Building a capsule wardrobe with Very

Capsule wardrobe photos: Claire Pepper. Hair & makeup: Carl Stanley.
I do like a style challenge. So, when an email pinged into my inbox asking if I’d like to collaborate with Very to create a ‘capsule wardrobe,’ I thought it was a good opportunity to shine a light on the modern essentials with staying power. As well as a chance to take a fresh look at what’s out there. After sifting through the new-in collections, I opted for understated fashion classics, simple, versatile pieces to create an everyday look that goes everywhere.
Right now, I want to feel sharp but not too smart; put-together while remaining comfortable and relaxed in my clothes. Enter the timeless trench coat, a wardrobe trooper, brilliant during these in-between months. This chic, pull-it-together style from Mint Velvet could be thrown on over anything. To temper the trench coat’s formal vibe and add some contrast, I’ve introduced indigo denim: a lovely shirt from White Stuff, perfect for layering, and a pair of wide loose-fit jeans from Tommy Hilfiger. White Stuff’s denim range is looking very cool this season – and I’ve never worn Tommy Hilfiger jeans before but these are a versatile shape and a perfect fit. Highly recommended. To avoid looking too minimal, the bold, striped top from Free People brings a jolt of bright red, and the high- top Converse add a laidback touch. For a fabulous, final flourish the Coach Tabby bag (which comes with two straps: one detachable cross-body and the other shorter handheld) – admittedly quite frivolous, but also surprisingly practical and a neat way to dress up my denim.

The coach bag – cross-body strap in action



Layered up and laidback
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Looking good for Spring Alyson. I wore something similar to go out today. Wide leg faded jeans, striped Armorlux red and white Breton top. A spring coat but chartreuse. I was experimenting with non-woolly layers. The denim jacket, Uniqlo Ines de la Fressange one from last summer has also come out. I like the way you’ve layered a classic trench over a denim jacket something I may well emulate with my beige trench coats to make them more casual and suitable for yoyoing temperatures.
By the way I enjoyed your comments about whether or not one feels “bad about one’s neck” and covering it or not. I totally agree with your point about the relativity of this as a problem given the context around us now. Very well-expressed in my opinion in your Telegraph column.