As a Londoner, I'm updating my capsule wardrobe for 2026—these 10 items have been included.

      Creating the perfect capsule wardrobe is quite a challenge, particularly in London. With its harsh winters and occasionally hot summers, it's a struggle to find items that can transition through the seasons. If you're anything like me and cherishing sleep often means facing a mountain of clothes to pull together an outfit can be overwhelming. This is why, as we move towards 2026, I've decided to refine my wardrobe into a streamlined collection that I'll rotate over the next nine months. However, as I go through my clothes and shoes, I realize that crafting a practical selection that accommodates these two weather extremes while embodying the essence of a "city girl" is no easy task. For me, London style is much more vibrant than in other major cities. It carries an individualistic spirit with a mix of effortless coolness and classic pieces, coupled with an edgy sophistication, meaning every item in my new wardrobe must reflect this vibe.

      I’ve been contemplating the style direction for the upcoming year for some time. At Who What Wear UK, where staying on top of trends is our specialty, we anticipate various aesthetics that will dominate your wardrobe in the upcoming months. From structured Napoleon-inspired jackets to folk-inspired maxi dresses and Victorian-style footwear with a mystical twist, we foresee that spring/summer 2026 will be all about maximalism where virtually anything can work. However, while incorporating one or two of these standout pieces can elevate your capsule wardrobe, it's the essential staples—the ones we may see as ordinary—that truly bring hidden value to our collection and allow the trendier items to shine. Now, I’m not suggesting you should toss everything and start anew. Absolutely not! But if your reliable tailored trousers have seen better days (like mine), or if you're looking for something slightly different this year, this list will serve as an excellent starting point.

      A London-Ready Capsule Wardrobe to Last Until Spring:

      1. **Tapered Trousers**

       **Style Notes:** Tailored trousers have an ageless appeal, and tapered styles (along with ultra-wide tailoring) are gaining popularity. Designers like Carolina Herrera and Stella McCartney showcased ultra-wide-leg versions in their autumn/winter 2025 runway collections. This silhouette embodies the relaxed, cool-girl vibe expected in 2026 fashion. This spring, I plan to style mine like Monikh Dale (as shown above): with a layered tee and a suede bag.

       **Shop Tapered Trousers:**

       - **ZARA**: Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers - These have been everywhere on my feed recently.

       - **COS**: Pleated Barrel-Leg Wool Trousers - This dusty olive color works beautifully with loafers and a cozy cashmere knit.

       - **TOTEME**: Pleated Flannel Wide-Leg Pants - This flannel pair has a mid-rise waist, making it ideal for the warming weather ahead.

      2. **Pleated Maxi Skirts**

       **Style Notes:** Nostalgic fashion is trending, and pleated maxi skirts are back in vogue. Since Proenza Schouler and Timo Weiland revived this elegant ‘50s silhouette in the 2010s, there has been little buzz around them, but now with the rise of loose tailoring and renewed interest in heritage plaid, they are making a comeback. A derivative of Miu Miu’s preppy revival, longer maxis offer a sophisticated edge for effortlessly stylish looks. Paired with a brushed-mohair striped jumper or a fitted knit, this chic silhouette will shine in 2026.

       **Shop Pleated Maxi Skirts:**

       - **ASOS DESIGN**: Satin Pleated Maxi Skirt - The subtle sheen gives a more luxurious look than its price suggests.

       - **H&M**: Pleated Circular Skirt - A perfect match with loafers and a cashmere knit for winter.

       - **Reformation**: First Light Skirt - With an A-line cut, the subtle pleats bring a ‘50s vibe.

      3. **Funnel-Neck Cape Coats**

       **Style Notes:** As a keen follower of outerwear trends, I find few styles can withstand bitter cold while adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. The cape coat accomplishes this seamlessly. With its fashionable funnel neck, it references traditional Victorian styles with a contemporary twist. Fashion-forward individuals on my feed are gravitating towards this style for an effortlessly stylish appearance, whether paired with jeans or maxi skirts.

       **Shop Funnel-Neck Cape Coats:**

       - **H&M**: This coat, equipped with a detachable belt, looks considerably more high-end than its £40 price tag.

       - **MANGO**: Wool Funnel-Neck Coat - Crafted from a plush wool blend, this coat will keep you warm all winter long.

       - **& Other Stories**: Asymmetric Wool Jacket -