The Fashion Memo

15 Investment Pieces Your Spring Closet Needs

Want to make sure you always have the right thing to wear? These 15 essential pieces will provide the unshakable foundation of a love-forever closet for 2026 and beyond

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion

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 Japanese label Auralee for an ultra-chic style that’s both relaxed and refined. Cut from a wool, cotton and linen blend, the brand’s oversized design will make all your favorite spring looks feel fresh. Meanwhile, Saint Laurent’s boxy wool and silk style is primed to become a staple in your office rotation.

  • SAINT LAURENT
    Wool and silk-blend blazer
    €2,800.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    38
  • TOTEME
    Woven jacket
    €476.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
  • AURALEE
    Oversized wool, cotton and linen-blend Oxford blazer
    €573.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    1 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Intrecciato satin-trimmed wool and mohair-blend blazer
    €4,400.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40

Flip flops

Flip flops can sometimes feel a little too casual in formal city settings, but not with the right styling – pair The Row’s cult ‘Ginza’ pair with a crisp shirt dress or tailored shorts and they’ll instantly feel elevated enough for a business meeting or lunch. The same goes for A.Emery’s ‘Kinto’ sandals in off-white leather, which will look so chic with a tonal skirt and lightweight cardigan.

  • THE ROW
    Ginza leather and suede platform flip flops
    €1,120.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    35.5 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37
    37.5
    38
    38.5 - out of stock
    39
    39.5
    40
    40.5
    41
    41.5
    42
  • A.EMERY
    Kinto leather flip flops
    €150.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • AEYDE
    Melody leather flip flops
    €295.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    36.5
    37
    37.5 - low stock
    38
    38.5
    39
    39.5 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    40.5
    41 - low stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42 - low stock
  • ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
    Saionara Jelly PVC flip flops
    €145.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36
    37
    38
    39
    40
    41
    42 - out of stock

The midi skirt

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 sneakerinas. Wardrobe.NYC’s skirt is an elegant day-to-night option, especially when paired with a poplin shirt and heels. Meanwhile, Max Mara’s linen ‘Veranda’ style works perfectly with a blazer and open-toe mules, as styled on the spring/summer 2026 runway.

  • WARDROBE.NYC
    Crepe midi skirt
    €573.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - low stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large
  • AMI PARIS
    Leather midi skirt
    €750.00
    Select a Size
    xx small
    x small - out of stock
    small
    medium
    large - out of stock
  • MAX MARA
    Veranda linen midi skirt
    €301.00
    Select a Size
    2 - out of stock
    4
    6 - out of stock
    8
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock
    16 - out of stock
    18 - out of stock
  • TWP
    A-Line wool midi skirt
    €366.00
    Select a Size
    00
    0 - out of stock
    2
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10
    12 - out of stock

The tank top

Tank tops are a utilitarian staple and serve as the perfect foundation piece to countless looks beyond sports and athleisure. Case in point: Flore Flore’s butter-yellow ‘Esmé’ tank is made from organic cotton-jersey and looks great paired with cargo pants and denim shorts alike. Meanwhile, Alaïa’s open-knit version is an elevated choice for evening. Wear it with the matching skirt and thong sandals for rooftop drinks.

  • ÉTERNE
    Ribbed stretch-jersey tank
    €105.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large
    x large - out of stock
  • ALAÏA
    Open-knit top
    €2,300.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40
    42 - out of stock
  • RÓHE
    Knitted tank top
    €137.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • FLORE FLORE
    Esmé ribbed organic cotton-jersey tank
    €85.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock

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 will add instant polish without compromising on comfort and go perfectly with floaty dresses, smart tailoring and relaxed denim alike. Tom Ford’s satin slingback pumps are a chic choice for evening events, while Proenza Schouler’s red leather sandals make a true style statement.

  • KHAITE
    Loop snake-effect leather sandals
    €850.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • TOM FORD
    Satin slingback pumps
    €920.00
    Select a Size
    36
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5
    39
    39.5
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • NEOUS
    Safi leather sandals
    €393.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36
    36.5
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - low stock
    38
    38.5
    39 - low stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40
    41 - out of stock
  • PROENZA SCHOULER
    Glossed leather sandals
    €528.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock

The white dress

White dresses are often overlooked in favor of their trusty black counterparts, but they’re just as versatile – not to mention indisputably chic. Turn to Toteme for an effortless style you can wear from daytime events to dinner with a few styling swaps. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, this ‘Garderob’ maxi is made from crepe and has a beautiful, gathered bodice that’s super flattering. Elsewhere, Veronica de Piante’s ‘Mila’ style in fluid silk also promises longevity in your closet – wear it with strappy sandals or loafers for a minimal ’90s feel.

