The Fashion Memo

15 Investment Pieces Every Capsule Wardrobe 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 this season and beyond

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion

A cashmere knit

Whether you’re looking to add to your ever-growing collection or replace a love-worn favorite, fall is the perfect time to upgrade your knitwear – and there’s no better choice than cashmere. Standout styles include Rùadh’s argyle ‘The Academy’ sweater and Nili Lotan’s ’Jovan’ polo knit. Pair your favorite with everything from relaxed wide-leg jeans to midi skirts. If you’re seeking something a touch more colorful, let La Ligne’s bright-blue cardigan peek out from beneath an oversized leather jacket. To ensure longevity, use a special knitwear comb and fabric spray to keep yours fresh and bobble-free between wears.

  • RÙADH
    The Academy checked cashmere sweater
    $990.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium - low stock
    large
  • NILI LOTAN
    Jovan cashmere polo sweater
    $775.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium - low stock
    large
    x large - out of stock
  • ARCH4
    Caspian cashmere cardigan
    $450.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium
    large
    x large - low stock
  • LA LIGNE
    Cashmere cardigan
    $325.00
    Select a Size
    xx small
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large - low stock

A 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 2026 runways for proof, with the likes of Gabriela Hearst, Alaïa and Khaite offering up fresh new takes on classic styles. Magda Butrym’s style takes cues from relaxed, utilitarian styles but updates the silhouette with a buckled funnel neck, while Tove’s tailored jacket feels a touch more polished. One thing’s for certain – both will work overtime in your closet this season and beyond.

  • TOVE
    Jed darted paneled leather jacket
    $2,240.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38
    40 - out of stock
  • MAGDA BUTRYM
    Leather blouson jacket
    $2,865.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34
    36
    38
    40
    42
    44
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Intrecciato-trimmed leather jacket
    $6,282.00
    Select a Size
    36
    38
  • NOUR HAMMOUR
    Hadley leather jacket
    $1,175.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36
    38
    40
    42 - low stock
    44 - low 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 Bottega Veneta’s timeless ‘Nodo’ bag, which is crafted from dark-green intrecciato leather in a softly structured shape. Elsewhere, Toteme’s ‘T-Lock’ and Gucci’s ‘Borsetto’ are all-rounders that will be by your side for years to come.

  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Nodo Intrecciato leather shoulder bag
    $1,977.00
  • GUCCI
    Borsetto Horsebit-embellished suede-trimmed leather shoulder bag
    $2,715.00
  • TOTEME
    T-Lock snake-effect leather shoulder bag
    $1,760.00
  • SAVETTE
    Trapeze large leather shoulder bag
    $1,795.00

The midi skirt

When it comes to skirts, midi-length styles are 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 pointed-toe pumps. Jil Sander’s split wool and mohair-blend style from the fall/winter runway is an elegant day-to-night option, especially when paired with a poplin shirt and slingbacks. Meanwhile, McQueen’s asymmetric lace-trimmed midi works perfectly with a blazer and knee-high boots.

  • RÓHE
    Paneled leather midi skirt
    $1,385.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • TWP
    Pure Intentions belted cotton-drill midi skirt
    $705.00
    Select a Size
    00 - out of stock
    0
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - low stock
    8
  • JIL SANDER
    Wool and mohair-blend midi skirt
    $1,100.00
    Select a Size
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42 - low stock
    44 - low stock
    46 - low stock
    48 - out of stock
  • MCQUEEN
    Asymmetric draped lace-trimmed crepe midi skirt
    $1,580.00
    Select a Size
    36
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
    46 - out of stock

A long-sleeve T-shirt

With cooler days ahead, it’s time to transition from short- to long-sleeved tees – a swap made a whole lot easier thanks to brands like Kallmeyer and Éterne. Taking cues from trending baseball tees, Éterne’s style has contrasting emerald-green raglan sleeves and looks effortlessly cool paired with stonewashed denim, while Auralee, Jil Sander and Kallmeyer’s versions all make a strong case for colorful stripes. Wear yours loose over jeans with ballet flats, loafers or a heel for an elevated take.

