The search for staples this summer
The idea of building a ‘capsule wardrobe’ seems simple. Buy a few key staple pieces in neutral tones and use these as a base to build your wardrobe. Yet in the era we find ourselves in, where the fashion market is saturated with so many options, particularly when it comes to ‘basics’, knowing where to source quality and long-lasting items is a must if you’re looking to make your wardrobe investments worthwhile.
Whilst neutral tones were a popular 90s choice, it’s clear that this trend continues to dominate both the luxury and ‘high street’ fashion scene. The likes of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Succession character Shiv Roy and it-girl Matilda Djerf have exemplified how this somewhat simple approach to dressing can exude the utmost elegance! Over the last few months searches for ‘quiet luxury’ have accelerated by a staggering 373%, exemplifying the dominance that this fashion trend is having in the current climate.
To aid in finding those pieces that you’ll love and ones that will last in, we’ve broken down our favourite brands that you should have on your radar.
Ninety percent clothing
London-based contemporary label, Ninety Percent was co-founded by Para Hamiton and Shaif Hassan in 1998. Their aim? To create wearable, high-quality garments and ultimately “re-think how businesses are run.” Sustainability and philanthropy are at the core of their brand, with ninety per cent of their profits distributed to worthy causes. They are also regularly stocked on the Outnet, meaning that you can get your hands on a selection of their collections for a fraction of the price. Below is a selection of our top picks.
“We spent a lot of time honing fit and fabric to ensure the collection is modern without being austere, but also feminine without being overly girly,”
With nothing underneath
Looking for the ‘perfect’ shirt? With nothing underneath has you covered. Designed to “withstand trends and generations of wear” adding a WNU shirt to your wardrobe will genuinely elevate your chicness standards. The website is also super-friendly and functional, with users able to navigate by ‘material’, ‘shape’ and ‘occasion’ to help narrow their search. If you thought the brand couldn’t get any trendier, think again. They’re also B-Corp certified- this exclusive club is focused on all things sustainability, with the certification awarded to companies verified to meet high standards of social and environmental performance. An extra-added feel-good factor to each purchase!
Cos
Contemporary high street lifestyle brand COS is a brand that instantly springs to mind when considering where to buy staple pieces. Found on nearly every big shopping district in London, the label has successfully succeeded in striking a balance between contemporary, cutting-edge designs at
By Ellis Beth
Small independent British based brand By Ellis Beth creates gorgeous pieces all from the comfort of her home. All garments are handmade and dropped at regular intervals across the calendar year.
ME + EM
If you want to invest in staple items that teeter on the slightly more expensive side, French-based brand ME + EM has you covered. Flattering, functional and forever wearable, ME + EM’s effortless French-inspired collections are pieces that you’ll continue to pick out of your closet. We love their organic shirt collection, with the composition of these items (100% cotton) making them a high-quality purchase decision.
