6 Essential Capsule Items for your Wardrobe
CAPSULE ITEMS ARE HIGH-QUALITY BASICS THAT CAN BE EASILY STYLED TOGETHER - THINK CRISP WHITE SHIRTS, BLUE JEANS OR TIMELESS TRENCH COATS. THOSE ELEVATED BASICS FIT IN EASILY WITH YOUR LIFESTYLE AND CAN REALLY MAKE GETTING READY IN THE MORNING RUN A LOT MORE SMOOTHLY. THEY’RE THE GARMENTS YOU CAN JUST THROW ON FOR BRUNCH, FOR WORK, FOR WALKING THE DOG OR FOR EARLY EVENING DRINKS. THESE PIECES ARE THE ESSENCE OF TIMELESS FRENCH DRESSING OR COOL SCANDINAVIAN STYLE. SO, IF YOUR WARDROBE IS COMPLETELY RAMMED, CHAOTIC AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO WEAR, THEN THIS IS THE ARTICLE FOR YOU!
words by HOLLY KELSEY
creative direction by SARAH MARIE DAY
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a selection of garments that you can mix and match. They’re classic and timeless pieces from which you can create multiple different outfits. It often includes pieces that are elevated basics in neutral colours, high quality and made from natural materials. They can be worn casually or more ‘elevated’, depending on how you style them and on the occasion you’re dressing for. They’re pieces that work across all areas of your life, making you feel and look good.
You may well have seen your favourite style icons with this type of wardrobe. 90s minimalist fashion icons like Carolyn Bassett Kennedy, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss often chose brands such as Donna Karen and Calvin Klein for their effortless outfits. Today’s inspirations for a capsule wardrobe include the Olsen Twins, Sofia Richie Grainge, Amal Clooney and Jasmine Tookes, to name but a few. And the brands that feature in their capsule wardrobes include the likes of The Row (obviously!), Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli.
Rather than focusing on the latest trend you’ll see on the High Street, we love to shine a light on classic staple pieces that look amazing with each other and stand the test of time. So here’s our curated and concise guide to make getting dressed easier and chicer, combining timeless style and easy going elegance.
6 Essential Capsule Items for your Wardrobe
We think the capsule items that are absolute ‘musts’ in your wardrobe consist of a classic white shirt, a striped jumper, classic blue denim jeans, a trench coat, a blazer and a little black dress. We’ve curated a selection for you of each of these items from slow fashion brands and vintage stores for you that we love.
WHITE COLLAR SHIRT
There’s nothing better than a crisp white shirt, it’s the piece that can tie the whole look together and bring it that effortless elegance.
01 — Poet Blouse by Grammar NYC
02 — The Shirt by Asket
03 — Essential Blouse by Liapure
04 — Twiggy Boyfriend Shirt by Neu Nomads
Striped Jumper
Very French, Breton style knitwear is always a must. It looks great throughout the seasons and even simply tied around your shoulder can immediately make your whole look so sophisticated.
01 — Berta Knitted Jumper by Daria Déh
02 — Secondhand Cardigan Maje via Vestiaire Collective
03 — Mimmi Sweater by Linnea Lund
04 — Theresa Sweater by Anna v Berg
Classic Blue Jeans
Worn casually with a pair of ballet pumps or with heels for a more polished look, blue denim jeans will always be a favorite staple item that will last you a lifetime and won’t go out of style.
01 — Joan Jeans by Kings of Indigo
02 — The Standard Jeans by Asket
03 — Wide Straight Non-Stretch Jeans by Dawn Denim
04 — Breezy Britt 70s Day Dream by Nudie Jeans
05 — Easy Go Jeans by Mud Jeans
TRENCH COAT
A trench coat is such a great item - you can just throw it on, knot the belt and you instantly pull your whole look together. It’s as timeless and chic as it gets!
01 — The Portmanteau Two-Piece Trench by Grammar NYC
02 — Classic Trench Coat by Mila Vert
03 — Burberry Trench Coat via Vestiaire Collective
04 — Dries van Noten Trench Coat via ReSee
05 — Convertible Trench by Another Tomorrow
CLASSIC BLAZER
Layering a blazer over your outfit immediately gives you a polished, co-ordinated appearance - effortlessly. What’s not to like!
01 — Romy Tan Jacket by Mother of Pearl
02 — Saint Laurent 1992 Cashmere Blazer via ReSee
03 — Stella McCartney Wool Blazer via Vestiaire Collective
04 — Black Wool Blazer by Havre Studio
05 — Lauren Gabardine Wool Blazer Jacket Black by Facettes Studio
Little Black Dress
The little black dress has always been an ‘It girl’ item in fashion history whether its through Coco Chanel, Princess Diana’s revenge dress or even Elizabeth Hurley in the safety pin Versace dress. Its a garment that will always make a sophisticated statement!
01 — Elsa Mini Dress by Murlong Cres
02 — Daria Wrap Dress by Daria Déh
03 — Lara Dress by Umlaut
04 — The Perfect Mini Dress by Havre Studio
05 — Bella Mini Dress by Olana
Further Reading
