Tabitha Simmons believes that cultivating a capsule edit begins with knowing what works for you and your lifestyle. Take great, reliable workwear. “Sometimes, the starting point might be a shoe or a piece I love, but it still has to feel like it belongs to her world. The best looks feel personal...” For model Neelam Gill, that translates into a beautiful FENDI riff on a skirt suit that feels at once easy and ready to meet whatever the day brings.

The pace of everyday life calls for pieces that adapt effortlessly. When choosing them, Tabitha always starts with the silhouette. "If the shape works, we've done half the job." Then texture, fabric and colour come into play. Take your time, and you'll find pieces you'll want to wear again and again, ones that will end up feeling very much your own. A leather jacket or coat, versatile jeans and a white shirt are pieces that define a wardrobe built to last.

The key to nailing a casual look? For the stylist, the essentials are "quality materials, considered design and simplicity" — the rest follows naturally. When in doubt, go for a classic combination of fitted and relaxed pieces to achieve a layering effect that never fails. In Neelam's case, a timeless tweed jacket from Isabel Marant paired with wide-leg jeans is always a winning choice.

The ultimate test of a capsule look is how it makes us feel. Dressing is intuition. When a look works, you know it instantly. The woman feels comfortable; she isn't adjusting her clothes or second-guessing them. The pieces accompany her, without imposing themselves. For the evening, a timeless silhouette in a vibrant shade and an accessory that draws every eye.