How to build the perfect capsule closet

There’s no incentive like the start of a new year – or decade for that matter – to take a step back, assess your existing closet and hit refresh on your look. However, with sustainability becoming a bigger priority for consumers, designers and the fashion industry alike, it’s more important than ever to shop smart – opting for beautiful crafted pieces that promise to work for all manner of occasions and, crucially, have the longevity to keep us wearing, and loving, them for years to come.

When it comes to failsafe pieces, an effortless day dress is practically unbeatable, and recently relaunched Danish label Munthe are masters in the art of easy elegance. Known for their graphic prints, at first glance their designs might seem rather outré but they’re actually remarkably wearable. Make their diaphanous dress office-appropriate by adding androgynous loafers and an oversized tote bag. If you’ve got dinner plans, slip on a pair of barely-there sandals and statement earrings to add a sultry edge to your ensemble. Or, for the weekend, simply style with box-fresh sneakers for an enviable off-duty look. This piece is sure to become one of the most worn in your wardrobe.

Ardent minimalists, on the other hand, will be enamoured by timeless pieces cast in muted tones, such as Seoul-based brand Anderson Bell’s contemporary take on the suit. Styling cargo pants with a louche blazer feels like a totally fresh proposition – which is why this emerging label is already a firm favorite among the street-style set. For an elevated take on pajama dressing, which works just as well for lazy days as it does for candlelit soirées, Sally LaPointe’s silk two-piece is unparalleled. Worn together or separately, the elegantly draped top and wide-leg pants prove that sometimes less really is more. Let this understated pair set the tone for your entire outfit by finishing with a chunky gold bracelet, a sumptuous grab-bag and simple sandals – heeled or flat, depending on the occasion, of course.

While you could argue that it never really went away, leather – in its many guises - is experiencing a renaissance right now. Colored and classic styles have dominated the runways in recent seasons, so there has never been a better time to invest in some butter-soft leather pants. Parisian label Iro have put a modern spin on this closet classic, forgoing skinny styles in favor of a chic tapered cut. Wear yours with everything from structured jackets to second-skin knits and tees, but be sure to finish with pointed black boots to create the illusion of endless legs.

Discerning dressers on the hunt for a more directional piece will be besotted with heritage house Yves Salomon’s sumptuous jumpsuit. Put a ladylike spin on this sporty piece by finishing with vertiginous heels and delicate gold jewelry for a head-turning combination that promises to take your evening look up a notch.

Party dressing might sound frivolous by definition, but it is possible to imbue your closet with some unabashed glamour while also upping your eco credentials. From Florentine label Avavav, who produce their playful pieces using upcycled fabrics, to Stine Goya, a Scandi brand committed to keeping waste to a minimum, the playful aesthetic of these needle-pushing labels is challenging the lazy assumptions that surround sustainable fashion. Moreover, they have pioneered a new type of after-dark dressing, shunning body-conscious pieces in favor of billowing dresses that are easy to wear and universally flattering; putting the fun back into the process of getting dressed up.

For similarly mood-enhancing designs, look to cult brand De La Vali. United by their shared Ibizan heritage, founders Jana Sascha Haveman and Laura Castro create one-of-a-kind party dresses that perfectly capture the magical essence of the island. We challenge any woman to have a bad night out in one of these joyful creations.

The word ‘essential’ is often maligned when it comes to fashion. However, these pieces, at once practical and utterly covetable, prove that it takes an enormous amount of skill to design clothes that stir our senses and are also fit for the purpose of modern life. In a world with an ever-changing outlook, this elusive balance should be the new gold standard.