Finding the perfect capsule wardrobe

The shops are full of new season stock which means it's the perfect time to pick pieces for your capsule wardrobe. Autumn is all about layering so you want pieces that will work together and carry you through to the winter.

With just a few simple steps, you can create the perfect wardrobe with a few key pieces that won’t break the bank, and with care, will last you for many seasons to come.

I always find picking colours from a similar colour palette will ensure you get the ultimate mix and match potential. Pick your neutrals first, do you prefer grey or beige tones, warm or cooler shades?

Once you know the colours that work together, it’s so easy to just find pieces that you know will always look well together. I also have the following items always to hand in my wardrobe.

A great floral midi dress adds colour and print to your wardrobe, you can dress it up with heels and down with trainers. Throw a winter coat over it or even a leather jacket. A wrapover cardigan can be worn over jeans or works equally well for layering with the dress to give the floral dress a completely new, cosy winter vibe.

I also love wearing leather look jeans in the winter and these are a great base to any outfit. They work well with chunky knits, tees or dressed up with patterned blouses.

Bear in mind also, if your wardrobe is more casual, smart or an even split of both. For me I like to keep things casual some of the time, so a slogan t-shirt is a good a lighter autumn layer for under cardigans, with blazers and works well with leather look jeans or tucked into slip skirts.

Something I always find invaluable in my own wardrobe is a co-ord. This can be a skirt and top or trousers - whichever you wear more often.

I love a printed slip skirt, a hardworking piece that looks well with heels or chunky boots and is fab to layer with cosy knits.

You can also wear it with the matching top. Wear together with a belt to give the illusion of the dress for a dressier feel. The top, of course, can also be worn separately with the leather look jeans. Already there you have so many mix and match outfit options.

My personal shopping clients are often on the lookout for a white shirt and it really can be one of the hardest things to find. Too structured and it can stray into old school office wear territory. I’m particularly loving the statement collar white shirt that is everywhere this season. It’s a modern take on a classic piece which looks well on its own but also is the perfect piece to layer under the knit and keep the collar out for an up to date look.

I’m also very partial to a cardigan which you can wear back to front to give the illusion of a jumper with a cool button down the back effect or obviously in the more traditional way worn to the front.

A pair of boots is essential, and I love a good chunky boot. However a sock boot is another great slightly dressier option that suits lots of different leg shapes. It hugs the leg so works perfectly under dresses or trousers. Finally a cross body bag, ties the whole look together being simple, stylish and above all practical.