Truly My Best Packing Yet: 5 Nights in London, 12 Versatile Pieces, Zero Regrets

Photo:

@nataliecantell; Pictured: Celine D-Frame Sunglasses ($510) and Medium Croque Bag ($1950); Rag & Bone Ingrid Oversize Rib Wool Funnel Neck Sweater ($495); Nanushka trousers; Khaite Bambi Leather Belt ($381); Adidas Samba OG Sneaker ($100)

Truth be told, I wasn't planning to write about what I wore on this recent little jaunt to London. It was all a bit last minute and—if my past impromptu travels are anything to go by—really should have resulted in a far less successful packing situation. Somehow, between my recent efforts to ruthlessly cull my shoes and boots down to a five-piece footwear capsule and my current "fewer better things" shopping mantra, the pieces that landed in my suitcase managed to provide more than enough outfit combinations to get me through five nights in London.

Even if you're not traveling anytime soon, building out an intentional winter capsule is a great way to feel good about your wardrobe. The building blocks are seasonal staples you love to wear, fit your lifestyle, and are highly mix-and-matchable. For me, that starts with apparel like wide-leg trousers, on-trend knitwear, and a handful of investment-worthy accessories. (At the top of my list right now is a polished belt.) Peep the rest of the trusty pieces I packed below. I've also included what I now refer to as my "airport pants" that I'm currently recommending to absolutely everyone, whether they ask or not.

1. A Chunky Turtleneck Sweater

It would be rude of me not to mention that the newest addition to my winter wardrobe comes with not just a matching scarf but also mittens. (Mittens!)

2. A Belt That Instantly Elevates

I get so many compliments on this belt.

3. Polished Wide-Leg Trousers

These look way more expensive than their price tag.

These also come in black, but I wanted to give a moment to this chic navy option.

4. A Chic Pair of Sneakers

Just part of my uniform at this point.

The way the gum sole curls over the toe and up the heel.

5. A Creamy Winter-Weight Blazer

This season's slight update of the wool-blend Mango blazer I bought a few seasons ago and continue to wear to death.

Extremely excited about this brushed texture and the matching skirt.

This corduroy suiting is so cool, especially with the exaggerated lapel for a little extra '70s energy.

6. A Basic Long-Sleeve Tee

My go-to long-sleeve tee is available in so many sizes, from 3XS to 3XL.

7. A Big, Black Wool Coat

Mango is a treasure trove of excellent-quality coats.

8. A Lightweight Cashmere Layer

Nordstrom's cashmere knits come in so many styles and colorways, but this oatmeal crew-neck is flawless.

The ribbed cashmere shirt-cardigan hybrid I never knew I needed.

9. An On-Trend Column Skirt

Tailored skirts are continuing to be such an It item.

Exceptional with a chunky knit and sneakers or a blazer and heels.

The belt loops are just begging to be paired with one of the above belts.

10. Day-to-Night Boots

Something about the almond toe and the softly rounded heel.

Kitten heels are getting all the buzz right now.

I'm beginning to understand all the fuss about Reformation's footwear.

11. A Perfect Pair of Jeans 

I purchased these Khaite jeans during the Moda Operandi sale and haven't looked back.

The twisted side seam is giving Toteme energy.

This is the perfect high waist to sit under a slightly cropped sweater.

12. "Just in Case" Heels

I'm still on the slingback train. The key to packing just one pair of heels is to make sure you've tried them on with whatever length jeans and trousers you're bringing so they're the right height no matter what.

I'm appallingly late to the game with Mary Jane heels, but I think a patent-leather pair may be on the horizon.

I'm completely and unapologetically obsessed with these.

Bonus: My Favorite Airport Pants

Truly, this is the exact bottom half of my outfit every time I head to the airport, Sambas included. If you're new to Vuori, yes, the price tag is definitely worth it. These pants are softer than anything you've ever experienced and totally pass as wide-leg trousers if you hide the drawstring waistband with a longer top.

For an option with a little more weight to it, these are chic and tidy thanks to the stitched seam detail. They're very worthy of wearing out and about.

I genuinely find it hard to reach for anything other than my wide-leg knit pants most mornings.