While an editor’s job involves so much more than shopping, keeping up to speed with the latest collections and new-in sections does take up a good chunk of time. Working for a fashion website exposes us to a lot of pieces on a daily basis, and it can get pretty overwhelming. For this reason, many fashion editors tend to fill their wardrobes with just a handful of essential pieces.
Unlike some careers, fashion editors don’t have a conventional uniform to wear when we’re on the clock. So many editors have created their own small, hardworking capsules in an attempt to drown out the noise of every new trend—otherwise, we might lose sight of what we actually like to wear.
Like everyone else, fashion editors have their own definitions of “wardrobe essentials,” and we’ve decided to show you what these essentials are for the Who What Wear team and some of its contributors.
Scroll on to see the wardrobe essentials our team has come to rely on, including classic denim, statement dresses and some impressive accessories.
Almassi’s Wardrobe Essentials: Midi Dresses and Knee-High Boots. “My heart lies in the ’70s, so I’d be nowhere without a line-up of great midi dresses and knee-high boots—my autumn/winter wardrobe depends on these two pieces worn together. I own quite a colourful collection of both plain and printed midi dresses, so I have a little range of different coloured boots to suit, spanning from lipstick red to classic black. My calves seem to be too big for regular pull-on or zip-up styles, so it’s all about finding a pair with some stretch!”
Block’s Wardrobe Essentials: Blue Straight-Leg Jeans and White Shirts. “I guess the best way to describe my style would be classic with an androgynous edge, which is probably why the wardrobe essentials I continually rely on are straight-leg jeans and white shirts. Show me a chicer pairing that works for any occasion, and I’ll admit defeat. But in my opinion, this combination is the answer to just about any fashion dilemma you might be experiencing. I know I’ve come to rely on them increasingly since becoming a mum. I still want to look polished, but when I only have two minutes to get ready, jeans and a white shirt are my saviours.”
Montgomery’s Wardrobe Essentials: Statement Jackets and Tailored Trousers. “While a statement jacket wouldn’t usually be considered a typical addition to the ‘wardrobe essentials’ line-up, I personally find it’s one of the things I reach for on a weekly basis. When I’m feeling a little lazy with my outfit planning, I often find myself in a white T-shirt and jeans, and an interesting jacket is the easiest way to instantly elevate this plain pairing. From western-inspired fringed styles to colourful blazers, I find each jacket brings a different personality depending on my mood. Minimal effort, maximum impact. “I’ve also always been a bit of a sucker for tailoring, and I remember one of the first ‘grown-up’ items of clothing I bought at uni was a pair of tailored navy trousers from Topshop. 10 years later, my love for the tailored trouser remains, and my collection ranges from classic, black cigarette silhouettes to more statement-making printed varieties. I find that tailored trousers have the ability to make any outfit feel more polished, whether worn with a white tee or a chunky knit. My favourite cut right now has to be the universally flattering high-waisted, wide-leg style, which I’ll wear with a fitted long-sleeve top this autumn.”
Eggenberger’s Wardrobe Essentials: Puff-Sleeve Dresses and White Blouses. “Like my colleagues, I’m also a fan of midi dresses, specifically those with puff sleeves. I think they look especially flattering on my curvy frame. I’m all about easy styling—anything that takes too much effort just isn’t going to float—so dresses are my daily saviour. However, there are some days when jeans are all too appealing, particularly as we enter the autumn months. To dress them up, I have quite the collection of pretty white blouses, complete with ruffles, shirring, pie-crust or jumbo collars and of course, puff sleeves.”
La Pompe-Moore’s Wardrobe Essentials: Gold Hoop Earrings and Midi Dresses. “On those autumnal down days when a chunky jumper, jeans and boots are all I can muster, my signature gold hoops always make it look like I spent more than 15 minutes deciding what to wear. Whether I’m wearing a midi dress or a blazer, a pair of hoops always ups my sartorial game. While we’re on the subject, the only dress length I’ll acknowledge is the midi dress. This is especially true when it comes to autumn. Whether layered with heavy knitwear or a checked blazer, midis are my go-to for transitional dressing. I couple mine with a knee-length boot on chillier days or a strappy sandal if the weather wants to play nice.”
Sayer’s Wardrobe Essentials: Oversized Blazers and Chunky Boots. “I have two go-tos that I’ve worn since I was a teenager. They’re items that always make me feel confident and comfortable no matter what I’m doing. In the ’80s, I used to buy second-hand men’s blazers from Flip the American vintage shop in Liverpool. Menswear has always been a big inspiration for me, so I would team the blazers with an oversized shirt, chinos and a beret. Fast forward 35 years, and I still love an oversized blazer. My favourite is a classic beige blazer from Arket. I can fling it on with a pair of jeans, and it even gives an evening dress a masculine edge, which I love. “The second item is a big pair of chunky winter boots. As a stylist, I can walk more than 10 miles a day for appointments, so comfort is key. In the ’80s, I had a trusty pair of Dr. Martens, but last year, I bought a great pair of chunky boots from Mango that look way more expensive than they were. I team them with everything. The most important thing for me is that my wardrobe works hard. A big pair of boots can always earn their keep in my house.”
