15 Investment Pieces For The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe

When it comes to skirts, midi-length styles are arguably the most versatile. Easy to dress up or down, there’s little you can’t pair them with – from simple sweaters and romantic blouses to loafers and ankle boots. For something with after-hours appeal, Altuzarra’s ‘Varda’ skirt in sleek burgundy leather might just be the piece to tempt you away from your favorite jeans. Elsewhere, Brunello Cucinelli’s pleated design is an elegant day-to-night option, especially when paired with a leather jacket and heels. Meanwhile, TWP’s A-line ‘Willow’ style works perfectly with slouchy knee-high boots.

Some shoulder bags are designed to be buzzy, one-season wonders – but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover an array of tried-and-true pieces that really deserve cult status. Their day-to-night practicality ensures they become forever favorites in your accessories closet. It’s impossible to go wrong with Gucci’s horsebit-detailed shoulder bag, which is crafted from debossed suede in a softly structured shape. Elsewhere, Khaite’s glossy leather ‘Simona’ style is an equally chic all-rounder that will be by your side for years to come.

Heels are an easy way to elevate an outfit (both literally and figuratively), but aren’t always the most practical, which is why flats are an essential part of any capsule closet. Every fashion editor’s favorite, Saint Laurent’s leather loafers look effortlessly chic paired with pretty much anything. Wear them to the office with a tailored suit or on the weekend with a slouchy knit and jeans. Elsewhere, Alaïa brings us a new pair of ballet flats to obsess over, this time in eyelet-embellished perforated suede.

Consider timeless straight-leg jeans the new denim default for your capsule wardrobe. For the ultimate investment, look to all-American brands with cult followings, such as Agolde, which produces as much of its denim as possible in its hometown of Los Angeles. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, the brand’s bestselling ’90s-inspired high-rise jeans are a no-brainer thanks to their timeless and flattering shape – plus this version is crafted from regenerative cotton that becomes softer with each wear. Meanwhile, Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Blaine’ jeans (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) have been faded and whiskered to resemble an authentic vintage pair. Wear them with a white or light-blue button-down and ankle boots – or a camisole and kitten-heel mules for after-dark appeal.

When curating your capsule closet, be sure not to neglect the finer details. While relatively small in scale, an eye-catching earring or glittering necklace can have an outsized impact – and instantly elevate an everyday outfit from basic to brilliant. Silver and white gold have been back on our radar for some time now, and Ysso’s ‘Clos’ earrings encapsulate everything we love about cool-toned metals. They look especially chic paired with a turtleneck sweater. Those who favor gold, on the other hand, are sure to fall head over heels for Foundrae’s necklace – the intricate ‘Vivacity’ medallion is detailed with feather motifs and diamond-encrusted plus and minus signs that symbolize the French phrase plus qu’hier, moins que demain (more than yesterday, less than tomorrow).

The most dependable of wardrobe essentials, the shirt is among a select few garments that can convey both authority and ease. The Row’s ‘Gavina’ shirt is cut from lightweight pinstriped silk and looks as good worn open with a tank top and jeans as it does buttoned up with sharply tailored pants. Alternatively, lean into pastels with Loewe’s wool and silk-blend twill shirt in trending sky-blue, or Khaite’s butter-yellow ‘Goya’ style.

A leather jacket is more than just an extra layer, it’s an attitude – and will make anything you pair it with instantly cooler. Just look at the fall/winter ’25 shows for proof, with the likes of Khaite and Nour Hammour offering up fresh new takes on classic styles. The latter’s ‘Ariste’ bomber is from our NET SUSTAIN edit and comes in the season’s favorite funnel-neck shape. Elsewhere, Magda Butrym’s jacket takes cues from relaxed, utilitarian styles but updates the silhouette with oversized sculptural pockets, while Nili Lotan’s tailored version feels a touch more polished. One thing’s for certain: both will work overtime in your closet this season and beyond.

Sometimes, all it takes to elevate your everyday staples is a great accessory. Sunglasses are always non-negotiable – just be sure to choose a pair that flatters your face and personal style. Bottega Veneta Eyewear’s ‘New Knot’ frames will pair beautifully with leather jackets and sharp tailoring alike. Next, elevate your favorite jeans or pants with a refined belt, such as Déhanche’s embellished leather design. As for winter warmers, wrap up in Johnstons of Elgin’s cashmere scarf and Khaite’s Fair Isle ‘Avers’ beanie.

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