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

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(Image credit: @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

2. A Belt That Instantly Elevates

3. Polished Wide-Leg Trousers

4. A Chic Pair of Sneakers

5. A Creamy Winter-Weight Blazer

6. A Basic Long-Sleeve Tee

7. A Big, Black Wool Coat

8. A Lightweight Cashmere Layer

9. An On-Trend Column Skirt

10. Day-to-Night Boots

11. A Perfect Pair of Jeans 

12. "Just in Case" Heels

Bonus: My Favorite Airport Pants

Natalie Cantell
Contributing Fashion Editor

Natalie Cantell is a New York-based creative consultant, stylist, and contributing fashion editor. Previously the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio, she now freelances globally on photo shoots, stories, and special projects across the fashion, luxury, beauty, home, and travel categories. Originally from New Zealand, she moved to New York from Sydney (her second home) in 2016. She lives in Williamsburg with her husband, Jake, and their weirdly human dog, Ruby.