Truly My Best Packing Yet: 5 Nights in London, 12 Versatile Pieces, Zero Regrets

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. 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, fit your lifestyle, and are highly mix-and-matchable. For me, that starts with apparel like wide-leg trousers, on-trend knitwear, and a handful of investment-worthy accessories. (At the 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.
1. A Chunky Turtleneck Sweater
2. A Belt That Instantly Elevates
3. Polished Wide-Leg Trousers
4. A Chic Pair of Sneakers
5. A Creamy Winter-Weight Blazer
6. A Basic Long-Sleeve Tee
7. A Big, Black Wool Coat
8. A Lightweight Cashmere Layer
9. An On-Trend Column Skirt
10. Day-to-Night Boots
11. A Perfect Pair of Jeans
12. "Just in Case" Heels
Bonus: My Favorite Airport Pants
Truly, this is 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 than anything you've ever experienced and totally pass as wide-leg trousers if you hide the drawstring waistband with a longer top.

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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