While we’re all for staying on top of the latest trends, there’s one thing all of us at Who What Wear are possibly even more obsessed with—finding the perfect wardrobe staples. Curating the ultimate capsule wardrobe seems to be the key to creating so many of today’s most aspirational looks, and like my fellow editors, I’m constantly on the hunt to unpack the key pieces I should consider investing in—and what brand is making the best versions of each. But where to start on this capsule wardrobe journey? Well personally, if there’s one wardrobe I’m looking to emulate no matter the season or year, it’s the undeniably chic closets of European tastemakers.
Understated, effortless and always balancing sophistication with everyday ease, the best European looks manage to feel both timeless and on-trend. From my research, it looks like this is largely due to them being comprised of a rotation of well-selected wardrobe essentials like a crisp white shirt, elegant ballet flats and a relaxed blazer.
If you don’t already own these styles (although I suspect you will!), trust me when I say you won’t regret making the investment now. And thanks to my online sleuthing, it looks like there are plenty of amazing options that tick all the boxes available right now, from designer and high street favourites alike.
Scroll on to see the classic staples you’ll find in every chic European’s capsule wardrobe, and then shop the best bits available now to help nail the look.
SHOP EUROPEAN WARDROBE STAPLES:
1. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Over the past couple of years, ballet flats have gone from French style staple to an bonafide fashion essential across Europe. Endlessly versatile, these flats now come in an extensive range of silhouettes, colours and patterns to suit every outfit.
SHOP BALLET FLATS:
Reformation
Prudence Ballet Flat
These elegant flats come in a mix of colours, but I especially love this on-trend leopard print pair.
Arket
Leather Ballet Flats
You can’t go wrong with a classic black flat.
Toteme
Satin Ballet Flats
These have such an elegant, Scandi-inspired shape.
H&M
Fuzzy Leather Ballet Pumps
These would instantly elevate an all-black ensemble.
LE MONDE BERYL
Satin Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Add these to any look to instantly create a French aesthetic.
2. Relaxed Blazer
Style Notes: A blazer is a wardrobe staple that always comes in handy for adding an elevated touch to so many outfits. Layered over jeans and a t-shirt or an evening dress, it manages to make an outfit look that bit more considered. There are plenty of silhouettes to choose from, but it seems that Europeans particularly lean towards the relaxed fit.
SHOP RELAXED BLAZERS
The kind of blazer that goes with absolutely everything.
Marks & Spencer
Relaxed Single Breasted Blazer
A white blazer is just so chic — and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
hush
Pure Wool Double Faced Blazer
A chocolate-brown style feels especially on trend.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Bea Crepe Blazer
This blazer has been a bestseller for years.
ANOTHER TOMORROW
+ Net Sustain Oversized Merino Wool Blazer
3. Wide-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: It seems there’s always a new denim trend dominating every season, but Europeans have long stood behind one particular silhouette: the wide-leg cut. Whatever hue or wash you opt for, you’ll find that a wide-leg pair always delivers that effortless coolness we all aspire to achieve.
SHOP WIDE-LEG JEANS:
Arket
Cloud Loose Wide Jeans
Our editors are obsessed with these jeans.
TOTEME
Wide Leg Denim Cool Blue
Reformation
Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
These have such a cool, 90s vibe.
FRAME
The Wide High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Perfect for those who like their jeans to stop at the ankle.
AGOLDE
Dame High-Rise Wide-Leg Organic Jeans
The kind of pair that’ll just get better with age.
4. White Shirt
Style Notes: If you don’t own the perfect white shirt yet, make it your mission to find one this season. Once you’ve got the one that fits just right, you’ll see just how handy it is. From day to night, the crisp white shirt can be used to create so many effortlessly elegant ensembles.
SHOP WHITE SHIRTS:
With Nothing Underneath
The Classic: Weave, White
I invested in one of these this year and so far it’s my favourite purchase of 2025.
Arket
Relaxed-Fit Poplin Shirt
A bestseller for a reason.
Ideal for those who like an oversized fit.
AMI PARIS
Adc Embroidered Cotton Oxford Shirt
That little Ami Paris logo is such a cool detail.
A linen shirt will come in especially handy in the warm weather months.
5. Colourful Trainers
Style Notes: Sure, white trainers are always handy, but stylish Europeans know that colourful footwear is a brilliant way to elevate an otherwise understated, monochromatic look. And who doesn’t want a little dopamine hit during these grey, cloudy days?
SHOP COLOURFUL TRAINERS:
Gola
Gola X Anthropologie Elan Suede Trainers
ASICS
Gel-Kayano 20 Rubber-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers
For those who like the athletic look.
NIKE
Cortez Vintage Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede Sneakers
These have me dreaming of spring days.
LOEWE
Flow Runner 2.0 Leather-Trimmed Shell and Suede Sneakers
The influencer-adored Loewe trainers now come in fun, spring colours.
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
+ Wales Bonner Samba Millennium Paneled Suede and Croc-Effect Leather Sneakers
I’ll love anything from the Adidas x Wales Bonner collab.
6. LBD
Style Notes: Even if you already own a LBD, you can always make the case for adding another to your collection. Mini or midi, silky or knitted, finding the right LBD opens up a world of outfit opportunities—and it’s one of the best pieces to have on hand if you need to curate an outfit that can go from day to night.
SHOP LBDS:
Reformation
Nataly Knit Dress
Straight out of the 90s and onto my wish list.
Réalisation Par | UK
The Carrie – Black
Carrie Bradshaw would definitely approve.
Massimo Dutti
Fitted Short Sleeve Midi Dress
This could easily work for the office or the weekend, day or night.
FAITHFULL
Ostano Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
The kind of dress you could style for all seasons.
The sheer layer is such a chic touch.
7. Cashmere Jumper
Style Notes: As we move into the transitional season, cashmere knitwear is going to become your most beloved layering staple. Wear over a white t-shirt or tie over your shoulders and you’ll instantly look like a European styling pro.
SHOP CASHMERE JUMPERS:
Marks & Spencer
Pure Cashmere V-Neck Jumper
M&S is my high street go-to for great quality cashmere.
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
I love the slouchy fit of this style.
LA LIGNE
Mini Toujours Striped Cashmere Sweater
COS
Chunky Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper
Ideal for those crisp days.
KHAITE
Mae Cashmere Sweater
Supremely elegant cashmere that you’ll love forever.
