Your Ultimate Guide to Studio Nicholson: Timeless Minimalism with an Edge
Hey there, fashion friend! If you‘re a fan of modern minimalism, impeccable tailoring, and independent labels with a unique point of view, then I have a feeling you‘re going to love getting to know Studio Nicholson.
Founded in 2010 by British designer Nick Wakeman, Studio Nicholson has become the go-to brand for discerning women and men who appreciate timeless design, premium quality, and an aesthetic that strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary. With a cult following that includes celebrities like Julianne Moore and Alexa Chung, Studio Nicholson is the definition of effortless cool.
But what makes this under-the-radar label so special? And are its pieces really worth the splurge? As a fashion editor and longtime Studio Nicholson devotee, I‘m here to give you the inside scoop. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll be sharing my honest thoughts on the brand‘s best-selling styles, its design philosophy and brand values, and why I personally believe that Studio Nicholson is the ultimate investment for a forever wardrobe.
So grab a coffee, settle in, and get ready to discover your new fashion obsession!
What is Studio Nicholson?
In a nutshell, Studio Nicholson is a London-based fashion brand that specializes in luxurious, beautifully crafted wardrobe essentials with a modern minimalist aesthetic. Think crisp poplin shirting, perfectly cut trousers, sculptural outerwear, and sumptuous knitwear, all in a sophisticated palette of neutral tones like black, ivory, camel, and navy.
The brand was founded by Nick Wakeman, a Central Saint Martins-trained designer with over two decades of industry experience at the likes of Ally Capellino, Shirin Guild, and Camper. Disillusioned with the relentless pace and disposability of the mainstream fashion industry, Wakeman set out to create a brand that would offer a more thoughtful, enduring approach to personal style.
As she explains it:
"I wanted to slow things down and really perfect the design of those essential pieces that form the building blocks of our wardrobes. The idea was to create a modular clothing system of interchangeable pieces that could be mixed, matched, and layered to create infinite outfits, rather than chasing trends or producing huge new collections every season."
The result is a tightly edited range of impeccably constructed essentials that draw inspiration from menswear, workwear, and the pared-back elegance of ‘90s minimalism. But these are not your average basics. Every Studio Nicholson piece is designed with obsessive attention to detail and cut from the finest fabrics, sourced from the same mills and tanneries as top luxury brands.
It‘s this uncompromising commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and intelligent design that sets Studio Nicholson apart, and has earned it a devoted following among industry insiders, creatives, and anyone who appreciates forever style over fast fashion.
Studio Nicholson: The Stats
- Founded: 2010
- Founder: Nick Wakeman
- Based In: London, UK
- Best Known For: Expertly tailored basics, androgynous minimalist aesthetic, modular wardrobe building blocks
- Price Point: Contemporary designer (e.g. $150-$400 for shirting, trousers, and knitwear; $500-$1,500 for outerwear and leather goods)
- Signature Pieces: Moro wide-leg trousers, Como mac coat, Sorrel skirt, Barra jacket
- Retail Presence: 2 flagship stores (London and Tokyo) and stocked at 100+ retailers worldwide including Net-a-Porter, MatchesFashion, Nordstrom, Totokaelo
- Sustainable Practices: 90% of collections made in the EU (Italy, Portugal, UK), partners with ethical factories and mills, uses eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and regenerated cashmere, produces in small batches to minimize waste
- Celeb Fans: Julianne Moore, Alexa Chung, Florence Pugh, Josh O‘Connor, Idris Elba
My Studio Nicholson Favorites
Now that you have a better sense of what Studio Nicholson is all about, let‘s dive into the good stuff—the clothes! After years of wearing Studio Nicholson myself and seeing how the pieces hold up over time (spoiler alert: amazingly), I‘ve narrowed down my absolute must-haves from the brand.
These are the forever pieces that form the foundation of my personal style, and that I know I‘ll be reaching for season after season, year after year. I hope they‘ll inspire you to start building your own Studio Nicholson collection!
The Moro Trousers
If I had to pick just one Studio Nicholson piece to wear for the rest of my life, it would be the iconic Moro Trousers. I know that sounds dramatic, but hear me out. First of all, the fit is nothing short of magic. The high waist nips you in at just the right spot, while the exaggerated wide legs create the most stunning long, lean line. Plus, the heavy cotton-wool blend fabric skims over your curves rather than clinging, and never bags out at the knees or bum.
But what I really love about the Moro Trousers is how insanely versatile they are. Seriously, I‘ve worn mine with everything from a plain white tee and Birkenstocks to a silk cami and heeled mules for a wedding. They instantly make any outfit feel polished and put-together, but still totally effortless and cool. If you‘re looking to invest in a pair of trousers that will take you anywhere and make you feel like a million bucks, the Moro is The One.
The Como Mac Coat
When it comes to outerwear, the Studio Nicholson Como Mac Coat is pretty hard to beat. It has all the timeless appeal of a classic mac, but with modern, sculptural details that make it feel totally fresh and current. The oversized, cocoon-like shape looks amazing over everything from chunky knits to slinky slip dresses, and the cotton-nylon fabric is the perfect mid-weight for transitional weather.
