I'm A Fashion Designer in My 50s—This Is How I Built An Anti-Trend Capsule Wardrobe

As a fashion editor I'm often asked for pointers on the latest trends so that readers can feel "up to date", but in my experience I've found that the best outfits are often the timeless classics that flatter everyone, and not just flash-in-the-pan aesthetics. For me, and so many other women, I feel my most confident when I look my best, and putting together outfits to boost confidence is a fine skill, so when it comes to discussing the best buys for a reader over 50, my advice is exactly the same as it would be for anyone else: start with wardrobe staples and investment pieces. How you choose to express yourself through fashion doesn't come down to age, but it does pay to build a capsule wardrobe that will see you through any season and still look good years down the line. So where do you begin when assembling a well-curated closet I hear you ask? I turned to an expert for advice.

Designer and founder of WYSE London, Marielle Wyse, knows a thing or two about styling women of any age. Scrolling through Instagram, I couldn't help but notice how Marielle's sound style tips and easy-to-recreate looks apply to women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, and if you were expecting ankle skirts and twin-sets, I'll stop you there. Her comprehensive jeans collection, affinity for leg-baring hemlines, and penchant for minimalist accessorising are all nods to her French heritage—and at Who What Wear we have learned a lot from stylish Parisians.

Whether you're looking for trending buys, investment pieces, or hoping to streamline a chaotic wardrobe, keep scrolling to see 7 ways to build a capsule from one of the best in the industry, and to shop the key pieces that are anti-trend failsafes.

1. THE WHITE SHIRT

Style Notes: Sorry t-shirts, when it comes to layering pieces, a classic Oxford shirt wins out for it's polished finish. Marielle's choice? The perfect white shirt of course–especially with a looser, laidback fit. "A relaxed white shirt gives me a Katherine Hepburn feel. Especially with when it has a relaxed shape and a stiff collar that can stay “popped”.

Shop White Shirts:

WYSE London

Db X Wyse Cotton Shirt

£165

Perfect tucked into high-waisted jeans.

With Nothing Underneath

The Boyfriend: Weave, White

£100

With Nothing Underneath's bestselling boyfriend shirt comes in so many different colours.

COS

Oversized Linen Shirt

£75

A linen option that comes heatwave-ready.

2. THE CASHMERE KNIT

Style Notes: It might be summer, but a fine knit is a versatile wonder you'll be glad to have in your wardrobe as soon as the temperatures get cooler. "I founded Wyse with cashmere jumpers and they are still a staple of our collection," notes Wyse. "I believe you can wear them year-round, from chilly evenings on your summer holidays all the way to Christmas." Take tips from Marielle and pair a light cashmere knit with shorts and skirts in summer, and layer them up over t-shirts and dresses for autumn and winter.

Shop Cashmere Knits:

&Daughter

Aoife Cashmere Polo Shirt in Dusty Pink

£425

Such a good fine knit for summer.

WYSE London

Chrissie Cashmere Jumper

£225

Such! Cute! Stripes!

Rise and Fall

Finest Cashmere Classic Crewneck Jumper

£90

A neutral knit will go with everything.

3. THE FLARED JEANS

Style Notes: Straight jeans might be still be trending, but when it comes to a shape that flatters every figure (and looks great dressed up or down), flared jeans are a reliable choice. "A flared jean is a shape that makes me feel good all day," says Wyse. "Its such a classic shape, but feels immediately modern in a dark wash, or with a carpenter pocket detail. I like to add a French twist to a lot of our pieces being half French myself, and I love the distinctly Parisian edge a flare gives to an outfit."

Shop Flared Jeans:

CHLOÉ

High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

£735

Proof that the French have perfected high-waisted, wide-leg jeans.

Levi's

Ribcage Bell Jeans

£110

Just add a ruffle blouse and tan sandals.

WYSE London

Flossie Carpenter Flare Cropped Jean

£180

This whole outfit is total perfection.

4. TONAL LAYERING

Style Notes: Colour-blocking has always been the fashion insiders secret to looking expensive, but Marielle uses head-to-toe hues to play with proportions too. "I’m not the tallest, so tonal dressing is my special secret to elongate the body," she advises. "I like playing with interesting unexpected colours too like this beautiful green, so I don't always have to rely on monochrome."

Shop Tonal Dressing:

WYSE London

Clemmy Shirt - Coffee Stripe

£165

Just when I thought I had enough striped shirts in my collection, this just changed my mind.

MAX MARA

Senna Pleated Wool-Twill Wide-Leg Pants

£460

The perfect loose-leg fit.

A.EMERY

Prince Suede Sandals

£180

5. THE SILK DRESS

Style Notes: Dresses are the instant outfit we turn to for just about any occasion, but on the days you have to meet a more formal dress code, Marielle's go-to is a silk dress in particular. "Fabric is so important to me, and I think it can make or break an outfit. A silk dress always makes me feel special and gives me a boost of confidence throughout the day. Plus, it help that it’s the perfect day to night dressing option."

Shop Silk Dresses:

Lily Silk

Cowl Neck Oblique-Layered Silk Dress

£159

You can never go wrong with a slip dress.

WYSE London

Fabienne Silk Dress - Ditsy

£295

Such a pretty shape and print.

Nobodys Child

Ivory Satin Lace Trim Nessy Midaxi Dress

£110

You'll wear this for years to come.

6. THE JUMPSUIT

Style Notes: Not into dresses? Fear not, jumpsuits have all of the ease of dresses but with the added practically of trousers. Did we mention they're also just as versatile? "I love effortless dressing and a jumpsuit does just that—they’re just so easy to dress up with heels or down with flats or trainers for sport chic. I always make sure we have a jumpsuit in our collections as they are so versatile, and they're especially good for Autumn dressing when you don’t know what the weather will be doing."

Shop Jumpsuits:

WYSE London

Db X Wyse Cordell Jumpsuit - Khaki

£195

Perfect with sandals and a basket bag.

PAIGE

Harper Ankle Stretch-Denim Jumpsuit

£365

Your weekend outfit sorted.

Boden

Carla Linen Jumpsuit

£135

Black linen is so chic.

7. THE KNIT TANK

Style Notes: In transitional weather, it's easy to find outfit planning tricky. When it's too warm for a jumper but too chilly for t-shirts, try a sleeveless knit for peak comfort. "I love this staple for transitional seasons," notes Marielle. "You can wear a knitted tank with bare arms, over a dress to change up the look, or layered up over a shirt." The possibilities are endless, and just think of the cost per wear...

Shop Knit Tank Tops:

Jigsaw

Cotton Blend Crew Tank | Ivory

£89

This comes in eight different colours.

WYSE London

Fleurine Scallop Tank - Peridot

£95

The scallop edging is so cute.

DÔEN

Kenley Fair Isle Knitted Vest

£170

Bring on autumn!