The Complete Capsule: Our List of the Best Basics Money Can Buy

It can be difficult to find the perfect white T-shirt, as they are often a little too sheer, tight or have a neckline that doesn't sit quite right. This slightly heavier cotton COS style has none of these drawbacks, and the premium-feeling material stays crisper for longer. Size up if you prefer a boxier fit. 

As we know, the best wardrobes are made up of great staples, and there's nothing more classic than a striped top. Take it from the French girls—this is a top to rely on for years to come, and Sézane have nailed quality and design.

Trust me when I say I've tried all the tank tops out there, from expensive designers to the cheapest high street. And I can confirm it's H&M's £7 number that takes the cake as being the very best style. It's thick cotton, so you don't need a bra if you don't want to wear one and it doesn't go flimsy or out of shape after a few washes. I've bought one (read: a few) in every colour—they're the fashion industry's best kept secret. Thank me later. 

A cashmere jumper is a wardrobe classic, for all year round (I always throw mine over my shoulders on cooler summer evenings too). While there are numerous beautiful knitwear brands working in higher price points, we don't think you can top Uniqlo for value and number of colours. It creates quality, durable cashmere that—if you look after it properly—will last for years. 

With Nothing Underneath has quickly become the fashion crowd's go-to brand for shirting of all kinds. The Chessie fit is the perfect relaxed style to tuck in or wear loose.

A camisole can be worn on its own, and it's the perfect partner for a suit, but it's also really useful for layering. The satin fabric adds a refined feel without hurting your budget. What makes this one particularly cool is the lace detailing.

Casual, cool and endlessly chic, Arket's linen shirts are the best I've ever tried. Available in plenty of colours, including neutrals, stripes and bright, bold hues, it's a high-street item I really recommend investing in. Plus, it comes in long-sleeved and short-sleeved options too.

COS creates its iconic swing crossbody bag in every colour and material you could hope for, but since it's currently out of stock, their new 'Tome' style is just as chic, simple enough to go with every single outfit and not to mention practical too thanks to the size and compact shape.

Gold hoops go with everything. Most importantly these are solid gold, so they won't oxidise or discolour. You can literally wear these all day, every day. The brand also has other hoop options, whether you like a thicker style or something with gemstones.

A leather tote is an item that everyone needs for carrying laptops, makeup bags, kids' toys and the kitchen sink for work or travel. This Demellier style is a timeless classic made of leather. It comes in seven colours to suit your wardrobe. Serapian also does a beautiful, modern, relaxed style that insiders love. Chloé's canvas Woody tote is another brilliant option and COS does the best affordable version. 

A gold chain is the perfect addition to any outfit all year round. I personally have this necklace, and I've not taken it off for a good couple of years—it still looks brand new! 

For summer, a basket bag has become an absolute essential whether you're heading to the beach or not. Of course, Loewe is the gold standard. If you're looking for something more low-key with less logo, though, Dragon Diffusion's woven styles are completely timeless too. 

Buy a good belt, and you never need to buy another one again. Anderson's black leather belt comes in gold and silver hardware options, and its subtle design is timelessly elegant, elevating any outfit you wear it with. For one that's more affordable, try COS's classic leather belt. 

Celine's sunglasses are popular for a reason. The brand's various styles are flattering on almost everyone and most are shapes that won't feel dated in a year or two. Whether you're a fan of mod oval sunglasses or statement cat-eye sunnies, there is bound to be a silhouette to suit your face shape.

Cartier's iconic Tank Must watch can be dated back to 1917—proving just how timeless the shape is. The brand is world-renowned for its timepieces and offers the kind of investment watch you'll wear for the rest of your life. The black is probably the most classic, but I also have a soft spot for the incredibly elegant tan alligator version.

A silk square scarf is a classic wardrobe item. We recommend you go straight to Toteme. The logo on this one is subtle and the black-and-white colour combination will always feel timeless.

Acne Studios is the ultimate label for luxury basics, and the wool and cashmere scarves are close to perfect. The brand makes the classic scarf with a fringed hem in every colour you could want, from cream to pink to plaid. 

Gucci's horsebit loafers were first launched in 1953 and are a classic piece worth investing in because they will last for decades. With a timeless shape and a cool horsebit detail, you will never feel like these are dated. You can also fold the back down for a slightly different look.

