Mar 18 2026
10 Underrated Styles That Quietly Build a
Beautiful Capsule Wardrobe
Building a beautiful capsule wardrobe makes mornings infinitely less stressful. But in order to build one you truly love, you need two things; clarity on what you actually like, and a return to the foundations.
There is something quietly powerful about “underrated” pieces - the ones that are beautifully functional, endlessly wearable, and subtly elevated. Question is, how can something be seen as underrated if it’s what you reach for every single day?
The ribbed tank that fits just right. The jeans that compare to no other (hello, Agolde) The leather blazer you invested in years ago that still carries value - and nostalgia.
There is currency in the understated. These are’t showy, embellished or overly trend-led pieces. They simply help you function and feel like yourself.
In 2026, fashion for me feels as though it is leaning into something calmer. Less quick fixes and more consideration. Perhaps our collective desire for a slower, simpler, more analog life is quietly influencing our wardrobes too?
Having worked with many women in the public eye over the years, one thing I consistently recommend is ensuring these ten pieces exist in your wardrobe. Not because they are headline-making or trend-driven. But because they form the quiet infrastructure of great personal style.
One
The Slightly Oversized White Shirt It sounds simple - maybe even boring - but I’m not talking about a crisp corporate shirt, or a sheer and delicate blouse. We want something structured enough to hold its shape, yet relaxed enough to soften the body. It should work with denim, tailored trousers, layered over swimwear, worn open over a ribbed tank, half-tucked into jeans, or under knitwear. It adapts to mood and season. It’s essential. And surprisingly hard to find!
Two
A Good Jean (Ideally Two … or Three) If I’m honest, I’d recommend a black pair, a light wash, and an off-white pair. They’re that important in a capsule wardrobe! Jeans are personal - and investing in a current cut makes all the difference to a white tee and ballet flat combination. Right now, silhouettes are leaning towards barrels, relaxed straight legs, subtle baggy cuts, and modern cigarette shapes. Remember the cut is everything.
Three
Soft tailored trousers: Beautifully minimal and endlessly useful. A good pair of tailored trousers offers an option that feels more elevated than denim - for work, dinner, or simply when you want to feel slightly more put together. Dress them down with knitwear and Sambas.4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Dress them up with a low, minimal sandal. They are the quiet backbone of a refined wardrobe.
Four
A structured blazer: The hero of the minimalist wardrobe. Blazers are having a subtle glow-up - appearing in buttery leather, soft suede, and classic herringbone. There’s a whole spectrum to choose from: double-breasted tailoring, softly cinched waists, oversized masculine silhouettes. You don’t need ten. But having one that truly suits your proportions and your lifestyle makes an enormous difference.
Five
A fine knit in neutral tones: When building knitwear into your capsule, fabric matters. We want soft, breathable, and non-itchy - pieces that layer effortlessly under blazers or over tanks. Think oat, chocolate, navy, charcoal. The tones that quietly connect everything else in your wardrobe together.
Six
A fluid skirt: Slip skirts or structured cotton A-lines are underrated building blocks. They pair seamlessly with the same tops, blazers, and knits you wear with jeans. Add boots, ballet flats, or trainers - it works every time.
Seven
Tank top: My top tip with tanks is to invest in a neckline you love. Scoop, square, racer, high-neck - know what suits you and stick to it. A well-cut tank is transformative. It holds an outfit together under blazers, open shirts, knitwear. It should feel snug but not restrictive. DISSH are doing particularly good ones at the moment.
Eight
Longline top: Possibly the most underrated of all. Longline tops are brilliant for layering - under sleeveless knits, structured waistcoats, open blazers. They elongate the silhouette and create dimension without noise. They quietly expand your styling options.
Nine
A belt: A belt pulls everything together. I recommend one black leather and one brown suede. Between the two, you’ll cover your entire wardrobe. A simple white jean and chocolate tee becomes instantly more considered with the right belt.
Ten
A good shoe: Shoes are where you can afford to loosen the rules slightly. Your wardrobe foundations might be neutral, pared-back, and quietly consistent - but shoes are often where mood lives and you can have some fun. A current trainer grounds everything. A sleek boot sharpens things. And a minimal thong sandal quietly elevates. Alongside the classics, this is also where you can lean into something current - because when the outfit is understated, the shoe can do a bit more of the talking.