Truth be told, I wasn't planning to write about what I wore on this recent little jaunt to London. It was all a bit last minute, and—if my past impromptu travels are anything to go by—really should have resulted in a far less successful packing situation. But! Somehow between my recent efforts to ruthlessly cull my shoes and boots down to a five-piece footwear capsule and my current "fewer better things" shopping mantra, the pieces that landed in my suitcase managed to provide more than enough outfit combinations to get me through five nights in London.
Even if you're not traveling anytime soon, building out an intentional winter capsule is a great way to feel good about your wardrobe. The building blocks are seasonal staples you love to wear, that fit your lifestyle, and are highly mix-and-matchable. For me, that starts with apparel like wide-leg trousers and on-trend knitwear, and a handful of few investment-worthy accessories (top of my list right now is a polished belt). Peep the rest of the trusty pieces I packed below—I've also included what I now refer to as my "airport pants", that I'm currently recommending to absolutely everyone, whether they ask or not.
It would be rude of me not to mention that the newest addition to my winter wardrobe comes with not just a matching scarf, but mittens as well. (Mittens!)
The silhouette delivers on drama.
This is the knit everyone's talking about.
I get so many compliments on this belt.
An excellent leather belt for under-$100.
Croc-effect always feels luxe.
These look way more expensive than their price tag.
The perfect amount of slouch.
These also come in black, but wanted to give a moment to this chic navy option.
Just part of my uniform, at this point.
Toteme is always so low-key cool.
The way the gum sole curls over the toe and up the heel.
This season's slight update of the wool-blend Mango blazer I bought a few seasons ago and continue to wear to death.
Extremely excited about this brushed texture—and the matching skirt.
This corduroy suiting is so cool, especially with the exaggerated lapel for a little extra '70s energy.
My go-to long-sleeve tee is available in so many sizes, from 3XS to 3XL.
The perfect grey.
This neckline is chic.
The Frankie Shop really knows how to do a lapel.
Mango is a treasure trove of excellent quality coats.
The relaxed cut feels very quiet luxury.
Nordstrom's cashmere knits come in so many styles and color ways, but this oatmeal crewneck is flawless.
The ribbed cashmere shirt-cardigan hybrid I never knew I needed.
J.Crew just continues to thrive.
Tailored skirts are continuing to be such an It-item.
Exceptional with a chunky knit and sneakers, or a blazer and heels.
The belt loops are just begging to be paired with one of the above belts.
Something about the almond toe and the softly rounded heel.
Kitten heels are getting all the buzz right now.
I'm beginning to understand all the fuss about Reformation's footwear.
I purchased these Khaite jeans during the Moda Operandi sale and haven't looked back.
The twisted side seam is giving Toteme energy.
This is the perfect high waist to sit under a slightly cropped sweater.
Still on the slingback train. The key to packing just one pair of heels: Make sure you've tried them on with whatever length jeans and trousers you're bringing, so they're the right height no matter what.
I'm appallingly late to the game with Mary Jane heels, but I think a patent leather pair may be on the horizon.
I'm completely and unapologetically obsessed with these.
Truly the exact bottom half of my outfit every time I head to the airport (Sambas included). If you're new to Vuori, yes, the price tag is definitely worth it. These pants are softer that anything you've ever experienced, totally pass as a wide-leg pant if you hide the drawstring waist band with a longer top.
For an option with a little more weight to it, these are chic and tidy thanks to the stitched seam detail. Very worthy of wearing out and about.
I genuinely find it hard to reach for anything other than my wide-leg knit pants most mornings.
