I Asked A Stylist To Help Me Build An Autumn Capsule Wardrobe, And These 5 Pieces Made The Cut

Every autumn, I convince myself I need a completely new wardrobe off Vinted. A new coat, new jeans, approximately 14 jumpers – and suddenly my bank account is looking considerably less healthy.

It’s very often paired with Adidas BW Armys (which, side note, are a great, affordable £100-ish alternative to the Maison Margiela Replica sneakers, which come in at just under £600), or, about 80% of the time, a heeled boot to add a few precious inches to my otherwise (slightly) short self.

This year, however, I decided to do things slightly differently. I went to a complimentary styling session at Mint Velvet to figure out what I actually need to build a good autumn capsule wardrobe, rather than just buying whatever happens to be everywhere right now.

To help me work it all out, I met with Manchester-based stylist Isabel Poole. Her approach to styling isn’t about telling people what they should wear, but helping them figure out what feels right for them – from their shape and lifestyle to the clothes they already own.

And that’s exactly what I was hoping for. Rather than starting from scratch, we looked at the pieces that could work harder in my existing wardrobe, as well as the staples worth investing in for the season ahead.

After our session, we landed on five key pieces that can form the backbone of an autumn capsule wardrobe:

The jeans that fit just right

"Great jeans make everything else easier. Whether you prefer a wide leg, a 90’s straight shape or a modern barrel leg, start with the fit that makes you feel good. Once you’ve found it, they can be styled up or down and work effortlessly across seasons."

A jacket that does the work

"A great blazer, timeless trench coat, or suede or leather jacket can change the feel of clothes you already own. Throw it over denim, dresses or tailoring, and suddenly the outfit feels pulled together without needing much else."

A dress that does more than one thing

"Look for a dress you can imagine wearing in at least a few different ways. Change the shoes, add a jacket or knit, dress it up for dinner – the best ones shouldn’t have to wait in your wardrobe for a particular occasion."

The layers you rely on

"A really good T-shirt or sleeveless knit might not be the most exciting purchase, but they’re often the pieces you reach for most. They’re useful on their own and make layering much easier when the weather changes."

Accessories that change the outfit

"A nice belt, great quality footwear, or thoughtfully chosen jewellery can completely transform a look and add personality to even the simplest outfit."

But ultimately, it's about starting with what you already love...

"Most of us have a few pieces we instinctively reach for because we feel good in them, and they’re often the best clue to your personal style. Then think about what’s actually missing rather than feeling you need to start again," Isabel tells me. 

“Maybe your jeans aren’t quite working anymore, you need a jacket that pulls everything together, or you’ve seen a new shape you’d like to try but aren’t sure how to wear it," she adds. 

"You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Sometimes it’s one or two right pieces that make everything else fall into place."

That’s where a Personal Styling appointment can really help, and not to mention it's fully complimentary across UK stores. 

"We can look at what suits you, introduce a few new ideas and show you how to wear them with things you may already own," Isabel shares.