As we approach the end of the year, we begin to reflect on the choices we have made in the last 12 months, and those that we might make differently in the next. Whilst for most this is usually about lifestyle, for me, I spend much time contemplating style choices I've made. Be it outfits I've put together (both the good and the bad), pieces I've purchased, I consider the regrets versus the savvy investments, and how this might alter the way I shop next year.
Despite being a sucker for trends and aesthetics (it's true, I can't deny it), the best things I buy are the most classic items. Be it a designer handbag that will fit my laptop in for work, a good leather jacket, a pair of jeans or an accessory that will transform an outfit, timeless staples are the key to a well-rounded capsule wardrobe. Of course, how these look depends on your style. If you're someone who admires Hailey Bieber's style, look to refined neutral basics: solid blue jeans, quality white t-shirts and tailored pieces, especially two-piece sets. Styling should be slightly preppy or with a '90s edge—think socks and loafers and oversized trench coats and slim tortoise shell sunglasses. If you're more of a love of Sienna Miller's taste, then you may want a few slightly less 'done' staples, with a bohemian edge. Ballet flats, pretty blouses and a series of elegant outerwear (Miller is based in the UK, not LA, after all).
Whilst classic items are timeless, there are still ways for your essentials to feel fashion-forward. Cuts, colours and accessories help outfits feel fresh, without having to replace everything. Tailored trousers, for example, will always be at the core of my wardrobe, but lately, I've switched out my high-waist pairs for low-rise options. This just helps my looks feel a little more casual and cooler. Instead of crew neck jumpers, this year is all about the v-neck, so I've invested in this new Rise Fall sweater.
12 Classic Pieces to Invest In Now
1. Good Jeans
Style Notes: It goes without saying, denim is at the core of most of our wardrobes. Whilst the skinny cigarette jean is making a comeback in 2026, I still think there's place for a straight silhouette too.
2. V-Neck Jumper
Style Notes: It's official, the v-neck is so back! Whether you're a minimalist who likes a neutral-only palette, or a someone who experiments with trends (if so, look to investing in an argyle knit, as their popularity shows no sign of slowing down), adding a v-neck to your rotation is a simple refresh that will help make your collection feel contemporary.
3. Ballet flats
Style notes: Whilst in winter it may seem a little too cold for ballet flats, but rest assured they're going to be just as big in 2026 as they were in 2025 (and 2024). A staple for work, weekends and everything in between, come March you'll be switching your loafers for this lighter silhouette.
4. Cape Coats
Style notes: Between the scarf coat and poncho trends we've seen breaking through in 2025, the traditional wool coat silhouette has really evolved in the last year or so. This season, expect to see more of this wrap-coat style, with cape coats emerging as a break-through style.
5. Brooches
Style notes: If you are investing in a cape coat, a brooch is the simple accessory that will make these look even more elevated. One of Pinterest's predicted trends for 2026, this is the accessory to invest in.
6. Skirt Suit
Style notes: Two-piece skirt suis have been bubbling up for a few months, with Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner both recently being spotted wearing them, but they're only getting more popular. Especially chic when with a collarless or fitted blazer, the wearability of a matching set that over, say, a dress, because you can wear the items separately as well as together, makes this a classic capsule wardrobe staple with a lot of potential.
7. Low-Rise Tailored Trousers
Style notes: Sorry to my friends who still love their high waist trousers, the low waist trend shows no sign of waning! Of course, when investing in a classic pair of tailored trousers, you can opt for the cut you're most comfortable in, but if you want a slightly more casual-cool aesthetic, making this subtle shift from waist to hip height makes all the difference.
8. Trending Leather Jackets
Style Notes: It goes without saying that a leather jacket has a enduring place in our wardrobes. But the style of this piece has long been a choice between a biker jacket, bonded 'shacket' or blazer, and almost always in black. Not anymore. This season calls for funnel necks and drawstring waistlines, and in rich browns, burgundy and some with a distressed leather effect.
9. Top Handle Bags
Style Notes: Part of a shift towards this 'demure dressing' trend, top handle 'Lady' bags, or rectangular east west silhouettes are gaining traction for the coming year. Whilst luxury designers like Khaite, Toteme, Jil Sander and The Row are leaders in this, more emerging elevated brands like Verafied, Polene and Marge Sherwood offer similar styles for a more accessible price point.
10. Knee-High Boots
Style notes: Every season delivers a different boots trend, but knee-high boots are a classic year after year. Whether you're someone that like a slight platform, a block heel and a round toe (hello '90s minimalism!), an equestrian-style riding boot or a square-toed suede pair with a kitten heel that's a welcome alternative to heels during party season, one theme that always remains, a knee-high boot is an essential in your wardrobe.
11. Lace Top
Style Notes: Hear my out on this one: whilst classic item lists usually reel off a series of warm coats, jumpers, jeans and mainly items in wool, cotton, cashmere and leather, the best classic looks often have something delicate to break all this up. Maybe it's a statement piece of jewellery or a brooch, as mentioned, perhaps it's a subtle floral print or a satin skirt in a pastel hue, or could it be a top with lace? Whether you go full boho with lace ruffles and long sleeves, or just opt for a silk vest with lace trims, this is an essential to adding extra elegance to your timeless pieces.
12. Knee-Length Skirt
Style Notes: That's right, we're no longer all about micro minis or column maxis. Now, it's all about the knee-length skirt, hardly exposing much of the knee. But this is not the '50s-feeling tweed styles that feel conservative. Whilst it may still have preppy connotations, fabric choices of leather, sheer and sequin make this trend feel fresh.
