I’ve decided I really don’t like January. I used not mind it, I was always ready to get back into work and figure out my plan for the year. But this year has been a few personal battles as well as beyond bleak weather. It’s just rubbish isn’t it? So I’m trying to put myself in a better mindset and getting back to plotting, and one such thing is planning my new season capsule wardrobe. It makes me very happy.

Above: “Ruby Lou”, Christian Louboutin

I like to invest in a few things that I know will last and none of these are trends. They are classics, and then we use that as a foundation to add other things to create outfits. It’s not that hard, it just takes a bit of research to figure out what you like or dislike. I’m adding in a shop carousel to each section so you can scroll through some of my favourites too. Just click on the image to go straight through to the website (these are affiliate links by the way).

Above: Coat, New Look; Jumper, Primark

So what do I recommend to start your capsule wardrobe?

A Spring Coat

I’ve been wearing this New Look Cream Coat in my Instagram for the last week and I have to stay it’s been a hit. It’s light but heavy if you know what I mean? The colour is key here. We want to stay warm but lighten up in the shades.

Knits

I’ve been living in black jumpers and I need to change that now. So I’m looking for colours to brighten up my “uniform” of coats, jumpers and jeans. You don’t need to break the bank to build up a good collection of knits – I’ve been buying up some in Marks & Spencer at the moment that start at about €27.

Jeans

The most difficult thing to find that fits. I’ve gone through so many brands to find the right ones. There are a couple of things to look out for when jeans shopping – gaping out the back, muffin top, legs not the right length, and chafing. Doesn’t sound so glam, but these are the no nos. I love a good high waist – Topshop “Jamie”, River Island “Amelie” and Paige denim are all great for this.

Shoes

We are still very much in ankle boot season. It’s wet and they keep your feet dry. If you didn’t invest before Christmas, fear not. Ankle boots are all year round now, and you can style them up for summer which I love as an alternative option. As we approach Spring, I move to flats. So I have a good pair of trainers (Nike Flex are great) and loafers (Kurt Geiger are my go to and they last)

Basics & Accessories

I’m taking a leaf out of the book of Emmanuelle Alt (editor of Vogue Paris) and building up a collection of basics – that means t-shirts, cotton tops and the odd shirt. They never let me down. The nicest Spring look for me is a crisp white shirt, jeans and loafers. Then you can swap in your heels if you need to dress it up. Simple and chic. 

Bags are what I spend my money on. They last forever and I hope that they’ll be heirlooms. I’ve been having fun with the new Christian Louboutin Ruby Lou bag which is available from February – it’s constructed so beautifully and this white leather is a nice balance for my new look this season. I’d like one in every colour. 

Images by Victoria McGarry