I’ve tried on over 100 pieces this year, but these 11 pieces have been added to my capsule wardrobe.

If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear UK, you may already know that I try on things a lot. This year, we focused on trying on and testing the latest releases. Online shopping has many convenience benefits, such as products not available in stores and saving you the hassle of searching for your size in various places, but in some cases, you may be able to see the product directly before clicking checkout. It’s important to review and that’s how I got there. in.

This year alone, I’ve tried on about 29 outfits and put 33 different jeans, 26 different coats, and other items to the ultimate test. As you spend your days in the dressing room, we want to provide you with insight into each item’s materials, styling opportunities, and fit, giving you as much information as possible to make smart purchases.

As 2025 approaches, we’ve taken a look back at all the great items that have arrived in stores this year and compiled 11 pieces that have made their way into my forever wardrobe. Below, you’ll find classic staples like COS’s ultimate white T-shirt, cozy knitwear that’s so good I now have it in two colors, and a selection of accessories that instantly bring polish and a modern edge to any ensemble. Introducing.

If you’re starting to plan your 2025 wardrobe, these are 11 editor-tried and tested pieces that are truly worth your attention.

1.COS clean cut T-shirt

Style Notes: I’ve tried on a lot of white t-shirts, but I always come back to COS. It’s weighted, hides the contours and seams of the lingerie, and is particularly characterized by its boxy shape. Dress me in that style. Sure, you can buy similar T-shirts for less, but the quality of the fabric and ease of the silhouette means you’ll want to wear this one over and over again.

2. Arket Cloud Jeans

Style Notes: Arket’s Cloud jeans were trending in January, so naturally we wanted to see what all the hype was about. Although they are described as low-waisted, they don’t feel too far from where I normally wear my jeans, and the wide-leg silhouette is just perfect. The denim itself has a luxurious feel, which is a very important element for me as I wear jeans almost every day. While the relaxed vibe is evident in every detail, this pair can also be worn with a sophisticated slingback for dressier occasions. Here I chose my normal size 28.

3. Whistle clean bonded leather jacket

Style Notes: Whistles creates pieces that are more timeless than many styles seen every year. The Clean Bonded Jacket is one of them. This year, the brand launched a petite version of this jacket. I knew I had to try this because my regular size didn’t fit my short frame. The sizing is large, so if you want to create an oversized look without wearing it too much, we recommend sizing down. I’m wearing a petite size small here, but there’s plenty of room for cozy knits.

4. Reform Clara Cardigan

Style Notes: This winter I headed to the Reformation store to try on some of their most popular items. One of them was the Clara Cashmere Cardigan. Cutting to the chase, I fell in love with it right away. The crew neck design is classic and easy to style, but the main event is the luxurious cashmere material. It’s become a key layering item in my wardrobe in the winter, but it’s my go-to for spring layering and cool summer nights as a lightweight layer with comfortable features. I came home with both the cherry and cocoa shades, so I chose the medium size as above.

5. Zara soft coat

Style Notes: This was one of the first coats I tried on this fall/winter, and one I still remember. ZARA is great at jumping on trends, but they also have a huge selection of timeless pieces to add to your capsule wardrobe. This coat is a typical example. The timeless oatmeal hue is sure to blend in with the rest of your wardrobe, and the classic silhouette means you’ll always look chic no matter the year. Plus, it’s just been restocked, so if you missed it the first time, you still have a chance to get it. This coat is large, so I chose size XS here. It’s just the right fit.

6. Rixo Ardith silk midi skirt

Style Notes: Patterns may seem bold to most minimalists, but animal prints come back year after year as a major trend, and when paired with sophisticated silhouettes, they’re sure to last a long time. In the summer, I headed to Rixo to try on the Aldis skirt after hearing great things about it. The fabric is definitely silky and smooth and the brown and black tones make it super easy to style. Pair it with a simple T-shirt and flats for the day, or pair this skirt with a nice black top and slingback heels for the evening. I’m wearing size S here.

7. COS arch tapered jeans

Style Notes: Until COS’s Arch jeans came out, I was a stickler for wide-leg and straight-leg jeans cuts, and now I don’t know how I’d dress without them. This style has the comfort of loose jeans, with tapered edges at the ankle to create a subtle barrel-like shape. The jeans are available in seven color options including classic black, true blue and fresh white. I’m wearing my regular size 28 here.

8. Mango cotton trench coat

Style Notes: Mango’s 2024 outerwear collection is the strongest I’ve ever seen, with lots of trending pieces I love that sold out quickly, but it’s also a smart addition to my capsule wardrobe. One item that makes me feel like I’m being treated to is this trench coat. The brand maintains a sleek silhouette, but brings a sophisticated edge with a front panel that hides the button closure. I’m wearing a size small here, but I especially like the wide sleeves which allow enough space to wear chunky knits underneath. You can also button it up for a neater fit.

9. COS cinch waist cardigan

Style Notes: Classics with a modern twist are something COS is particularly good at, but one item I didn’t expect to like so much was this knitted cardigan with a waist. First of all, it has an impressive shape with raglan sleeves that connect to the slender wrist, and combined with the fitted body, it gives a very elegant impression.

10. Reform Mason Pants

Style Notes: When I’m not wearing jeans, I usually wear tailored pants, but while I was at the home improvement store I thought I’d try on the highly rated Mason pants. The fabric is soft and luxurious Tencel lyocell, and it features sharp pleats on the front and a wide silhouette. I couldn’t find the petite version in stores here, so I tried a size 10 in the regular style, but later decided to buy it online and size up so the waistband would be a little more comfortable.

11. COS Buckle Ballet Flats

Style Notes: On a trip to COS earlier this summer, I discovered modern ballet shoes that are both cool and comfortable. Unsurprisingly, the shoe became the brand’s best-selling pair, and has since been released in fresh ivory and on-trend burgundy hues. A great addition to your wardrobe with jeans, skirts, dresses, and tailoring.