The Complete Capsule: Our List of the Best Basics Money Can Buy

It can be difficult to find the perfect white T-shirt, as they are often a little too sheer, tight or have a neckline that doesn't sit quite right. This slightly heavier cotton COS style has none of these drawbacks, and the premium-feeling material stays crisper for longer. Size up if you prefer a boxier fit. 

As we know, the best wardrobes are made up of great staples, and there's nothing more classic than a striped top. Take it from the French girls—this is a top to rely on for years to come, and Navygrey have nailed quality and design.

Trust me when I say I've tried all the tank tops out there, from expensive designers to the cheapest high street. And I can confirm it's H&M's £7 number that takes the cake as being the very best style. It's thick cotton, so you don't need a bra if you don't want to wear one and it doesn't go flimsy or out of shape after a few washes. I've bought one (read: a few) in every colour—they're the fashion industry's best kept secret. Thank me later. 

A cashmere jumper is a wardrobe classic, for all year round (I always throw mine over my shoulders on cooler summer evenings too). While there are numerous beautiful knitwear brands working in higher price points, we don't think you can top Uniqlo for value and number of colours. It creates quality, durable cashmere that—if you look after it properly—will last for years. 

With Nothing Underneath has quickly become the fashion crowd's go-to brand for shirting of all kinds. They have over 20 iterations of the white shirt alone, so you can be sure you'll find your perfect style here (we know it's a subjective matter). From linen to silk, oversized to slim fit, they have it all covered, but our personal preference for the most all-time classic look is the Boyfriend in poplin. Relaxed but not too oversized, ideal for tucking in or wearing loose, and in that famous crisp organic cotton.

A camisole can be worn on its own, and it's the perfect partner for a suit, but it's also really useful for layering. This silk fabric adds a refined feel without hurting your budget. What makes this one particularly cool is the lace detailing.

Casual, cool and endlessly chic, Arket's linen shirts are the best I've ever tried. Available in plenty of colours, including neutrals, stripes and bright, bold hues, it's a high-street item I really recommend investing in. Plus, it comes in long-sleeved and short-sleeved options too.

COS has created its iconic swing crossbody bag in every colour and material you could hope for, it's getting your hands on them before they sell out that's the issue. The black leather style is the most classic however, and miraculously still in stock. It's simple enough to go with every single outfit and not to mention practical thanks to the hands-free, compact design but surprisingly roomy interior.

Gold hoops go with everything. Most importantly these are solid gold, so they won't oxidise or discolour. You can literally wear these all day, every day. The brand also has other hoop options, whether you like a thicker style or something with gemstones.

A leather tote is an item that everyone needs for carrying laptops, makeup bags, kids' toys and the kitchen sink for work or travel. This Demellier style is an all-round classic made of leather. It comes in four colours (I personally love the chocolate suede) to suit your wardrobe. Serapian also does a beautiful, modern, relaxed style that insiders love as a luxury option. Chloé's canvas Woody tote has always been a brilliant summer option and COS does the best high street version. 

A gold chain is the perfect addition to any outfit all year round. I personally have this necklace, and I've not taken it off for a good couple of years—it still looks brand new! 

For summer, a basket bag has become an absolute essential whether you're heading to the beach or not. Of course, Loewe is the gold standard. If you're looking for something more low-key with less logo, though, Dragon Diffusion's woven styles are completely timeless too. 

Déhanche believes that a good belt can be "the most elegant accessory in your wardrobe." And we're inclined to agree. Buy a good belt, and you never need to buy another one again. This black leather belt comes in five colour and hardware options, and its design is cool but timeless. Keep an eye out for it on the waists of fashion editors everywhere. For one that's more affordable, try COS's classic leather belt. 

Celine's sunglasses are popular for a reason. The brand's various styles are flattering on almost everyone and most are shapes that won't feel dated in a year or two. Whether you're a fan of mod oval sunglasses or statement cat-eye sunnies, there is bound to be a silhouette to suit your face shape.

Cartier's iconic Tank Must watch can be dated back to 1917—proving just how timeless the shape is. The brand is world-renowned for its timepieces and offers the kind of investment watch you'll wear for the rest of your life. The smooth black leather is probably the most classic, but I have a soft spot for this incredibly elegant alligator version.

A silk square scarf is a classic wardrobe item. We recommend you go straight to Toteme. The logo on this one is subtle and the black-and-white colour combination will always feel timeless.

Acne Studios is the ultimate label for luxury basics, and the wool and cashmere scarves are close to perfect. The brand makes the classic scarf with a fringed hem in every colour you could want, from cream to pink to plaid. 