I especially love the way the Como drapes when you wear it open and loose, creating that effortless thrown-on look. But it also looks super chic cinched at the waist with the self-belt for a more defined silhouette. I have it in the navy colorway which goes with absolutely everything, but I‘m also eyeing the ivory for spring. Trust me, this is the coat you‘ll be living in 24/7, 365 days a year.
The Faro Shirt
A perfect button-down shirt is the ultimate wardrobe staple, and for me, Studio Nicholson‘s Faro Shirt is the gold standard. It‘s just oversized enough to be super comfortable and easy to throw on, but the crisp cotton fabric and considered details like the point collar and mother-of-pearl buttons keep it looking polished and put-together.
The genius of the Faro is in the fit—it‘s roomy through the shoulders and bust (no pulling or gaping!), but nips in slightly at the waist for a subtly tailored effect. And the bracelet-length sleeves are perfect for showing off your watch or bangles. This is the shirt I reach for whenever I need a reliable outfit anchor, whether I‘m throwing it on with jeans for a casual weekend vibe or tucking it into trousers for a big meeting. Can‘t recommend it enough.
How to Style Your Studio Nicholson Pieces
One of the things I love most about Studio Nicholson is how easy the pieces are to mix and match to create a complete wardrobe. While they definitely have a minimalist, pared-back sensibility, the beauty is that they can be styled so many different ways to suit your personal aesthetic.
Here are a few of my favorite Studio Nicholson outfit formulas to get you started:
The Cool & Casual: Moro Trousers + Faro Shirt + White Leather Sneakers
The Moro Trousers and Faro Shirt are a match made in effortless dressing heaven. Just add a pair of sleek white sneakers (I‘m partial to Common Projects) to complete the look. Cuff the trousers a couple times to show some ankle and keep the vibe casual. This combo works just as well for weekend brunching as it does for creative off-site meetings.
The Chic & Polished: Faro Shirt + Como Mac Coat + Black Tailored Trousers + Block-Heel Ankle Boots
For days when I need to look a little more dressed up without sacrificing comfort, this is my go-to outfit. Start with the Faro Shirt (either tucked or half-tucked), and add your favorite pair of tailored black trousers. Top it off with the Como Mac Coat and a sleek block-heel ankle boot and you‘re good to go from meetings to dinner to drinks. Pro tip: add a bold red lip to up the glam factor!
The Artsy & Eclectic: Sorrel Skirt + Barra Jacket + Chunky Turtleneck + Ankle Socks + Loafers
I love this outfit for gallery hopping, matinees, or anytime I want to channel an artsy, slightly off-beat vibe. Start with the Studio Nicholson Sorrel Skirt, a swingy pleated midi that looks amazing with ankle socks and loafers. Add the boxy Barra Jacket and a chunky turtleneck sweater in a contrasting texture (think cashmere or wool). A cross-body bag and tortoiseshell sunnies complete the look.
Studio Nicholson vs. Other Contemporary Minimalist Brands
If you‘re a fan of modern minimalism, then you probably already have some go-to brands for elevated basics. But how does Studio Nicholson stack up to the competition? Here‘s my take:
Studio Nicholson vs. Theory: Both brands are known for their tailoring and focus on luxury fabrics, but I find Studio Nicholson‘s pieces have a more relaxed, effortless vibe compared to Theory‘s structured, boardroom-ready aesthetic. Studio Nicholson also tends to be a bit more fashion-forward and directional in terms of silhouettes and details.
Studio Nicholson vs. Jil Sander: There are definitely some similarities between these two brands in terms of minimalist sensibility and focus on quality craftsmanship. However, Jil Sander‘s pieces tend to be a bit more austere and architectural, while Studio Nicholson has a slightly softer, more organic look. Studio Nicholson is also a bit more accessible price-wise.
Studio Nicholson vs. The Row: The Row is definitely the gold standard when it comes to ultra-luxe minimalist fashion, but their prices reflect that (think $800+ for a basic tee). While Studio Nicholson is still firmly in the contemporary designer category, I think they offer a similar aesthetic and level of quality at a slightly more approachable price point. The Row also skews a bit more feminine and polished, while Studio Nicholson has that great boy-meets-girl, androgynous vibe.
Final Thoughts
By now, I think it‘s pretty clear that I‘m a huge Studio Nicholson fan. As someone whose personal style is all about timeless pieces with a modern edge, the brand just totally clicks with my fashion sensibility and lifestyle. I love that I can always count on Studio Nicholson for impeccably crafted, eternally chic essentials that make me feel polished and put-together, even when I‘m running on four hours of sleep and an iced latte.
But beyond just great style, I also respect Studio Nicholson‘s slow fashion ethos and commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Knowing that my clothes were made responsibly with respect for both people and planet makes me feel good about investing in these pieces for the long haul.
Ultimately, Studio Nicholson is the perfect brand for anyone who wants to build a forever wardrobe of versatile, luxurious basics that will never go out of style. The price point is definitely an investment, but in my experience, it‘s 100% worth it for the quality, fit, and longevity you get in return.
So if you‘re ready to embrace a more thoughtful approach to dressing and discover the power of a perfectly cut trouser or impeccably tailored coat, I can‘t recommend Studio Nicholson highly enough. Trust me, your closet (and your fashion-loving heart) will thank you.
