How To Build A Timeless Capsule Wardrobe

The phrase ‘capsule wardrobe’ is thrown about wantonly in fashion circles, in the same regard as “cost per wear” or “day-to-night dressing”. But what does it actually mean? It refers to a shopping approach adopted by savvy dressers the world over—namely, the curation of a tight edit of ‘staple’ pieces that form the foundations of a persons’ day-to-day wardrobe. These pieces fit like a dream, never date, and easily transition from occasion to occasion and season to season with the addition and subtraction of trend-driven pieces.

In short, a capsule wardrobe is your sartorial bread and butter: the pieces you reach for time and time again, that never let you down. So how does one go about adopting one? The trick is investing in a few key, quality items—six, to be precise. Here, we detail the exact components that will form the basis of a timeless wardrobe, so you’ll never be faced with the dreaded ‘what should I wear?’ conundrum again.

A Great Denim Jacket

The never-goes-out-of-date denim jacket has been a staple of the ultra stylish since the ‘50s heyday of James Dean and Elvis Presley. Throw it over a feminine floral dress and chunky sneakers for easy weekend wear, or embrace the ‘70s nostalgia of double denim.

A Wear-Everyday Sneakert

God bless whoever brought the humble sneaker back into the world of high fashion. Mixing everyday comfort with serious style credentials, we’re yet to find an outfit Balenciaga’s perennial classic Triple S sneakers don’t work with.

Made-For-You Jeans

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that with the right pair of jeans, a person can rule the world. Opt for a tight-fitting, high-waisted pair that works just as well with a soaring pair of embellished sandals as they do with the aforementioned chunky white sneaker.

A Chelsea Boot

Alexander McQueen’s chunky, lug-soled Chelsea boots will see you through this winter—and far beyond—in style. As perfect under a feminine slip (Kate Moss, eat your heart out) as they are a well-tailored trouser, they’re the definition of versatility.

A Carry-Anywhere Tote

The best-dressed people are the ones that pay attention to details, the kind of people who know that a good outfit is only as good as the accessories you finish it with. On that front, invest in a tote you can take anywhere and wear with everything (Givenchy’s cult-status Antigona bags are a beloved industry staple for a reason).

A Neutral-Toned Knit

At Loewe, designer Jonathan Anderson has built a devoted following obsessed with his particular brand of understated logomania. This soft cotton knit is the precise kind of investment that will see you through the cooler months in style—both on-trend and utterly timeless.