How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe With 2024’s Biggest Trends
As regular readers of Who What Wear UK will know by now, we pride ourselves on our ability to search through the runways and street style to bring you the most relevant trends for the season ahead, but none more so than when it comes to helping you build a hardworking wardrobe with pieces that will stand the test of time. Whilst buzzy new trends come and go, we will always advocate for the kind of clever shopping that allows you to buy less and wear more, and looking to our sources for tips on what to wear in 2024 and beyond, we were not disappointed with the results.
It’s been a great year for building timeless looks, and if you caught our roundup of this year’s key items, you may already own some of the year’s heavy hitters, like the boxy blazer, the perfect white tee and the crossbody bag. But if you’re looking to build on those for 2024, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of versatile basics that we spotted on the runways that manage to build a capsule all of their own, and if you add these to what we’ve already picked up over the past 12 months, you’re onto a winner.
Keep scrolling to see the eight pieces that we know will be everywhere as we head into 2024 (and beyond—you’ll only need to swap out wool for cotton once summer rolls around again). Who knew it would be so easy to re-create 2024’s biggest trends with less than 10 items?
2024 Capsule Wardrobe Pieces
1. Mid-Heel Shoes
Style Notes: This year’s subtlest shoe trend walks quietly into 2024, as the mid-heel shoe continues to strike the perfect balance between dressy and comfortable. Everything from low-heeled ankle boots to party-season kitten heels are on our wish lists right now, and what better shoes to invest in than ones you can wear time and again without the need for blister plasters?
Toteme The Mid Heel Suede Chelsea Boots
Grab them whilst you still can.
Charles & Keith Devon Metallic Blade-Heel Knee-High Boots in Chalk
I wouldn’t blame you if you thought these were designer.
ATP Atelier Desana Nappa Slingbacks in Hazelnut
Decisions, decisions… these also come in black, black suede and cream.
Reformation Wade Kitten Heel
I think I just found my next pair of party shoes.
2. Scarf Coat
Style Notes: After Toteme’s smash-hit jacket singlehandedly created a new coat genre, the scarf coat has returned year after year in new colours, lengths and fabrics. It makes sense though, as this ultra-chic outerwear takes the fuss out of winter styling and combines everything you could possibly need to stay warm and chic in one easy item.
Zara ZW Collection Double-Faced Wool Coat
Well done, Zara; you’ve made the high street feel luxe again.
Toteme Scarf-Neckline Felt Jacket
The jacket that spawned a thousand copies.
River Island RI Studio Scarf Longline Coat in Beige
The scarf is removable too!
& Other Stories Wool Scarf Jacket
Unbelievably chic—they’d never know it was from the high street.
3. Loose-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: If 2021 saw the return of the skinny and 2022 was all about the straight-leg, this year undoubtedly belongs to baggy jeans. Although the runways tried to convince us that we’d all be wearing low-slung jeans, we prefer something a little more wearable, and the looser wide-leg style is right up our street. This roomier, more casual fit is perfect to pair with chunky knits in winter and with a tank top or tee in summer.
Citizens of Humanity Annina Wide-Leg Jeans
Just the right amount of slouch.
H&M 90s Baggy High Jeans in Dark Denim Blue
Such a good wash.
Tibi Stella Pleated Boyfriend Jeans
The pleating on these really take them up a notch.
COS Arch Jeans – Tapered
The sculptural silhouette is so modern.
4. Cardigan
Style Notes: We may have Katie Holmes to thank for making the cardigan cool again, but years after her “bra-digan” debut, we’re still turning to cardigans over crew necks for a warm layer that’s easy to wear and also feels polished. Take tips from fellow stylish stars Alexa Chung, Sofia Richie-Grainge and Hailey Bieber by wearing a fine knit with nothing underneath and pairing with jeans and simple flats.
Sézane Gaspard Cardigan
I’ll take one of these in every colour.
Reformation Fantino Cashmere Collared Cardigan
This colour is so delicious, and would pair perfectly with so many pieces.
Frame Shrunken Cashmere Cardigan
Cropped cardigans are perfect for pairing with high-waisted trousers and skirts.
M&S Collection Crew Neck Button Front Cardigan
You can’t beat Marks and Spencer quality at a bargain price.
5. Midaxi Skirt
Style Notes: Sorry, miniskirts; we’ve made up our minds and there’s much more longevity in the midi and maxi than the micro hem. Which other skirt dresses up and down as easily as a longer, elegant slip or A-line? All you need is a change of shoes for two entirely different outfits in one, and that makes the long skirt well worth its cost per wear.
Mango Long Knitted Skirt
Such a luxurious knit skirt.
Reformation Layla Silk Skirt
Throw on a blazer and you’re good to go.
Raey Uniform Recycled Wool-Blend Pencil Skirt
You’ll wear this on repeat.
COS Flared Merino Wool Skirt
The flared hem gives this such an elevated vibe.
6. Minimalist Tote
Style Notes: If there’s one bag that is guaranteed to do it all, it’s a roomy tote, and we keep spotting minimalist styles on the arms of Instagram’s best dressed. Logomania had its moment and bold, statement bags are great for bringing a look to life, but if you’re looking for an investment bag to spend a little more on for a lot more wear, an understated tote will only go up in value (and I can get behind any bag that fits a laptop inside).
The Row Park Large Leather Tote Bag
A certified celebrity favourite.
Toteme Suede Tote
Suede makes everything look so luxurious.
Demellier The Midi New York
Our editors are convinced that DeMellier makes some of the best bags around.
Dragon Diffusion Diagonal Triple Jump Woven-Leather Tote Bag
Dragon Diffusion bags look just as good on the beach as they do in the city.
7. Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Back for another year (as if they ever left), the tailored, wide-leg trouser continues to be team Who What Wear UK’s favourite silhouette to flatter every shape and size. Celebs and influencers are still wearing “puddle pants” (a trouser long enough to gather around the ankle) but if that feels like too much fabric, a kick-flare cut will give the same effect without overwhelming your frame.
Me+Em High Waisted Multi Pleat Pant + Belt
Proof that chocolate brown is the ultimate “rich girl” hue.
COS Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers
Taking notes on this whole look for the office.
Finery London Reyna Ponte Jersey Trouser
A sleek wide-leg can be perfect for petite shoppers too.
Mango Wideleg Trousers With Belt
As Mango’s styling proves, these trousers look exceptionally good as part of a full suited look.
8. Maxi Dress
Style Notes: Just like the midaxi skirt, there’s only one dress trend worth committing to this season, and the longer, the better. This winter, the knitted maxi dress comes into its own with knee-high boots for the office but is equally as chic with flat sandals and a boxy blazer come spring weekends. Pure, polished perfection.
Mango Knitted Turtleneck Dress
Just add knee-high boots.
RAEY Crew Neck Cashmere Belted Midi Dress
This comes in three different colours. Smart move, Raey.
Nobody’s Child Black Denim Clerkenwell Midaxi Dress
This denim dress could be styled in so many ways to take you through the seasons in 2024.
HUSH Karo Ribbed Jumper Dress
The flared sleeves are a great additional detail.