  • VERONICA DE PIANTE
    Mila silk maxi dress
    €894.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42
    44
    46 - out of stock
  • DÔEN
    Clover shirred organic cotton-poplin midi dress
    €340.00
    Select a Size
    xx small
    x small
    small
    medium
    large
    x large
    xx large
  • GABRIELA HEARST
    Oriana open-back gathered linen midi dress
    €1,134.00
    Select a Size
    38 - low stock
    40
    42
    44 - low stock
    46 - low stock
    48
  • TOTEME
    Garderob gathered crepe maxi dress
    €497.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock

The city shorts

Find the perfect pair of tailored shorts and you’re guaranteed to have them on heavy rotation all summer long. Not only does the flattering fit and inherent polish equal the ultimate confidence-booster, but they transition seamlessly between settings (simply swap your daytime ballet flats or sneakers for a pair of heels). A highlight from our NET SUSTAIN edit, Another Tomorrow’s Bermuda shorts are crafted from lightweight twill with a high-rise waist and a relaxed fit – wear them with a crisp white shirt and low-heeled mules for a fail-safe smart-casual look. Alternatively, opt for Toteme’s neatly pressed grain de poudre pair and style them with a co-ordinating vest or blazer for the office or a romantic blouse on weekends.

  • TOTEME
    Grain de poudre shorts
    €390.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - low stock
    44 - out of stock
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Wool straight-leg capri pants
    €950.00
    Select a Size
    34 - low stock
    36
    38 - low stock
    40
    42
  • ANOTHER TOMORROW
    Twill straight-leg shorts
    €455.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44
    46 - out of stock
    48 - out of stock
  • POSSE
    Marchello pleated linen shorts
    €250.00
    Select a Size
    xx small
    x small - low stock
    small - out of stock
    medium
    large
    x large
    xx large - out of stock

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 The Row’s timeless ‘Alger’ bag, which is crafted from saddle leather in a clean, softly structured shape. Elsewhere, Toteme’s ‘T-Lock’ – yet another NET SUSTAIN highlight – is an equally chic all-rounder that will be by your side for years to come.

  • ALAÏA
    Le Teckel medium textured-leather shoulder bag
    €2,500.00
  • TOTEME
    T-Lock textured-leather shoulder bag
    €1,190.00
  • THE ROW
    Alger leather shoulder bag
    €5,040.00
  • GUCCI
    Jackie 1961 Slim textured-leather shoulder bag
    €1,950.00

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are an essential addition to any capsule closet. The right shades will complete every look – and ‘right’ means that they flatter both your face and personal style. Metal-frame sunglasses look fabulous off-duty and Bottega Veneta’s hexagon-shaped aviators are a fail-safe pick. Elsewhere, the smooth curves of Saint Laurent’s cat-eye shades will complement tailoring perfectly.

  • SAINT LAURENT EYEWEAR
    Cat-eye tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses
    €340.00
  • OLIVER PEOPLES
    Rueny D-frame acetate sunglasses
    €298.00
  • BOTTEGA VENETA EYEWEAR
    Hexagon-frame rose gold-tone sunglasses
    €340.00
  • CELINE EYEWEAR
    Triomphe square-frame acetate sunglasses
    €440.00

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 Cartier’s iconic ‘Panthère de Cartier’ watch encapsulates everything we love about mixed-toned metals. Those who favor gold are sure to fall head over heels for By Pariah’s ‘Aurelia’ earrings – the dainty drops are set with smooth emerald cabochons – and Lucy Delius’ diamond-encrusted ‘Baby’ hoops.

  • CARTIER
    Panthère de Cartier Medium 27mm 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch
    €11,000.00
  • BY PARIAH
    Aurelia 14-karat gold emerald hoop earrings
    €3,150.00
  • LUCY DELIUS
    Baby 14-karat gold diamond hoop earrings
    €4,600.00
  • SOPHIE BUHAI
    Petite Wave silver cuff
    €1,600.00

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. Jil Sander’s army-green style comes in weightless cotton-poplin and looks as good worn open with a tank top and jeans as it does buttoned up with sharply tailored pants. Alternatively, lean into timeless stripes with shirts by The Row and Auralee.

