The Capsule Closet Guide
Staples, essentials, wardrobe fail-safes - whatever you call them, these are the pieces that transcend the seasons to form your ultimate capsule wardrobe. Discover the classic pieces to invest in now and wear forever, from transitional tailoring to failsafe flats.
The Timeless Tailoring
We’ve never met a time of year we didn’t want to slip into great tailoring, whether it’s a relaxed, androgynous three-piece suit from The Frankie Shop or something with a more feminine and contemporary slant like BETTTER’s mix-and-match blazer, mini skirt and trouser combos. Depending on the temperature, you can wear with a tank top or tee underneath then add a shirt, before levelling up to a knitted polo neck that will keep you stylishly warm. And, should the day require, you can shrug your carefully chosen coat over the top, too, for the perfect finishing touch.
The Really Good Jeans
You might consider them a basic but it's worth taking your time to find the perfectly fitting pair of jeans given that, once you've found them, you'll be wearing them on repeat. A high-waisted, straight legged pair in blue washed, non-stretch denim will give you the most styling possibilities - they'll look just as good worn with embellished heels and a blazer after dark as with sandals and a much-loved T-Shirt at the weekend. If your office dress code is suitably relaxed, they can be polished up enough for work too. Wide-legged jeans, meanwhile, have a slouchiness that brings immediate laid-back cool to any look.
Your Forever Flats
From Alaïa's coveted mesh ballet pumps to The Row's iconic 'Enzo' loafers (in black leather or brown suede), a pair of elevated flats will anchor any outfit and add quiet elegance to your sartorial roster when closed toes are required. For the warmer months, no wardrobe is complete without a pair of sandals, and a sleek leather pair will carry you through endless summer days and nights whether you're spending them in the city or by the beach. Look for classic shapes, from A.EMERY, Chloé and Jil Sander.
The Simple Shirt
The best thing about a really great shirt? That you can instantly switch its vibe just by doing up or undoing an extra couple of buttons. Choose one with a relaxed cut and in a timeless shade or classic stripe - you're looking for something with androgynous overtones. Wear buttoned up under a blazer for work, with jeans and the sleeves rolled off duty and undone as low as you dare for evenings out. It will travel well too - pack it for your summer escape and it will double as an ultra-chic cover-up thrown over your favourite swimwear.
The Classic Bag
Your handbag is a real investment piece. This isn't the moment to be influenced by of-the-moment trends - you're looking for a true wardrobe hero, something that you'll love now and want by your side for years and seasons to come. A classic leather bag doesn't just have timeless appeal, it will age really well too, softening with wear. So what to choose? Bottega Veneta's signature woven detailing is made to go the distance, Gucci's horsebit shoulder bag is the modern ladylike choice while Maeden’s ‘Yumi’ tote is endlessly practical and KHAITE’s ‘Maeve’ and ‘Elena’ will take you everywhere.
The Transitional Jacket
Typically a trench coat or a bomber are the no-brainers in this scenario, but the quilted jacket has fast established itself as one of the most versatile items in our closets. The standout choice? WARDROBE.NYC's two for the price of one reversible bomber, it's a signature sporty and smooth bomber on one side but since it's reversible, you can switch things up with the quilted other. Twice as nice. Lest we forget the blazer - arguably the hardest working piece in your wardrobe. Shrugging on a tailored blazer is the fastest way to elevate even your most low-key pieces. Whether you prefer yours single or double breasted, look for one with an easy, masculine silhouette rather than something super-fitted for maximum versatility, and opt for a fabric and colour that will work with your personal style all year round. For summer, wear over dresses or pair with tailored shorts and leather sandals, style with trousers and jeans and a vest or shirt for understated effortless cool and layer with knits, leather and a trophy coat when the temperature dips.
The Chic Shades
Fashion insiders know that you need at least two pairs of sunglasses in your sartorial arsenal: one modern classic and one more directional, all the better to suit multiple moods, settings and outfits. Your perfect fit will, of course, be dictated by your taste and face shape but for wear-anywhere pairs opt for black or tortoiseshell frames that flatter and are comfortable all day. Saint Laurent's butterfly shades will bring an air of Hollywood glamour to your ensembles while Chloé’s outsized pair radiate a cool, retro spirit and LOEWE’s rectangular frames will give you timeless elegance all summer long.
The Essential Knit
Nothing says effortless style quite like sumptuous knitwear: Lisa Yang’s cosy cashmere co-ords are perfect for luxe lounging or weekend brunch dates with friends whilst TOVE's draped silhouettes make light work of day-to-night dressing. Look to The Row for stealth, oversized jumpers with guaranteed wardrobe longevity and WARDROBE.NYC for classic-with-a-twist cardigans.
The Effortless Embellishments
Nail your jewellery box and you'll have the perfect finishing touch for whatever you're getting dressed in. Gold and silver pieces can be mixed, matched or worn solo, and simple shapes that neatly hit the sweet spot between delicate and chunky will elevate everything in your wardrobe from low-key to luxe. A flawless pair of hoops - we love Tabayer's intricate gold knots - are always coolly chic, while rings from Sophie Bille Brahe and Spinelli Kilcollin work beautifully on their own or can be layered with your other favourite pieces.
The New LBD
The little black dress is a fashion icon - a minimal effort, maximum impact perennial piece and the answer to most (if not all) outfit planning conundrums. But where to start? Jacquemus' deceptively simple 'Castagna' mini dress is a masterclass in easy elegance. It skims the body rather than grasps it, imparting an essential sensuality, while the sheer fabric adds a delicate edge. For an emphasis on understatement, look to a slip: KHAITE's classic Sicily style will work day and night while Helmut Lang's iteration has a more contemporary feel with an asymmetric hem - both will work for countless climates and occasions.
Words Sarah Bonser
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