The 15 Pieces To Create The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe
Want to make sure you always have the right thing to wear? These 15 pieces are essential to a capsule wardrobe and will provide the unshakable foundation of a love-forever closet for 2025 and beyond
The city vest
A hit both on and off the runway, tailored vests (or waistcoats) are firmly back on the fashion agenda. Traditionally worn as part of a three-piece suit, this sleek separate has evolved into a staple in its own right and is the perfect partner to jeans, shorts, and maxi skirts. Featured in our NET SUSTAIN edit, Faithfull’s ‘Eloise’ vest is beautifully tailored from linen in a longline shape and looks chic paired with the matching ‘Lya’ pants for the office. Meanwhile, Kallmeyer’s butter-yellow ‘Deon’ style nods to tuxedo jackets with face-framing peak lapels and double-breasted buttons. Wear it for special occasions with tailored pants and heeled sandals. Elsewhere, balance Citizens of Humanity x Argent’s vest with laid-back denim – let Kate Moss in the early 2000s be your muse.
A versatile skirt
When it comes to skirt lengths, midi and maxi styles are arguably the most versatile. Easy to dress up or down, there’s little you can’t pair them with – from simple tanks and romantic blouses to ballet flats and loafers. For something with after-hours appeal, The Row’s ‘Luce’ midi in washed satin might just be the piece to tempt you away from your favorite jeans. The slinky, figure-skimming silhouette echoes ’90s styles and feels just as timeless. Elsewhere, Johanna Ortiz’s recycled-jersey ‘Keel’ maxi works just as well with a simple tee in the city as it does on vacation over swimwear, while Toteme’s plissé organic cotton-blend design is the perfect day-to-night option. Both are highlights from our NET SUSTAIN edit and are crafted using lower-impact materials. Alternatively, for a more structured look, try Róhe’s pleated wool-blend wrap skirt, paired with a crisp shirt and kitten heels.
City sandals
Flat sandals can sometimes feel a little too casual in formal city settings – but not with the right styling. Pair The Row’s cult-favorite ‘Ginza’ flip-flops with a crisp shirtdress or tailored shorts, and they’ll instantly feel polished enough for a work meeting or lunch. The same goes for Emme Parsons’ ‘Cecilia’ sandals in glossy red leather, which look effortlessly chic styled with a tonal skirt and lightweight cardigan for rooftop drinks. Meanwhile, Aeyde’s ‘Melody’ pair – a NET SUSTAIN highlight – features simple burgundy leather straps and will go with just about anything.
The little white dress
White dresses are often overlooked in favor of their trusty black counterparts, but they’re just as versatile – not to mention undeniably chic. Turn to Zimmermann for an effortless style you can wear from daytime events to dinner with just a few styling swaps. The ‘Rihannon’ dress is made from lightweight linen-voile and features delicate scalloped detailing that frames the cutout waist and hem. Elsewhere, Khaite’s ‘Hal’ dress in soft cotton jersey promises lasting appeal in your closet – wear it with strappy sandals now, then switch to knee-high boots and a turtleneck sweater come fall.
A classic shoulder bag
Some 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 truly 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 ‘Jackie 1961’ shoulder bag, crafted from smooth burgundy leather and finished with the iconic gold-tone piston clasp. Elsewhere, Savette’s ‘Symmetry’ style – part of our NET SUSTAIN edit – is an equally chic all-rounder that will stay by your side for years to come.
City shorts
Find the perfect pair of city shorts – whether tailored or neatly cut denim – and you’re guaranteed to have them on heavy rotation all summer long. Not only does their flattering fit and inherent polish offer a confidence boost, but they also transition seamlessly between settings (just swap your daytime ballet flats or sneakers for a pair of heels). A standout from our NET SUSTAIN edit, Le Kasha’s ‘Aqiva’ style is crafted from Italian linen with a double-belted high-rise waist and folded cuffs. Wear it with a crisp white shirt and low-heeled mules for a fail-safe smart-casual look. Prefer denim? Consider Frame’s aptly named ‘The Timeless’ shorts. Pair them with a white tee and blazer for elevated daywear, or with a romantic white blouse for the weekend.
Stylish sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential addition to any capsule closet. The right pair will complete any look – and ‘right’ means they flatter both your face and your personal style. Sixties-inspired oval sunglasses are perfect for off-duty dressing: Celine Eyewear’s black ‘Triomphe’ frames or Miu Miu’s sleek tortoiseshell acetate pair are both fail-safe picks. Elsewhere, the angular curves of Gucci Eyewear’s cat-eye sunglasses pair beautifully with sharp tailoring.
