Major clear out to create a capsule wardrobe

My goal for this year is to really pare back my wardrobe and create a capsule wardrobe of great basics that I can mix and match to my heart’s delight.

I also want to buy very little clothes in 2025 so let’s hope when I do my wardrobe clear out that I find lots of basic pieces because I feel like at the moment my wardrobe is so cluttered that I cannot in fact see what I even have.

I always think after the festive period our wardrobes can be in a state when you’re frantically pulling bits and pieces out.

I’ll be doing my major clear out this weekend and then hopefully I’ll only have a tiny list of essentials that I need to get. I’ve also been trying to buy less but saving for those real investment pieces. Testament to this is a coat I bought about five years ago which cost a fair bit but honestly it looks as good as new and I wear it on repeat in the winter time.

Everyone’s idea of expensive is relative to their financial circumstances so look at your budget when buying these investment pieces and remember it’s not worth overspending on clothes.

One item that I have been wearing on repeat this winter is black trousers. I think for a long time I had a major turn off of these as I associated them with ill fitted polyester trousers of my youth but now, I have a variety of black trousers that work so well for any occasion.

I love the laid back yet luxe slouchy vibes of a pair of wide leg black trousers paired with an oversized knit, wool coat and trainers. It’s effortless and can also be a fabulous workwear look.

If needs be swap out the trainers for some loafers depending on the workwear dress code. I’ve also become a bit obsessed with a more tapered leg and I’ve been wearing mine with oversized blazers and chunky boots for a cool, casual look.

Nighttime calls for a great pair of black leather trousers which are worth their weight in gold in your wardrobe if you find the right pair. I favour a higher waist, loose leg style.

I have been saving my Christmas vouchers, so I do get to treat myself to something during my spending ban and top of my list is a brown suede jacket. Firstly, brown is the absolute colour of the season, and I must say I’ve always been a fan. Think deep, earthy tones that will pair so well with burgundy and creams, but I also find works so well with a pop of colour. A shock of pink or baby blue are favourite combinations of mine, but I have seen people styling it with red and it works a treat.

Anyway, back to the suede jacket. I’m very partial to a suede and fringing combination but I think for this jacket I’ll go with something a bit more basic and forego the tassels as it just makes it a bit more wearable for a number of different occasions.

While it may not be rain repellent, it is very cosy and does look great layered over knitwear and cords for winter but can also be carried into spring where it will pair perfectly with white cotton blouses and lighter denim.

High street or vintage there are so many options out there and to suit all budgets so make the investment now on this jacket that never dates, and it will become a forever piece you wear again and again.