I'm Refreshing My Capsule Wardrobe Ahead of 2026—These 10 Pieces Made the Cut
The new year always brings an opportunity to refresh your capsule wardrobe. These are the 10 staples I know will be everywhere in 2026.
Building the ultimate capsule wardrobe is no small feat, especially in London. With its sub-zero winters and (at times) scorching summers, it’s hard to find pieces that can be worn throughout the year. Because if we’re honest, if you’re like me with a chronic need for sleep, sorting through an ungodly amount of clothes to create a ‘look’ feels a touch redundant. Which is why, ahead of the New Year, I’m editing my clothes and accessories into a pared-back collection, set to last me for the next 9 months. However, I must say, as I filter through my clothes and shoes, creating a functional edit that tailors to these two extremes whilst capturing the very heart of what it means to be a 'city-girl' in London isn’t for the faint of heart.
London dressing, to me, feels far more dynamic than other major cities. With an individualistic undercurrent, Londoner's balance an innate nonchalance with classic pieces, a spirited undoneness with an edgy sophistication which means each piece of my new wardrobe needs to fit the memo.
Naturally, the question of what the vibe will be next year has been on my mind for a while. At Who What Wear UK, as it’s our job to live and breathe trends, there's a whole range of aesthetics we predict will take precedence in your wardrobe in the coming months. From the softly structured Neoplan-era jackets to folky medieval maiden style maxis that have Chappel Roan’s name all over them, to Victoriana footwear with a witchy twist, for us, spring/summer 2026 is shaping up to be the year of maximalism and truly anything goes.
However, whilst one or two of these pieces can launch your capsule into the 2026 mood, it’s those simple staples—those that we often may consider mundane—that are the hidden gems of our wardrobe, and ultimately, the pieces that let the trend items shine. Now, am I saying you should throw everything away and start from scratch? Never! However, if your tried and true tailored trousers have seen better days (much like my own), this list is a great place to start.
A London-approved Capsule Wardrobe, Ready to See You Through to Spring
1. Tapered Trousers
Style Notes: Whilst tailored trousers never date due to their innate timelessness, tapered trousers (and ultra-wide tailoring) have garnered more traction lately. Designers, including Carolina Herrera and Stella McCartney, focus on ultra-wide-leg iterations at their autumn/winter 2025 runway shows. This shape perfectly offsets the more laid-back, "cool-girl" nature of 2026 dressing. In spring, I’m planning on wearing mine as Monikh Dale (pictured above) has with a layered tee and suede bag to match.
Shop Tapered Trousers:
These have been all over my feed as of late.
In a dusty olive shade, this barrel-legged shape would pair nicely with loafers and a cosy cashmere knit.
With a mid-rise waist, this flannel Toteme pair feels perfect for when the weather warms.
2. Pleated Maxi Skirts
Style Notes: With nostalgic styles having a moment, the latest of a long list 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 front until now.
With the rise of loose tailoring and in tandem with a newfound affliction for heritage plaid, pleated skirts have suddenly started trending again. An offshoot from Miu Miu’s preppy re-birth, longer maxis balance sophistication with edge to create looks which feel effortlessly undone. From brushed mohair striped jumpers to waisted knits, it's impossible for this elegant silhouette not to look chic in 2026.
Shop Pleated Maxi Skirts:
The subtle sheen makes this skirt look far more expensive than it is.
Pair this dusky beige skirt with loafers and a cashmere knit this winter.
With an A-line skirt, the subtle pleats lend this Reformation iteration an nostalgic, '50s pin-up essence.
3. Funnel-neck Cape Coats
Style Notes: Call me a snob, but as someone dialled into the ever-changing outerwear trends, very few styles are able to not only combat the most frigid of temperatures but lend a subtle sophistication which just works well. However, the cape coat balances both with ease. Finished with an on-trend funnel neck, this nods to the traditional Victorian silhouette whilst lending a modern edge. From jeans to maxi skirts, regardless of age, the most fashionable people on my feed are gravitating towards this style for an IYKYK energy within their looks.
Shop Funnel-neck Cape Coats:
With a detachable belt, this H&M coat looks far more expensive than its £40 price tag.
In a plush wool blend, this coat will keep your toasty all winter.
With sculptural asymmetric buttons and concealed button closures, this coat screams London capsule wardrobe.
