15 Investment Pieces For 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 2026 and beyond
The tailored coat
There’s no better way to mark the start of winter than with a new coat – and the worthiest investments are those in smart, tailored shapes. Worn on the runway by Kendall Jenner, Calvin Klein Collection’s ‘Brooke’ coat is exquisitely crafted from striped wool and has a classic single-breasted front. Elsewhere, Chloé’s coat from the fall/winter ’25 runway (and a highlight from our NET SUSTAIN edit) is cut from checked wool-blend and is an elegant way to tap into the season’s British-heritage trend. For cocktail hour, button Khaite’s ‘Alton’ coat up over a sleek black dress or suit.
Midi skirts
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.
Knitted dresses
As temperatures begin to dip, it can be tempting to stay bundled up in coats and oversized sweaters – great when you’re outdoors, but not quite sleek enough if you’re heading to an important meeting or client dinner. Enter the knitted dress. Gabriela Hearst’s belted wool ‘Imagene’ midi feels effortlessly elegant, while Allude’s wool and cashmere-blend turtleneck from our NET SUSTAIN edit is a timeless everyday choice. For dressier occasions, choose Stella McCartney’s maxi in the most gorgeous lipstick-red shade – the off-the-shoulder neckline calls for a tousled updo and statement drop earrings.
The classic shoulder bag
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.
Tailored pants
Find the perfect pair of tailored pants and you’re guaranteed to have them on heavy rotation. Not only does the flattering fit and inherent polish equal the ultimate confidence booster, but they’re among the few pieces that can transition seamlessly between settings (simply swap your daytime loafers or sneakers for a pair of heels). Our fashion team loves Victoria Beckham’s wide-leg ‘Alina’ style in windowpane-checked wool – wear them with a crisp shirt and an oversized leather jacket for a fail-safe smart-casual look. Likewise, Jacquemus’s sculptural ‘The Ovalo’ pants are designed to take you from the office to after-hours – simply swap shirting for a bodysuit.
Chic flats
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.
The 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 New York label Khaite for an ultra-chic style that’s both relaxed and refined. Cut from a woven herringbone fabric, the brand’s pinstriped ‘Naran’ blazer will elevate just about anything you pair with it. Meanwhile, McQueen’s double-breasted style creates the most beautiful hourglass silhouette and will become a staple in your office rotation.
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. 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.
The cashmere knit
Whether you’re looking to add to your ever-growing collection or replace a love-worn favorite, winter is the perfect time to upgrade your knitwear – and there’s no better choice than cashmere. Standout styles include Nili Lotan’s ‘Saskia’ cardigan and Lisa Yang’s ‘Etta’ polo sweater. Pair your favorite with everything from wide-leg jeans to midi skirts. Alternatively, if you’re seeking something a touch more colorful, consider Arch4’s ‘Elara’ crew neck in bright red. To ensure longevity, use a special knitwear comb and fabric spray to keep yours fresh and bobble-free between wears.
Everyday jewelry
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 wear-anywhere shirt
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.
The do-it-all tote
aWhether 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 commuter tote. Saint Laurent’s ‘Le 5 à 7 Bea’ pony-hair design is roomy and reliable, while Loewe’s ‘Puzzle Fold’ tote offers the same versatility in taupe leather. Elsewhere, DeMellier’s ‘The Stockholm’ style has plenty of space inside for a tablet, cosmetics case and a change of clothes. Pair it with relaxed tailoring for the office, or loungewear on a long-haul flight.
Ankle boots
Aside from being sleek and timeless, the beauty of ankle boots is that they come in a variety of heel heights and silhouettes to suit all manner of occasions and terrains, yet always look smart – essential if you’re dashing across the city in cold, wet weather. For something office-appropriate, opt for a pointed-toe kitten-heel boot by Toteme, or elevate your look to new heights with Saint Laurent’s ‘Ashley’ pair. Alternatively, give weekend looks a Western edge with Le Monde Béryl’s wedge-heeled ‘Camille’ style, or Khaite’s ‘Nevada’ boots.
The leather jacket
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.
Sleek accessories
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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