Wardrobe Diary | 5 Wardrobe Foundation Pieces


ME+EM’s Founder Clare Hornby talks through her top five wardrobe foundation pieces to invest in now and wear on repeat for years to come.

1  |  THE TROUSER SUIT




I live in a trouser suit. First and foremost, it’s the ultimate time saver when I’m getting ready, whether that’s for a day in the office or for an event. But it’s also a great trans-seasonal investment because I know I can continue wearing them through the months by simply switching up what I layer underneath - I’ll just swap the polo necks that I wear through winter with cotton tanks and shirts for summer. 

To stretch that investment further I mix and match the blazers and trousers of new suits that I invest in with what I already have in my wardrobe as a way to constantly refresh my uniform and breathe new life into old favourites. 

2  |  THE KNIT

A single hero knit will do wonders to liven up your winter staples, and when it’s crafted from exceptional quality, it’ll last every winter for years to come. A bold print, colour or silhouette can be paired with everything from denim for weekends to tailoring for work. It will also do all the work for you when it comes to outfit building because really once you have a hero as your centrepiece, any other classic staple will go with it.

3  |  THE TROUSER

Personally a wide-leg silhouette is my go-to, but you should choose the silhouette that makes you feel most confident (you can visit our Trouser Lab to get to know our shapes and find your perfect fit). Once you have that sorted, it’s just a question of finding a classic hue that will go with everything and never date, and a seasonally-appropriate fabric - like the Italian recycled wool-blend of this trouser. Dress it down with trainers and a cosy jumper, dress it up with heels and a structured jacket - it’s the perfect canvas to build a classic outfit on.

4  |  LEATHER

I know leather is a serious investment piece but the beauty is that it will truly never lose its appeal. We craft ours from by-product Italian leather, in timeless, go-with-everything black and clean cuts so that you can wear them through the seasons, layered up in winter and over a fresh white tee in summer. 

Including a leather piece in your outfit is a shortcut to elevating an otherwise simple look - the clash of texture and contemporary polish does all the work for you to look instantly luxe and considered.

5  |  The Blazer

The tailored blazer has made a real comeback in the last year, but for me it was and will always be an essential. Whether it’s teamed with a matching trouser or styled as an individual piece, a blazer is a sure-fire way to feel pulled together. We design and cut ours with the precision of a Savile Row tailor to ensure they are classic and flattering, paying attention to everything from the lapels to the length so that they sit perfectly with other styles to maintain a sleek shape.