Make everyday dressing a breeze with a capsule wardrobe of luxe basics which will stand the test of time, says Amy Norbury.
WE all have those days where we stand in front of the wardrobe, declaring we have nothing to wear. Sometimes, no matter how jam-packed our drawers or wardrobes are, nothing goes together, looks or feels right. And wouldn’t it be wonderful on those days to have a curated selection of items which just work?
Enter the capsule wardrobe. The savvy fashionista’s answer to chic style with minimal effort, a good capsule wardrobe brings together a handful of failsafe items which mix and match to create elegant ensembles to suit all occasions.
So how do you create your capsule wardrobe? Well, there are certain timeless essentials that fashion editors the world over swear by, which serve as the cornerstones of a good capsule; those all-occasion staples which you’ll turn to time and time again, whatever your fashion requirements.
When it comes to tops, there are two options which will work wonders for most styles and occasions – the plain white T-shirt and the classic button-down shirt. For T-shirts, look for something with just the right fit, focusing on a hemline and sleeve length which suits your shape. It pays to invest that little bit more in a piece if it’s something you’ll wear regularly, so check out styles in a more heavyweight material for the longevity factor.
A good shirt will be a wardrobe hero for myriad occasions, and whether you’re a crisp cotton, loose linen or sensual silk kinda gal, a shirt which ticks your style boxes will be something you’ll reach for over and over again. A bright white number oozes effortless elegance and can be dressed up and down with ease, while a classic blue-and-white stripe lends a more playful air to your ensemble.
Moving onto the bottom half, a simple trio will tick all the boxes for every eventuality. Denim is something most of us wear in abundance, but pulling on a favourite pair of jeans is like a fashion comfort blanket – something which never fails to make us feel good. For capsule dressing, forget the styles du jour and go for a classic; a simple straight-legged style works with everything, and a good pair will last a lifetime.
For dressier occasions, swap the jeans for a tailored trouser in black or off-black, while quality black leggings offer comfort without compromise on style. Team with preppy loafers for office chic or sporty trainers for casual cool.
Complete your capsule with outstanding outerwear; an oversized blazer will give a put-together air to a more casual ensemble, while a black leather jacket is a cool-girl favourite. And as we head into the chillier months? A camel trench coat is easy to throw on, pairs perfectly with the rest of your capsule and is a style superhero you’ll reach for, for years to come.