tailoring mixed with the relaxed fit and partly because there are plenty of ways to style this.
Material/s: 100% RWS Wool
Colour/s: Black
Sizes: UK 4 - UK 16
Style Notes: The original Burberry trench was designed for soldiers for the First World War and uses the gabardine fabric, which was created by Thomas Burberry in 1879. According to the Burberry website, the fabric is now created at a textile mill near Keighley, England, and there are 127 stages in producing one coat. It is quite simply timeless. We rounded up everything you need to know about choosing your perfect Burberry trench here, but you can never go wrong with the Waterloo Heritage style.
Material/s: 100% cotton
Colour/s: 3; black, coal blue and beige.
Sizes: UK 2 - 18
Style Notes No capsule is complete without a wool coat, especially during autumn and winter. The Frankie Shop's version is iconic with a timeless silhouette and two-button closure. What makes it even more special is the wool-blend that gives the double-breasted shape its structure.
Material/s: 80% wool, 20% polyamide
Colour/s: Taupe and dark grey.
Sizes: XXS - XL
Style Notes: Sorry, but it has to be the Sézane Wilfrield jacket. Fusing the essence of French girls like Jane Birkin and Hollywood icons, including James Dean, this style is slightly oversized but tailored to perfection.
Material/s: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
Colour/s: Light blue
Sizes: XXS - XXXL
Style Notes: We've tried a lot of leather jackets in our time, and season after season, Whistles always has the perfect style. It has classic biker jacket designs, but for something a little more modern, we prefer the Clean Bonded Jacket (so many of our editors already own it). With a minimalist design, smooth leather and lightweight construction, it's a worthy investment.
Material/s: 100% sheep leather
Colour/s: 3; Black, brown and khaki
Sizes: XS - XL
Style Notes: Suede is a fabric that has garnered much attention over the past 24 months. But, if there is any style that continues to pique my interest, it's this beautiful trench style from Rise & Fall. A double-breasted silhouette that finishes with wind flaps and a wrap-around belt, this is perfect for cool weather days when you're cruising from cafés to boutiques.
Material/s: 100% leather
Colour/s: 2; chocolate brown and navy blue.
Sizes: XS - XL
Why Trust Us?
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
