I've Been a Stylist for 10 Years—These 9 Classics Are the Backbone of My Closet

If the start of a new season has taught us anything, it's the importance of a wardrobe stock take. My bikinis have been shelved for yet another year, and I've started to not leave the house without a jacket, as autumn calls for clothing that's as fashionable as they are functional. So where does one begin when it comes to assembling the perfect capsule wardrobe for this time of year?  Asking for fashionable advice, of course. 

While scrolling through Instagram I stumbled across Joanne Hegarty's account, @thestylistandthewardrobe, and who better to turn to for tips than a stylist with an exceptional wardrobe. With over a decades experience in styling and writing (she currently heads up the The Chic List column in You magazine), her Instagram is a mix of shopping recommendations, styling tricks, and designer finds. So, in a bid to answer your fashion dilemmas, I reached out to Hegarty for an insight into how she created a wardrobe that stands the test of time. 

Whether you're looking for seasonal buys, investment pieces, or the key to looking expensive (no matter your budget) keep scrolling to uncover styling tips from one of the best in the biz, and to shop the key pieces that will bring something new to your rotation.

Regular Who What Wear readers won't surprised by Joanne's first pick, as it's one of our firm favourites too. "I love tailoring and I would be lost without my favourite blazers. I use a blazer to pull an outfit together or add some polish to a pair of casual jeans or trousers."

Sure it's more of a summer buy, but we still wear linen dresses at the start of autumn with the addition of boots and jackets. Joanne agress, "during the warmer summer months I always rely on linen to see me through. I love loose, easy-to-wear dresses in linen or organic cotton that I can dress up or down for work or dinner with the help of some layers."

The resurgance of the three-piece suit happened almost overnight, and before we knew it we were dressing up in formal tailoring. The key to making it work for autumn? Always bring the matching blazer of jacket. "I’ve been wearing waistcoats as tops a lot recently, and because of their fit and structure, they do all the work. I often wear them with skirts and wide-leg trousers, too."

We didn't need a Y2K revival to remind us that the slip dress and slip skirt are a timeless wonder, and now there are more lengths and colour options than ever. "I have always been attracted to a silk slip that I can team with a blazer. But right now I’m especially attracted to warm tones."

The quest for the perfect white tee is taken so seriously that it inspired Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to create The Row. Since then, the high street has caught up, and you don't need to spend £300 on a t-shirt that will go the distance. "I find mine in Cos, Lavender Hill and Uniqlo to team with my flared blue jeans or as the partner to some tailored wide leg pants."

If we'd told you a year ago that the obsession with the micro mini would be a flash-in-the-pan trend, you might not have believed us. But 12 months later the only skirts we're interested in come well below knee-length, for a chicer, smoother silhouette. "Honestly, the maxi skirt is an essential all year round. It's such a versatile piece to have in your closet."

Of course, there are accessories too, and in the year that gave us the XXL tote, Joanne prefers her sunglasses supersized for retro appeal. "I never leave the house without these. And I’m with Jackie O on this. The bigger really is the better." 

Looking for a piece that has the "wow" factor, no matter how you wear it? You should consider the silk blouse. "I wear them with high waisted trousers and my favourite statement earrings for an outfit in one." And simply swap flats for heels for an easy way to turn the look from day to night. 

I can't begin to list how many shirts I own, in just how many colours, but that goes to prove how easy to style the oversized cotton shirt really is. "This is a true wardrobe staple that I love in white, blues or stripes, and I love to wear them with trousers, jeans or a dressed up pencil midi skirt." Simple, yet timeless. 

Up Next: 7 Fuss-Free Outfits I'll Be Copying This Autumn