As a fashion editor, I've spent years curating and refining my capsule wardrobe—a collection of versatile, timeless pieces that form the foundation of my style. If you're not familiar, a capsule wardrobe is essentially a tightly edited selection of items chosen because they can be worn in countless ways, season after season. The objective is to streamline your collection, eliminating excess in favor of quality, functionality and versatility. Think classic button-downs, tailored pants, and outerwear that transitions seamlessly from season to season.
What I love about a capsule wardrobe is its year-round relevance. The key to mastering one, especially as the seasons change, is to focus on tried-and-true pieces that can be easily layered or swapped out depending on the weather. For fall and winter, that means adding a few essentials like knitwear, a great coat, and tailored pants. Over the years, I've become more selective about where I buy these staples, gravitating toward a few brands that consistently deliver quality and style. And luckily for me, four of my favorite destinations are conveniently located in one place: Coal Drop Yard.
Situated in the heart of King's Cross, London, Coal Drops Yard has become my go-to for more than just building my capsule wardrobe. The beautifully designed space offers a dynamic mix of experiences, from a carefully curated selection of boutiques and high street brands to a variety of culinary, cultural and lifestyle offerings. It's incredibly convenient – just a stone's throw from King's Cross station – and offers a refreshing, calm atmosphere, making it a welcome respite from the usual hustle and bustle of London's shopping hotspots. With brands like APC, American Vintage, Uniqlo and COS, it's the ideal destination for finding elevated basics that will last season after season.
But what really sets Coal Drops Yard apart is how it balances fashion, food and culture all in one place. Alongside its standout boutiques, it's home to top-notch restaurants like Mare Street Market (my favorite for a post-shopping lunch), as well as a rotating calendar of events and exhibitions. Right now, he's gearing up for the VOGUE: Inventing the Runway exhibition in Lightroom, which celebrates Vogue's profound influence on fashion and catwalk history. From November 13, 2024 to April 26, 2025, it's a must-see for any fashion lover. Whether you're shopping, dining or exploring culture, Coal Drops Yard offers a fully immersive experience.
On my latest adventure to update my fall wardrobe, I headed straight to a few stores in search of the perfect capsule updates.
When it comes to buttons, APC is a real favorite. A classic shirt is a capsule wardrobe essential, and APC's minimalist aesthetic fits my style perfectly. The brand's buttons are beautifully crafted, with clean lines and subtle details that make them easy to pair with just about anything. I'm a fan of the simpler cotton designs, ideal for wearing under knits or blazers in the colder months. I picked up a tailored white shirt that will work just as well under my favorite cardigan as it will tucked into a pair of jeans. It's the kind of piece you can trust to elevate even the most casual look, and it's a prime example of why I always make a point of stopping by APC
Then I went to American Vintage, where I always find the softest and most luxurious knits. Knitwear is a staple for me all year round (I live in London), but during autumn and winter, they really become the backbone of my wardrobe. I've been wearing American Vintage knits for years and I love how cozy and elegant the pieces are. The brand's sweaters feature a perfect range of neutral tones and textures, making them ideal for layering. Whether I'm running errands in a chunky knit and leggings or pairing a stylish turtleneck with pants for the office, American Vintage always delivers. This time, I bought a classic cardigan in a warm shade of lemon – exactly the kind of piece I'll be wearing again and again in the colder months.
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a great coat, and for that, Uniqlo is my go-to. Uniqlo outerwear is high quality, functional and stylish, all at an affordable price, allowing us to invest in a capsule piece without breaking the bank. Ultra Light Down jackets are a winter essential; they're warm enough for colder days, but stylish and compact enough to layer under heavier wool coats when needed. I decided to opt for a classic gray double-breasted version that will easily transition from chilly morning commutes to weekend strolls in the park. Uniqlo's attention to functionality without sacrificing style makes the brand an obvious choice for this essential item.
Finally, I went to COS for the piece of resistance of any capsule wardrobe: tailored trousers. If I had to pick a favorite item from my entire collection, it would be a pair of classic pants. They're the definition of versatile: equally perfect for a day at the office or a weekend brunch. COS makes some of the best pants on the market, from streamlined straight-leg options to wide-leg, tailored styles that have become a modern staple. I opted for a pair of high-waisted black striped pants that are as comfortable as they are stylish. The cut is immaculate and they fit perfectly. They work effortlessly with a chunky sweater for a more laid-back look or paired with a button-down shirt for a sleek, stylish ensemble. For me, tailored pants are the glue that holds my wardrobe together, and COS always delivers on fit and quality.
All in all, my trip to Coal Drops Yard was very easy. Being able to visit four of my favorite stores to shop capsule pieces in one stylish, easy-to-navigate space makes the process of updating my wardrobe incredibly simple. There's something about the curated selection of brands and the beautiful surroundings that turns a shopping trip into a truly enjoyable experience. Whether you're looking to build your own capsule from scratch or add some high-quality pieces to your existing wardrobe, Coal Drops Yard is undoubtedly the place to go. With everything I need just a short walk away, it's become my go-to destination for selecting my wardrobe essentials – and I know I'll be back when spring arrives for another update.
See more stores at Coal Drops Yard here.
