The Alex Fullerton Edit x Percy Langley
Posted on July 07 2023
I have always extolled the benefits of collating a foundation wardrobe. In my book, How To Dress, I dedicated a whole chapter to the ten essential items I think every woman should own and I’m thrilled to find all these essentials at Percy Langley.
These ten pieces will save you time and money as well as being the building blocks for an array of outfits that will all hit the spot on days when you think, I have nothing to wear! These may be staples but they are absolutely not basic. If you’re adding anything to your wardrobe it needs to chime with your own personal style - but if you can invest in responsibly made, considered pieces they will last you for years. I’ve pulled together my pick of wardrobe essentials from Percy Langley which would all work for the summer months - and seasons ahead. From these 10 pieces you can make a minimum of 22 outfits. That’s an equation I can get on board with!
The 18 Hour Dress
This is the piece that you can wear all day and with just a switch up of accessories it will suit the school run or cocktails after work. If you’re buying a dress to wear specifically for a wedding or social summer event, you want to get the most mileage from it, to ensure it’s not a one-wear wonder (which is no good for the planet) Minkie Studio’s polka dot pattern is endlessly chic and the deadstock viscose fabric swishes around your legs like a dream.
This is the piece that you can wear all day and with just a switch up of accessories it will suit the school run or cocktails after work. If you’re buying a dress to wear specifically for a wedding or social summer event, you want to get the most mileage from it, to ensure it’s not a one-wear wonder (which is no good for the planet) Minkie Studio’s polka dot pattern is endlessly chic and the deadstock viscose fabric swishes around your legs like a dream.
The Denim Dress
I’m an advocate for the denim dress being a staple as it’s surprisingly versatile.
Choose a shirt dress style and you can dress it up or down but because it’s denim, you’ll always look cool. Saywood’s is made from Japanese cotton denim which is super soft. Once the weather turns I’d layer this over a polo neck with thick tights and chunky boots.
The T-shirt
Choose a T-shirt that suits your body shape, whether a v neck or crew style, and
you’ll be set for so many outfits. This one is made from organic cotton, which is a kinder option that conventionally grown cotton, as it doesn’t need extra irrigation, pesticides or herbicides to grow. It’s also made in Wales, which keeps the air miles down and the carbon footprint lower. I particularly like teaming a t-shirt with a fancier bottom half but this is the sort of staple you’ll rely on day inlay out.
Choose a T-shirt that suits your body shape, whether a v neck or crew style, and
you’ll be set for so many outfits. This one is made from organic cotton, which is a kinder option that conventionally grown cotton, as it doesn’t need extra irrigation, pesticides or herbicides to grow. It’s also made in Wales, which keeps the air miles down and the carbon footprint lower. I particularly like teaming a t-shirt with a fancier bottom half but this is the sort of staple you’ll rely on day inlay out.
The Knit
Yes even in high summer we need knitwear for chilly evenings, days at the seaside and general British weather. Look for a sweater vest, shorter sleeve knit or a cutaway collar so you can layer up and have your under pieces visible - this will make your outfit look like you’ve styled yourself rather than just thrown a jumper on. This knit is made from a mix of recycled yarns.
Yes even in high summer we need knitwear for chilly evenings, days at the seaside and general British weather. Look for a sweater vest, shorter sleeve knit or a cutaway collar so you can layer up and have your under pieces visible - this will make your outfit look like you’ve styled yourself rather than just thrown a jumper on. This knit is made from a mix of recycled yarns.
The Reworked Shirt
I had to include a shirt in my edit because they work so many ways. From tucking them into smart trousers for an office day, dialling down the glamour of a silky skirt or wearing open as a shacket over swimwear, a shirt does it all. I recommend choosing one that has a spliced patchwork detail that feels more considered than a plainer style and which will elevate countless outfits.
I had to include a shirt in my edit because they work so many ways. From tucking them into smart trousers for an office day, dialling down the glamour of a silky skirt or wearing open as a shacket over swimwear, a shirt does it all. I recommend choosing one that has a spliced patchwork detail that feels more considered than a plainer style and which will elevate countless outfits.
The Polished Trousers
Combining something casual with something smart is every stylist’s favourite trick. You’ll end up looking chic but never over the top (being overdressed is my biggest fear!) These organic cotton trousers are sharp and smart and look slick with heels and tailoring but they also work with trainers on the school run, for a look that is more than just basic.
Combining something casual with something smart is every stylist’s favourite trick. You’ll end up looking chic but never over the top (being overdressed is my biggest fear!) These organic cotton trousers are sharp and smart and look slick with heels and tailoring but they also work with trainers on the school run, for a look that is more than just basic.
The Statement Skirt
This piece is key to making your casual pieces smart and bringing your personality into a capsule wardrobe of foundation pieces. It will work as a beautiful piece of daywear, with casual sweatshirts or tees, but if you add heels it makes an entrance into eveningwear. The fabric is deadstock, meaning it was already in existence but going to waste, before it was repurposed into these swishy skirts.
This piece is key to making your casual pieces smart and bringing your personality into a capsule wardrobe of foundation pieces. It will work as a beautiful piece of daywear, with casual sweatshirts or tees, but if you add heels it makes an entrance into eveningwear. The fabric is deadstock, meaning it was already in existence but going to waste, before it was repurposed into these swishy skirts.
The Jeans
New denim is one of most polluting pieces in the fashion world so finding an
upcycled pair of jeans will reduce the impact of the fabric. The Well Worn source
deadstock denim (and other materials) to create new to you pieces that will turn
heads. The straight leg shape and slouchy cut will obviously work as casual wear but try your jeans with dressier tops for an edgy take on eveningwear.
New denim is one of most polluting pieces in the fashion world so finding an
upcycled pair of jeans will reduce the impact of the fabric. The Well Worn source
deadstock denim (and other materials) to create new to you pieces that will turn
heads. The straight leg shape and slouchy cut will obviously work as casual wear but try your jeans with dressier tops for an edgy take on eveningwear.
The Blazer
For me, a blazer is like a superhero’s cape in the way it gives me confidence and polishes up a look. Even if I’m in jeans and trainers, a blazer will sharpen
everything and make me feel pulled together (however much of a mess I’m in,
inside!) For warmer months, pale colours always look fresh.
For me, a blazer is like a superhero’s cape in the way it gives me confidence and polishes up a look. Even if I’m in jeans and trainers, a blazer will sharpen
everything and make me feel pulled together (however much of a mess I’m in,
inside!) For warmer months, pale colours always look fresh.
The on trend updater
2023 is the summer of the waistcoat and while I always steer towards classics,
rather than trends, sometimes one fresh piece is all your wardrobe needs to
facilitate an array of new looks and refresh your existing outfits. I promise the
waistcoat will become a permatrend with longevity way beyond the summer
season.
2023 is the summer of the waistcoat and while I always steer towards classics,
rather than trends, sometimes one fresh piece is all your wardrobe needs to
facilitate an array of new looks and refresh your existing outfits. I promise the
waistcoat will become a permatrend with longevity way beyond the summer
season.
Alex Fullerton is a stylist and writer with over 20 years experience in the industry. Formerly fashion director at Stylist magazine, she is now fashion director at large for GLAMOUR UK and has also contributed to V, Grazia, Telegraph Magazine and international editions of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Alex has styled talents including Kylie Minogue, Yasmin Le Bon, Florence Welch and Sophie Turner and worked with Rankin and David Bailey. Her first book, How To Dress, was a best- seller in Amazon’s fashion category on launch.
