A Stylist's Rules For Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
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Find your three words. Tailored, modern and elevated is how I would explain my own sense of style. I feel like I have a very distinct personal style and this has come from a lifelong passion for clothes – every early memory is based around what I was wearing. I always knew I was going to work in the fashion industry and discovering that styling was a job (The Rachel Zoe Project was a personal awakening) only confirmed my calling.
Styling is branding. It’s creative but it’s also strategic, especially when you’re working with public figures. It’s about understanding marketing, and visual communication as much as it is about fabrics and fit. My goal is to make sure that impression is consistent with who the client truly is and what they are hoping to achieve.
Treat trends like seasoning. I think of them as something that layers on top of a solid foundation. I believe your wardrobe should be 90% investment pieces and 10% trend-driven items. That way, your style evolves naturally without ever feeling forced or disposable. I’ll introduce trends through a particular fabric, colour or accessory rather than reinventing my whole wardrobe. Going into spring/summer, for example, it’s all about fringe and tassel accessories – I love Maison Magdalena.
Build a foundation of quality essentials. This is about creating a system that simplifies dressing without compromising on style. Start with great tailoring. My key pieces include tailored black suit trousers from brands like Camilla and Marc or The Row, a timeless trench coat like this one from Saint Laurent, and classic black boots. I’ve recommended these Bottega boots to everyone because they’re so comfortable.
Elevate your basics. The material and fit are what will make an outfit look more polished. When even your t-shirts and crew neck tops are well made, your most casual looks will read as sophisticated. I have this Wardrobe.NYC knit in multiple sizes to wear with different trousers and love the masculine feel of cotton basics from Beare Park and TOTEME.
Start with one hero piece. I always anchor my outfit with one item and build around it. I typically pick the shoe first because the agenda will determine if I am in flats, boots or heels. The shoe then determines the length of the trousers, the fit of the trousers determines the top and the weather determines the jacket. It’s easier to make decisions when you narrow down your options by knowing which item is the common denominator. This same principle extends to packing for a trip; I'll style a few hero pieces in multiple ways. Ultimately, what gives you that truly effortless vibe is when you see people wearing and loving their clothes – both multiple times and in different ways.
Identify your go-to brands. I gravitate towards TOTEME, Saint Laurent, Camilla and Marc, and Beare Park for seasonless pieces because they all have that sense of understated luxury. If I could only wear one brand of footwear, it would be Saint Laurent. For fine knits and cotton basics, I always start at TOTEME. Camilla and Marc strikes a good balance between timeless and trendy, and Beare Park puts a cool-girl spin on wardrobe staples – I have put everyone onto these high-rise long jeans.
Invest for longevity and purpose. I only invest when I know a piece will last. Last summer I had my eye on a Tom Ford dress but then found a very similar one in Zara. It was a piece I wanted to wear over swimwear and not be precious about, so the high-street option was best. For special occasions, investing in a timeless dress like this one from Diana Milkanova can take the stress out of decision-making and is worth it if you re-wear it.
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Don’t overlook pre-owned. Platforms like Vestiaire Collective are a great resource for finding affordable designer options. I found the gorgeous Roberto Cavalli dress Pia Mance wore for her vow renewal there. Some of my recent purchases include this The Row purse and this Hugo Boss biker jacket. A well-made shoe will last you a lifetime and buying them second-hand is a great way to build a quality collection.
Curate your signature jewellery. Think personal and old-school: simple diamonds, white gold, classic studs. Like a signature scent, these are the final touches to your look. If you invest in only one piece, make it diamond studs. They are the anchor of every “quiet luxury” look – understated, timeless, and chic. In a world where celebrities loan jewellery and influencers are gifted, I love noticing when someone is wearing the same earrings from their personal collection with their jeans during the day and dresses at night. Try Spinelli Kilcollin, Heinrich Freeman and the Real Fine collection from Heaven Mayhem.
Stick to a neutral palette. It’s the simplest secret to building a wardrobe where everything works together. When your basics are black, white, grey and beige, you can get dressed in the dark and still look put-together. It also means that when you do wear a pop of colour, like a bright bag or a great pair of shoes, it actually makes a statement.
Find your style muses. Style is a conversation and it helps to know who inspires you. I’ve always loved watching Jennifer Lawrence’s fashion evolution, and her wearing Phoebe Philo on the red carpet was iconic. For me, Lara Worthington is the ultimate cool girl with an androgynous edge, while Miley Cyrus and Alaïa are a match made in heaven. Seeing her with the Alaïa click bag was the very reason I bought it in the large size. Following people whose style you admire isn’t about copying them; it's about identifying what you’re drawn to and using that inspiration to refine your own look.
Refine your style through discovery. Your personal style is an evolution, not an overnight decision. The best way to find what truly works for you is through trial and error. Treat the dressing room as a creative space and try on silhouettes you’ve never considered before – you might be surprised by what you love. Pay attention to the colours and shapes that don't just look good but feel good. The goal is to develop your own go-to formulas for outfits that suit your body and give you an unshakable sense of confidence the moment you put them on.
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