Undeniably, the best heels in the world come from Manolo Blahnik. Whether you're looking to invest in a wear-with-everything pair of simple, comfortable court heels like the BB 90s (a favourite of Meghan and Princess Kate), or you want a bit more sparkle in your life with the Hangisi, you just can't beat them. On the high street, Charles Keith's Emmy heels are the best alternative.

New Balance has a lot going for them. These trainers are Boston-made (and Euro fashion-girl approved!) and sustainable. Plus, they are really stylish, too. Everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Emily Ratjakowsi has been seen in them.

Sandal trends come and go, but The Row always makes classics. Whether you want a leather slider or a pair of fisherman sandals, the brand has probably already created the perfect pair. My feet are like tissue paper, and so I am very fussy when it comes to shoes, but these sandals always pass the no-blister test for me. They're frequently out of stock, so get them while you can.

When it comes to ankle boots, you really can't beat Aeyde. Whether you're after a round or pointed toe (or a mixture of both), Western suede style or classic leather, Aeyde has them all. The brand truly isn't ruled by trends, but hurry because its styles sell out quickly.

We all agreed that Agolde is the best for designer jeans, as it has really flattering cuts and uses very soft, comfortable denim. Editors and influencers rave about the '90s Pinch Waist style, noting it's the perfect classic straight jean. 

All our editors are in agreement that Arket does the best affordable denim. It's all organic and recycled cotton, and there's a mix of comfortable stretch styles and vintage-inspired rigid versions. The cropped designs are perfect for petites, and the loose wide legs feel incredibly fresh for right now. It's the Cloud low loose jeans that I wear on repeat, though. 

A simple slip skirt might not be the most exciting purchase, but it really is useful, especially for between seasons. They look just as good with a strappy top and sandals as they do a cosy knit and boots. Ghost's satin pieces are famously good, and we love its Luna skirt, which comes in eight different colours. The black is evergreen, but I'm excited to wear the white this spring/summer. 

Trousers are always tricky to find, but we think the best place to start is at Reformation. Wide-leg, linen, cargos, petites, extended sizes—you name it and Ref has it covered. The Mason pants have to be our absolute favourites though.

For those days when you need a discreet layer underneath your outfit, Uniqlo is the go-to. The seamless style cropped cami top is made to go unnoticed but will also provide you with an extra layer to keep you warmer on cooler British days. It's my hidden secret I'm willing to share. 

It should come as no surprise that Skims is our number one for bodysuits. We love that you can choose a nude colour shade for wearing underneath your clothes, but they also look great worn to be seen as well. This one will hug you in all the right places to smooth, sculpt and support. It's a stylish, useful and practical addition to your wardrobe. 

John Lewis is our winner for socks. These always stay looking new for longer than other pairs I've tried. 

There's so many lovely smaller labels doing pretty lingerie (we love Cou Cou Intimates and Hanky Panky) but if it's reliable comfort, practicality and long-lasting quality you're after—no one can beat M&S. Personally, I rely on the Flexifit range—even the thongs are incredibly comfortable, and they don't show under any of my clothes. 

Say goodbye to ladders, Falke's tights are stronger than ever. 

A classic tailored blazer is a wardrobe essential, and you can call off your search for the perfect one with Arket. We can't recommend this jacket enough, partly because of the exquisite tailoring mixed with the relaxed fit and partly because there are plenty of ways to style this. 

The original Burberry trench was designed for soldiers for the first world war and uses the gabardine fabric, which was created by Thomas Burberry in 1879. According to the Burberry website, the fabric is now created at a textile mill near Keighley, England, and there are 127 stages in producing one coat. It is quite simply timeless. We rounded up everything you need to know about choosing your perfect Burberry trench here, but you can never go wrong with the Waterloo Heritage style. 

ME+EM's denim jackets aren't cheap, but they are all beautiful quality and have an unbeatable fit. From cropped styles to more relaxed silhouettes and even bomber jackets, it's hard not to find a style you'll fall in love with for transitional seasons like spring and autumn.

Our editors have tried a lot of leather jackets in our time, and season after season, Whistles always has the perfect style. With a minimalist design, smooth leather and lightweight construction, there's plenty to love about this style.