I'm a Stylist—This Is the 12-Piece Summer Capsule I Recommend to All My Clients

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(Image credit: @theshopper_x)

In our "Ask the Experts" series, we pick the brains of the industry insiders with the most impeccable taste—from buyers to in-demand stylists—and ask them to let us in on the trends they're obsessed with right now, the pieces they're actually buying and their expert advice on how to build a better wardrobe. Today, we're tapping Lauren Faiers (also known as The Shopper)—a personal shopper and stylist with over a decade of experience in the most exclusive styling departments, including Harrods and Net-a-Porter. You may already follow her on Instagram for her elevated mix of high-low dressing, but here, she reveals "The Capsule 12"—her answer to building the most hard-working summer wardrobe, and the secret approach that she recommends to all her clients. Read on to discover her tips, and shop the products she's sharing with her inside circle now. 

Clothes are an interesting thing, aren’t they? An outfit can make you feel your absolute best or really and truly dreadful. I’ve spent many years looking at people’s shopping habits (including my own) and I’ve finally come to the conclusion that having a small capsule that you can lean on is the solution to many of our dressing road blocks. This doesn’t mean you have to ditch all of your existing beloved pieces (even the ones you may only bring out once in a blue moon). It's more about focusing your attention on the pieces you really enjoy wearing. Once you've created your capsule around these pieces, it becomes much easier to identify the wardrobe items that you may have clung onto, but no longer serve you—that's when I’d recommend saying goodbye and giving them another home to be re-loved.

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(Image credit: @theshopper_x)

Now, let's get down to it. This is where my trick, The Capsule 12, sashays in. Trust me when I say this is a tried and tested perfect equation, catering to all your day-to-night needs for the current season and ahead. It may be a little neutral or not as exciting as some would expect, but hear me out—it’s my no-stress guide to dressing when the last thing you want to do is worry about what you’re wearing, or worse, packing. Everything in this capsule goes together to create at least 30+ looks and counting. It’s your foundation to dressing, and then your personality can be injected through shoes, bags and accessories, as this is where the most impact should come from. If you follow this formula it will make getting ready in the morning far less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

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(Image credit: @theshopper_x)

So, what does The Capsule 12 consist of, I hear you ask? It's 12 simple pieces broken down into five easy categories: two jackets, two dresses (or you can swap out one for a jumpsuit), two pairs of trousers, two skirts (or swap one out for a pair of shorts) and four tops. 

Some of the best outfits I’ve dressed my clients in aren’t singular items (apart from event dressing—that’s a very different ball game). Instead, it’s about all the ingredients that go into the outfit to make it a "look". It’s all about balance and adding in fun where necessary. But, most importantly (and this is absolutely essential) it's about allowing you to feel like the best version of yourself. The Capsule 12 is the foundation to your wardrobe, so this edit needs to be many things. Firstly, it has to blend well together, otherwise the equation won’t work. That's why my capsules can often look a little basic in parts, but the magic happens when it all comes together. It also needs to be functional, practical and lastly, take the stress out of feeling like you have nothing to wear. So, let's just make it easier for ourselves by consolidating things into 12 great pieces. Here are some options I'm recommending at the moment to get you started. 

SHOP LAUREN'S 12-PIECE CAPSULE:

2x Jackets

2x Dresses (or Jumpsuits)

2x Trousers

2x Skirts (or Shorts)

4x Tops

Jewellery

Shoes

Bags

Belts

Next Up: I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are My Key Summer Wardrobe Staples

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.