4. Straight Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Whilst the shift towards straight-legged silhouettes has been hardly subtle, if you’re unwilling to shimmy into the skinny styles trending, why not opt 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 popularity, fast becoming fashion people's go-to shapes when styling layered tees or cosy cashmere knits.
Shop Straight Leg Jeans:
Available in seven vibrant colour ways, you're sure to find a shade to match.
A fashion person best-kept secret.
Whats better than the OG?
5. Oversized Suede Bags
Style Notes: With the resurgence of the Louis Vuitton speedy (a Y2K silhouette that with Paris Hilton's stamp of approval), whilst the rest of fashion fits slimmer, the bags are undeniably getting bigger. Our love affair with all-things suede has been 2025’s worst-kept secret, but suede bags before this year (outside of The Row Margeaux) tended to be far more compact. With the suede Mulberry Bayswater quietly gaining in popularity, and Depop seeing surges in vintage styles by 1040% this year alone, we predict next year will be encapsulated by all things big, suede and gloriously robust.
Shop Oversized Suede Bags:
Zara now offers bag personalisation, a delicate detail which tailors it to you.
Taupe suede in a timeless shape? This is destined to be a best-seller.
When luxury and practicality align, that’s when you know you’ve found the one and the Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Bea Tote is this bag for me.
6. Culottes
Style Notes: A warm-weather no brainer the Bermuda short is one of those capsule wardrobe styles which never dates; however, the shift to year-round styling has piqued my interest in this shape ahead of 2026. With a timeless appeal, designers from Ganni to MM6 Maison Margiela have foreshadowed that the next 12 months will be overflowing with longline short. Pairing with everything from loafers to knee-highs with ease, these shorts ooze indie-sleaze cool in the most polished fashion, a look I’m tapping into with full force come next year.
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Simple, yet effective.
These have gone straight into my basket.
A plush wool fabrication and tailored single front pleats, these culottes will stay in you London capsule for years to come.
7. Monk Shoes
Style Notes: Loafers will never not be chic, but as the preppy fashion aesthetic continues to capture the zeitgeist, forgotten styles like buckled monk shoes are fast becoming the newest way to differentiate from the pack. These glorified ‘school-shoes’ might make you shudder at first glance; however, they are a far cry from the clunky iterations of old. With buckles galore, these shoes feel current and are slightly fresher than the loafers which have flooded our feed over the last 12 months.
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How cool!
Pair with socks and a pleated skirt this spring.
How chic!
8. Hoods
Style Notes: If you've yet to invest in a warm scarf, why not try a cosy hood balaklava instead? Gaining in popularity over the last few years, a plush hood feels fresher and cooler than the neck hugging and more refined than your favourite hoodie. Casting chic visual interest, I'll be pairing mine as Felicity Bird (pictured above) has with loose jeans and fitted maxi coat on chiller days.
Shop Hoods:
The tortoise shell buttons are a nice touch.
This iteration from Rise& Fall is a Who What Wear UK editor staple.
A wool-cashmere blend, this chocolate brown hood will keep you warm all winter and blend with the rest of your wardrobe with ease.
9. Gilets
Style Notes: The rise of Gorpecore (a style which see's hiking-adjacent pieces worn outside traditional realms) gilets have fast become the outwear choice of the London fashion set. Before you shudder at the thought and see "finance bros" flashing in front of your eyes , the styles seen aren't restricted to the quilted jacket seen on Christina Nadin (pictured above). From cosy faux fur to vibrant prints, these jackets are a functional way of vocalising self expression through dressing (something Londoner's love to do). Pairing well with jeans, trousers, skirts and leggings the hardest part of styling a gilet is deciding what colour way to go with.
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I'd suggest sizing up if you're after a looser fit.
Pair with a knitted jumper and cup of mulled wine.
This has gone straight into my basket!
10. Thin Scarves
Style Notes: With an inherent '90s romcom-core, the elongated thin scarf is the accessory trend fashionable Londoner's can't get enough off. Picked up initially by the the scandi girls, its a piece which simultaneously elevates cold-weather attire whilst adding an IYKNK energy to spring's most vibrant florals weaving your outfit together with ease.
Shop Thin Scarves:
The mixed-stripe print will add a retro-inspired touch to your look.
Offset your winter neutrals with this vibrant shade.
All of my favourite scandi girls own a Cloimh iteration.
