In my role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about searching out a great new piece or a timeless classic, but it’s only recently that I learnt the trick to piecing together a truly great outfit. Let’s face it, we’re all guilty of spending valuable time agonising over what to wear in the morning, and no matter how many statement dresses or exciting new pairs of shoes I find, everything has a time and a place, and I invariably end up turning to the same forever pieces to dress up my day-to-day look. A case in point, the “basic”.
Calling anything “basic” gives it a bad rap, but rest assured in this case I don’t use basic to mean boring, instead I’m referring to simple, understated, well-thought-out pieces that can be worn time and time again, and end up being the hardest working things in your wardrobe. Often these are the best investments you can make (and well worth spending a little extra money on for their sheer cost per wear), as these core pieces can be building blocks in creating the perfect capsule wardrobe.
As a staunch advocate for high-low dressing and someone you’ll always find in a high-street jumper and a reliable designer bag, I’ve made the decision to steer how I shop towards a slow approach that favours buying less but better, and getting my wardrobe into good shape means shaping up its foundations. And so, I began the quest to find the very best designer pieces you can count on for exceptional quality, timeless design and versatility, eschewing all flash-in-the-pan trends that will fall out of fashion as quickly as they come in.
After hours of research I’ve put together a list of the luxury pieces that I think are really worth the investment. Think anti-trend, forever buys that aren’t tied to a trending hashtag, just quality wardrobe essentials like a good quality coat, the perfect pair of jeans, or the attention grabbing handbag that you’ll be happy to wear on rotation.
Not only do these pieces seamlessly weave into your current wardrobe, but they’ve got the outfit-elevating power of any other designer buy, so the next time you’re putting on a simple t-shirt and jeans, you can upgrade the look with a key blazer, or smart shoe. Wondering what makes the cut for best of the best? Well, In this list you’ll find old favourites like Frankie Shop tailoring, elevated-classics from Toteme, and luxe offerings like the perfect flat shoe courtesy of The Row. Sound good?
Keep scrolling for the best designer basics like simple coats, jeans, blazers, dresses and accessories to invest in now, but wear for years to come. These are pieces that will never go out of style.
The Frankie Shop’s boxy fit set the standard for the oversized tailoring we now know and love.
It’s a bestseller for a reason.
Add a dose of colour to a monochrome look with this supremely cool shade of eucalyptus green.
Rejina Pyo know how to make ladylike silhouettes feel contemporary.
Cool beige will go with everything in your wardrobe.
The tank top that caused mass hysteria last summer is back, and you’ll want to break out it every year without fail.
A stretchy, dressy, easy-to-wear top that suits every body? Sign us up.
Size up and wear oversized with a pair of straight leg jeans.
I still haven’t bought a camisole top, and every time I wonder what to wear with a jacket in summer, I know exactly what the answer is.
The bold, striped version was an Instagram fave, but you can’t beat all-white for “wear-with-everything” versatility.
Strike the perfect balance of cosy, cool, and chic in this knitted tank top.
Whether you’re wearing a casual white tee or a structured blazer, a pleated skirt immediately makes your look office-ready.
I don’t know if it’s the colour, cut or knit finish, but I haven’t stopped thinking about this skirt since I first saw it.
As soon as the temperatures rise, you’re going to need something light and airy to keep you cool, and look it too.
According to Instagram’s most stylish, the trouser to invest in now is the ultra slim cigarette pant, the perfect accompaniment to ballet pumps.
The nineties called, and we want our old trousers back. (Albeit with considerably polished edge).
Secret weapon trousers with discreetly hidden core-shaping technology for an ultra smooth finish.
If you haven’t already tried Raey denim, I can promise you won’t be disappointed.
Call off the search: I’ve found the perfect pair of jeans with leg-lengthening properties.
Black denim doesn’t get enough credit for just how chic it really is.
Flares and skinny trends may come and go, but the flattering straight-leg is eternal.
“Pull-on-and-go” dresses don’t come any chicer than Nintey Percent’s stretch shirt dress.
The ideal dress for sweeping around in the sun or layering up with a knee-high boot and blazer.
If ever there was a dress that could go seamlessly from work to weekend, it’s this one.
You can build 100 outfits with a simple tank top, and a racerback dress works in the same way.
Perfect colour palette? Elegant draping? Shape enhancing fit? It has to be Tove.
Every wardrobe should have an LBD (that’s a long black dress).
Freshen up this cosy knit with white denim or a satin skirt.
Bored of Breton? No, neither are we. But this is a fresh new take on stripes.
Yes, the cardigan Katie Holmes made famous looks just as good 3 years later, and in new colourways.
Anine Bing knits are everywhere right now, but you’ll get more wear out of a classic turtleneck than a logo sweatshirt.
This comes in no less than six different colours, so you can mix and match depending on your mood.
Just when we thought they couldn’t beat the scarf jacket, Toteme are back at it with another bestseller in the making.
Thanks to Kate Moss and a certain Bottega runway moment, the flannel shacket has undergone a luxe makeover.
The khaki green was an instant hit, but there’s a lot to love about the sleek black version too.
The trench coat deserves a spot in the style staples hall of fame for its sheer longevity.
When you think of teddy coats, you think of Max Mara, and this updated spin on a classic is every bit as good as the original.
I bought a pair of these as soon as they landed, and I’ve been wearing them every other day since.
According to reports, ballet flats are back. But the truth is, they never left.
Loafers are one of the only styles of shoe you can comfortably wear all year round, so with that much pavement time, you’re going to want a pair that go the distance.
If you aren’t already familiar with Porte and Paire, consider this the perfect introduction.
Nothing says spring quite like pastels and fresh white.
It’s so difficult to choose between the raffia basket, the Flamenco pouch, the Gate crossbody or even the Luna, but our money is on the Puzzle bag for Loewe’s bestselling bag of all time.
With fans like Harry Styles and Cate Blanchett, the Jackie is reclaiming its status as an iconic bag for the ages.
Need a bag big enough to carry all of your essentials (and then some)? You just found it in this stylish shopper.
You can spot The Row from a mile away, the sleek, sculptural designs are a sure sign that the wearer has serious taste.
I’m sorry. It’s back to the Puzzle. Did you catch this colourway too?
XXL bags are a key trend this spring and summer, but this oversized, slouchy bag from Joseph will be a year round favourite.
