A good wardrobe is nothing without a solid base of classic capsule pieces. You know the ones—the items you pull out and incorporate into your outfits most days. The simple yet far-from-boring staples you’d be lost without. It could be the perfect white T-shirt, a pair of jeans or your favourite easy jacket that goes with everything.
As a stylist, I’ve spent the best part of a decade searching for the perfect versions of these items to use in photo shoots or to recommend to all of my clients as well as to fill my own collection with, and surprisingly enough, the one place I always turn to isn’t the most expensive designer; it’s actually on the high street. In my opinion, Arket classics win every time, and I constantly find myself suggesting the brand when people ask me where to find the perfect items and return to it myself each season to top up my basics for the months ahead.
Aïda wears Arket’s best-selling striped jumper and jeans.
The key is that Arket does simplicity really well, with each item looking and feeling much more expensive than its actual price tag. It may not be the cheapest place on the high street, but since the quality is easily the best, I’m always happy to invest a little more knowing that the pieces will last. Plus, it’s still much lower in price than its designer counterparts.
So I thought I’d round up an edit of the pieces I always recommend below. I’m not lying when I say my wardrobe is full of Arket T-shirts, ribbed vests (one in every colour), shirts (I’m wearing one as I write), jeans and tailoring, and I totally rely on its smart linen pieces all summer. Keep scrolling, and you’ll find all the Arket classics you’ll never regret adding to your collection.
Everyone can benefit from a crisp white linen shirt in their summer collection.
Comfy yet chic.
I wore these SO much last summer.
The perfect lightweight but smart option for summer in the office.
This shirt can be layered up and worn all year round.
I do love Arket’s classic crew-neck T-shirt, but this new heavyweight one feels so premium.
Every wardrobe needs one.
An essential summer layer.
Back in stock but not for long. I’ll be wearing mine with denim shorts throughout spring.
I love the idea of switching to cropped wide-leg trousers in spring and summer to show off some ankle but still feel smart.
The *perfect* jeans.
White denim feels fresh all year round, but particularly now.
These chinos are surprisingly versatile.
Throw everything into this gorgeous suede tote and look polished while you’re running around town.
If you’re after a classic crossbody, look no further than Arket’s mini leather totes.
Raffia is a summer classic that comes back year after year.
Such a cute beach tote that also works for carrying a laptop to work.
These will go with everything.
The perfect trainers to wear with dresses.
The best pair of ballet flats outside of Chanel.
I love these with everything from wide-leg trousers to dresses for weddings.
Another Arket item I have in multiple colours in my wardrobe. The quality is outstanding.
This new-in jacket has gone straight in my basket because I know I’ll wear it over and over again.
A bouclé jacket is such a polished, timeless piece to have in your wardrobe, as Meghan proved recently.
You’ll rely on this for many years to come. It’s such a classic shape.
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