For me, a spring capsule wardrobe is all about three simple things: wearable, versatile staples that become base layers for all my outfits, comfort (I have no interest in wearing something too tight, too short, too see-through or made so poorly I’m left with a zipper sticking into my skin) and trending pieces that are still timeless. Of course, it's a bonus if they’re affordable too.
This is why, season after season, year after year and occasion to occasion, I look to Mango. Of all the brands on the high street, Mango most frequently ticks off the items on my fashion-editor checklist. Its designer collaborations are an instant hit with social media’s coolest content creators and It girls. And it balances elevated, timeless capsule staples with fashion-forward pieces that look as if they’ve come fresh off the runway. Mango’s accessories and footwear are another reason to love it. Mango always has the cult shoe, trending handbag or sunglasses silhouette that I’m often searching for.
But recently, I’ve been drawn most to Mango’s Selection, a premium capsule collection that the brand introduced last year. Everything in this collection—the cuts, colour palette and fabrics—is on point. Then, of course, there is the price point. In a time of uncertainty, Mango is such a brilliant alternative to luxury designers. Customers can invest in pieces that feel contemporary, cool or classic without the hefty price tag.
For spring 2025, the Selection is another strong edit. The fairly neutral collection feels earthy and pared back but is brought to life with occasional pops of colour and unexpected materials. Powdery pink and rusty red appear on chiffon, satin and crinkled cotton mixes, providing luscious textures that beg to be touched. As always, the accessories make a big impact. Appliqué florals appear frequently on bags. There’s a pendant holding a set of keys and a leather corsage that can be worn as a necklace or belt. It feels a bit nostalgic for the early ’00s, but more grown-up than much of the Y2K trend.
There are many of your classics too: easy tailoring (including a fantastic brown suit), a few dresses, a pink floral slip, a drop-waist knit midi, a one-shoulder jersey dress, which I’ve styled below, and a linen trench. You may be thinking, Do I need another trench coat? But Mango has managed to make this one different. It’s oversized and linen with an intentionally creased effect. It feels purposely disheveled and magnificently chic.
I couldn’t stan Mango and its Selection this much without trying it on for myself, so I took up the task of wearing it every single day for a week. This is how I got on.
Weather: 18°. Pure sunshine with a slight breeze and a chill in the morning.
My Schedule: In the office, but out for an important lunch meeting that I wanted to look great for—so professional but fabulous, you know?
Style Notes: Okay, so late April may not be the perfect time for a miniskirt, but the Who What Wear office is particularly warm, so I made an exception. This particular skirt is a great example of how Mango achieves that all-important trending-yet-timeless balance. It’s a cream cotton skirt, so there's no question of its longevity for the summer months. But look at the bubble hemline. This small detail is one of the biggest micro-trends for 2025, so now we’re rocking a cool-girl staple. As I wanted to elevate this to office attire, I matched it with the brown blazer from the suit I mentioned earlier and added this excellent, thick black belt to cinch in the waist.
Weather: 12°. Overcast.
My Schedule: Packed—I had back-to-back meetings and fashion and beauty events around town.
Style Notes: Running around town with a laptop and a diary full of events and meetings is a fairly standard working day for me. As such, I really rely on Mango’s elevated staples to make classic workwear comfortable but polished. This jacket and tailored trousers are a great example of this—I love the oversized yet cropped shape on the jacket, and the trousers are baggy enough to feel cool but still smart. The chain belt—a cult accessory at the moment—completes this look and makes it feel different to others. Finally, I must make a special mention to the shoes, which are the most comfortable heeled sandals I’ve ever worn.
Weather: 19°. Pure sunshine.
My Schedule: Off for my mum’s birthday. I took her out for lunch and a spot of shopping in central London.
Style Notes: After such a grey day, the weather today was truly glorious. I wanted to look cute, but I was aware I’d be on my feet, so it was a day for flats. This look is all about the accessories, with simple clothing acting as a neutral backdrop. The stretchy double-layer skirt is perfect for a little cover if it gets cool but still feels optimistic. This tee is a graduation from your basic T-shirt. Ultra thick, stretchy and long, it’s great for sitting over pieces like this skirt. But back to the accessories. The silver chain belt feels distinctly Y2K, adds dimension and made me feel comfortable wearing something so tight across my middle. And shall we take a moment for the red shoulder bag? The floral appliqué motif feels like a relic from 2003, and I’m so here for it.
Weather: 18° but overcast with sun forecast for the afternoon and early evening.
My Schedule: Another office day followed by a dinner date with my husband. Style Notes: One shoulder silhouettes have been on my radar for a while, not only with dresses like I’m wearing here, but also tops, bikinis and more. This particular dress is made with two knitted layers, one cream, one a rich chocolate brown. It nods to the early 2000s, so I’ve paired it with these floral-adorned brown sandals and the matching bag, another classic noughties micro-trend. But the pièce de résistance of this look has to be this oversized linen trench coat. Purposely creased for texture and impact, this simple staple is essential to any capsule wardrobe.
Weather: 15°. Sunny with clouds.
My Schedule: I worked from home, then went out for a friend’s birthday party in the evening.
Style Notes: Whilst I didn’t wear this to work from home (my usual uniform for this consists of sweats), this is a cute look for Friday night plans. This red skirt has a high slit, but the internal shorts ensured I wasn’t self-conscious. I dressed it down with this leather bomber jacket, one of the collection’s standout pieces. Obviously, I could have worn it with jeans or something else casual, but I love how it makes this skirt feel a bit cooler. I continued the red theme with the leather corsage belt, but I wrapped it around my neck as a choker and, of course, matched it with lipstick. Good to go, I think!