Gucci's horsebit loafers were first launched in 1953 and are a classic piece worth investing in because they will last for decades. While loafer trends come and go, the timeless shape and cool horsebit detail of these will never feel dated.

Undeniably, the best heels in the world come from Manolo Blahnik. Whether you're looking to invest in a wear-with-everything pair of simple, comfortable court heels like the BB 90s (a favourite of Meghan and Princess Kate), or you want a bit more sparkle in your life with the Hangisi, you just can't beat them. On the high street, we find Mango's heels to be the best.

Sandal trends come and go, but if you're after a timeless pair of impeccable quality and comfort, my personal recommendation is to head to the brand A Emery. Cool but not cult (read: overexposed), their sandals can be pulled out year after year and remain effortlessly chic. Whatever your sandal personal they have something to fit the bill, from simple strappy styles to classic leather thong sandals and chunkier options like the Jalen style, a firm favourite among fashion insiders.

When it comes to ankle boots, you really can't beat Aeyde. Whether you're after a round or pointed toe (or a mixture of both), Western suede style or classic leather, Aeyde has them all. The brand truly isn't ruled by trends, but hurry because its styles sell out quickly.

All our editors agreed that Agolde is the best for designer jeans, as it has really flattering cuts and uses very soft, comfortable denim. Fashion insiders always rave about the '90s Pinch Waist style, noting it's the ultimate straight-leg jean, and according to Karen Phelps, Creative Director of AGOLDE, the '90s Pinch Waist is the brand's best-selling fit with "a flattering, high-rise waist, close-fitting through the hips... an easy, classic straight leg with endless versatility."

All our editors are in agreement that Arket does the best affordable denim. It's all organic and recycled cotton, and there's a mix of comfortable stretch styles and vintage-inspired rigid versions. The cropped designs are perfect for petites, and the loose wide legs feel incredibly fresh for right now. It's the Cloud low loose jeans that I wear on repeat, though. 

A simple slip skirt might not be the most exciting purchase, but it really is useful, especially for between seasons. They look just as good with a strappy top and sandals as they do a cosy knit and boots. Ghost's satin pieces are famously good, and we love its Luna skirt, which comes in eight different colours. The black is evergreen, but I'm excited to wear the white this summer. 

Trousers are always tricky to find, but we think the best place to start is at Reformation. Wide-leg, linen, cargos, petites, extended sizes—you name it and Ref has it covered. The Mason pants have to be our absolute favourites though.

For those days when you need a discreet layer underneath your outfit, Uniqlo is the go-to. The seamless style cropped cami top is made to go unnoticed but will also provide you with an extra layer to keep you warmer on cooler British days. It's my hidden secret I'm willing to share. 

It should come as no surprise that Skims is our number one for bodysuits. We love that you can choose a nude colour shade for wearing underneath your clothes, but they also look great worn to be seen as well. This one will hug you in all the right places to smooth, sculpt and support. It's a stylish, useful and practical addition to your wardrobe. 

Another shout out for Arket here (they really do nail the best capsule basics). I've spent a long time shopping around for the perfect ankle socks and I've only ever found what I'm looking for at Arket. Whether you want plain black or white, bright colours, chunky or thin, low or high rise—they've got you covered.

There's so many lovely smaller labels doing pretty lingerie (we love Cou Cou Intimates and Hanky Panky) but I'm prepared to die on the hill of M&S underwear for reliable comfort, practicality and long-lasting quality. My everyday underwear drawer is solely made up of the brand's Flexifit™ modal styles (the thongs are totally invisible under clothes and so comfy—trust me).

Say goodbye to ladders, Falke's tights are stronger than ever. 

A classic tailored blazer is a wardrobe essential, and you can call off your search for the perfect one with Arket. We can't recommend this jacket enough, partly because of the exquisite tailoring mixed with the relaxed fit and partly because there are plenty of ways to style this. 

The original Burberry trench was designed for soldiers for the first world war and uses the gabardine fabric, which was created by Thomas Burberry in 1879. According to the Burberry website, the fabric is now created at a textile mill near Keighley, England, and there are 127 stages in producing one coat. It is quite simply timeless. We rounded up everything you need to know about choosing your perfect Burberry trench here, but you can never go wrong with the Waterloo Heritage style. 

Sorry, but it has to be the Levi's trucker jacket. No other denim jacket will ever reach the same iconic status. This is the OG style which has a slightly slimmer fit and shorter length, but there's also a longer line version and a slouchy 90s style too, depending on your preference.

We've tried a lot of leather jackets in our time, and season after season, Whistles always has the perfect style. They do have classic biker jacket designs, but for something a little more modern we prefer the Clean Bonded Jacket (so many of our editors already own it). With a minimalist design, smooth leather and lightweight construction, it's a worthy investment.