  • JIL SANDER
    Cotton-poplin shirt
    €495.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42
    44 - out of stock
    46 - out of stock
  • AURALEE
    Striped cotton and silk-blend shirt
    €297.00
    Select a Size
    0 - low stock
    1
    2 - out of stock
  • TOTEME
    Striped organic cotton-poplin shirt
    €245.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34 - low stock
    36
    38
    40
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • THE ROW
    Sisilia cotton-poplin shirt
    €1,350.00
    Select a Size
    0 - low stock
    2
    4
    6 - low stock
    8 - low stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock

Tote bags

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. A tastemaker favourite, DeMellier’s brown suede ‘New York’ tote from our NET SUSTAIN edit is roomy and reliable, while Loewe’s ‘Puzzle Fold’ offers the same versatility in tan leather. Elsewhere Bottega Veneta’s large ‘Hop’ style has plenty of space inside for a tablet, cosmetics case and a sweater. Pair it with relaxed tailoring for the office, or loungewear on a long-haul flight.

  • DEMELLIER
    + NET SUSTAIN The New York large suede tote
    €650.00
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Hop large Intrecciato suede tote
    €5,020.00
  • LOEWE
    Puzzle Fold convertible medium leather tote
    €1,700.00
  • SAVETTE
    The Anello leather tote
    €2,080.00

Ballet flats

Ballet flats are every tastemaker’s go-to shoe for spring owing to their versatility and timeless appeal. Le Monde Beryl’s ‘Stella’ Mary Janes come with a sleek buckled leather strap that makes them both day- and evening-appropriate. Wear them to the office with a suede maxi skirt or at the weekend with a T-shirt and jeans. Alternatively, Aeyde’s ‘Tiby’ style in chocolate-brown suede look especially chic styled with a voluminous bubble-hem skirt.

  • LE MONDE BERYL
    Stella leather Mary Jane ballet flats
    €300.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    35.5 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • AEYDE
    Tiby bow-detailed suede ballet flats
    €345.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36
    36.5 - out of stock
    37
    37.5 - low stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - low stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42
  • JIL SANDER
    Ballerina laser-cut suede flats
    €492.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Charlotte intrecciato leather ballet flats
    €1,050.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36
    37 - low stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock

Straight-leg jeans

Consider classic 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 faded and whiskered to resemble an authentic vintage pair. Meanwhile, Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Delfina’ jeans (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) are a no-brainer thanks to their timeless and flattering shape. Wear them with a white or light-blue button-down and ankle boots – or a camisole and kitten-heel mules for after-dark appeal.

  • KHAITE
    Abigail cropped high-rise straight-leg jeans
    €520.00
    Select a Size
    24 - out of stock
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    31
    32 - low stock
  • CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
    Delfina high-rise straight-leg jeans
    €210.00
    Select a Size
    23 - out of stock
    24 - out of stock
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30 - out of stock
    31 - out of stock
    32 - out of stock
    33 - out of stock
  • RÙADH
    The Quinn straight-leg jeans
    €610.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30 - low stock
    31 - out of stock
    32 - out of stock
  • AGOLDE
    90s mid-rise straight-leg jeans
    €350.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24 - out of stock
    25 - out of stock
    26 - out of stock
    27
    28 - low stock
    29 - out of stock
    30
    31 - out of stock
    32

Wide-leg pants

Find the perfect pair of wide-leg pants and you’ll treasure them for years to come. Not only does the flattering fit and inherent polish make for 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 Loulou de Saison’s ‘Sbiru’ style in pleated wool –wear them with a crisp shirt and an oversized leather jacket for a fail-safe smart-casual look. Likewise, The Row’s silk-twill ‘Dender’ pants are designed to take you from the office to after-hours – simply swap shirting for a lace camisole.

  • THE ROW
    Dender silk-twill wide-leg pants
    €1,680.00
    Select a Size
    0 - low stock
    2
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8
    10 - out of stock
  • SSSTEIN
    Pleated silk-blend flannel wide-leg pants
    €285.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
  • LOULOU DE SAISON
    Sbiru pleated wool-twill pants
    €196.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42
  • TOTEME
    Pleated twill wide-leg pants
    €470.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34 - low stock
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock

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