Chic flats
Ballet flats have been on every fashion editor’s and influencer’s radar since their return to the runways a few seasons ago, and their popularity is set to continue. Gianvito Rossi’s raffia ‘Carla Marbella’ Mary Janes feature a sleek buckled leather strap, making them perfect for both day and evening. Wear them to the office with a black maxi dress or on the weekend with a T-shirt and jeans. Alternatively, Le Monde Béryl’s ‘Regency’ style in red woven leather is a fun way to add a flash of color to your outfits and looks especially chic when styled with a voluminous midi skirt.
The relaxed blazer
Escaping the office-only pigeonhole, blazers are both one of the hottest items to invest in right now and a capsule-closet essential. Turn to Anine Bing for an ultra-chic style that’s both relaxed and refined. Woven with classic pinstripes and designed in a versatile single-breasted shape, it will elevate just about anything you pair it with. Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham’s blazer comes in a dusty lavender shade that’s surprisingly versatile and sure to become a staple in your office rotation. Style it with the matching flared pants (also available in our edit) and sky-blue accessories for a modern take on power dressing.
Straight-leg jeans
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. The brand’s bestselling ’90s cult favorite, the ‘Pinch Waist’ 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 have been faded and whiskered to resemble an authentic vintage pair. Wear them with a white or light-blue button-down and boat shoes – or a camisole and kitten-heeled mules for after-dark appeal.
A tank top
From Ralph Lauren in New York to Stella McCartney in Paris, 16Arlington in London, and Gucci in Milan, tank tops were spotted on the runways – and the front row – in all four cities during fashion month. This utilitarian staple served as the foundation for a variety of looks, from slouchy tailoring to embellished evening skirts, further cementing its versatility beyond sports and athleisure. Agolde’s ‘Rayne’ tank from our NET SUSTAIN lineup is blended with organic cotton and Lyocell and looks great paired with cargo pants or leather skirts alike. Meanwhile, Proenza Schouler’s ‘Roberts’ tank embraces the season’s penchant for stripes and is perfect for warm days in the city. Wear it with a crisp black midi skirt and ballet flats.
Everyday jewelry
Be sure not to neglect the finer details when curating your capsule closet. 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 has been back on our radar for some time now, and Sophie Buhai’s silver ‘Gallop’ cuff – another NET-A-PORTER exclusive – looks chic and polished next to folded shirt cuffs, thanks to its minimal, sculptural shape. Those who favor gold, on the other hand, are sure to fall head over heels for By Pariah’s 14-karat recycled yellow and white gold diamond ring stack from our NET SUSTAIN edit or Suzanne Kalan’s 18-karat gold bracelet, detailed with scattered baguette-cut diamonds.
A wear-anywhere shirt
The most dependable of wardrobe essentials, the shirt is among a select few garments that can instantly convey authority and polish. This season, you’ll find an array of covetable silhouettes to choose from. Sporty & Rich’s light-blue ‘Vendome’ shirt features a relaxed shape that lends an air of nonchalance when worn loose, making it a worthy addition to your wardrobe. Meanwhile, The Row’s striped ‘Nesson’ style looks just as good worn open with a tank top and jeans as it does buttoned up with sharply tailored pants.
Kitten heels
Heels are an easy way to elevate an outfit (both literally and figuratively) but aren’t always the most practical choice, especially on days spent dashing between appointments on foot. Enter the kitten heel. Sleek and surprisingly versatile, this season’s styles come in open-toe and thong silhouettes that add instant polish without compromising comfort and pair perfectly with floaty dresses, smart tailoring, and relaxed denim alike. Paris Texas’ snake-effect ‘Portofino’ sandals are the epitome of chic. For the ultimate style statement, try Aeyde’s ‘Ilvy’ style, which comes in zebra-print pony hair and features blunt square toes.
The do-it-all tote
Whether you’re heading to work, a fitness class, or a weekend getaway, having a go-to bag that’s big enough to hold all your essentials is sure to lighten the load of any must-carry checklist, leaving your mind free to ponder the more playful elements of each outfit. Enter the do-it-all tote. Saint Laurent’s ‘Le 5 à 7’ is roomy and reliable, while Bottega Veneta’s ‘Large Hop’ offers the same versatility in ecru suede. Elsewhere, Toteme’s ‘Belted’ tote comes in dark-brown croc-effect leather and has plenty of space inside for a tablet and cosmetics case. Style it with relaxed tailoring for the office or loungewear on a long-haul flight.
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