  • AURALEE
    Striped wool-jersey T-shirt
    $395.00
    Select a Size
    0 - low stock
    1 - out of stock
    2
  • ÉTERNE
    Baseball cotton-jersey T-shirt
    $135.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • JIL SANDER
    Striped cotton T-shirt
    $650.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large
  • KALLMEYER
    Wynn striped cotton-jersey T-shirt
    $200.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock

The little black dress

There’s no denying the timeless appeal of a little (or long) black dress in the fall – it’s the perfect base for bright, neutral and jewel tones, meaning you can switch up your styling each time you wear it. Designed with a fitted bodice and a voluminous balloon skirt, Toteme’s strapless style is the epitome of modern elegance. Wear it to cocktail parties with drop earrings and a kitten heel. Alternatively, reach for Tove’s sleek turtleneck gown on cooler nights. As for work, Co’s cap-sleeve maxi is perfect for business meetings, interviews and client dinners alike.

  • TOTEME
    Strapless crepe maxi dress
    $870.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34 - low stock
    36 - low stock
    38 - out of stock
    40
    42 - low stock
  • TOVE
    Sacha jersey turtleneck gown
    $695.00
    Select a Size
    34 - low stock
    36 - out of stock
    38
    40
    42 - out of stock
  • CO
    Shift stretch-crepe maxi dress
    $1,095.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium - low stock
    large - low stock
    x large - out of stock
  • KHAITE
    Harlin draped satin turtleneck knee-lenght dress
    $2,705.00
    Select a Size
    0 - low stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - low stock
    6 - out of stock
    8
    10 - out of stock

Ankle boots

Aside from being sleek and timeless, the beauty of ankle boots is that they come in a variety of shapes and heel heights to suit all manner of occasions and terrains yet always look smart – essential if you’re dashing across the city to work or an event in cold, wet weather. For something office-appropriate, opt for point-toe kitten-heel styles by Toteme and Jimmy Choo or elevate your look to new heights with Khaite’s ‘Valerie’ boots in cream leather. Showcase their Western-style stitching with ankle-cropped jeans or a midi dress.

  • KHAITE
    Valerie 55 leather ankle boots
    $1,430.00
    Select a Size
    36
    37 - out of stock
    38
    39
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    42
  • TOTEME
    Croc-effect leather ankle-boots
    $660.00
    Select a Size
    36
    37
    38
    39
    40 - low stock
    41
    42 - out of stock
  • JIMMY CHOO
    Lory 35 suede ankle boots
    $1,080.00
    Select a Size
    35
    35.5
    36
    36.5
    37
    37.5 - low stock
    38
    38.5 - low stock
    39
    39.5 - low stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - low stock
    41 - out of stock
    41.5
    42
    43 - out of stock
  • MANOLO BLAHNIK
    Vivecal 70 leather ankle boots
    $1,205.00
    Select a Size
    36
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - low stock
    39 - low stock
    39.5 - low stock
    40
    40.5
    41 - low stock
    41.5
    42

Indigo denim

Consider indigo jeans the new denim default for your capsule wardrobe. For the ultimate investment, look to all-American brands with cult followings, such as Citizens of Humanity, which produces as much of its denim as possible in its hometown of Los Angeles. The brand’s ‘Nora’ jeans are woven with plenty of stretch and come in a classic wide-leg shape. Meanwhile, Nili Lotan’s flared ‘Celia’ jeans are a smart choice, so much so you might even get away with wearing them to the office. Wear them with a striped button-down and a trench – or a lace-trimmed camisole and heels after dark.

  • AGOLDE
    Lana mid-rise straight-leg jeans
    $315.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30 - low stock
    31
    32
  • CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
    Nora mid-rise wide-leg jeans
    $335.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30 - out of stock
    31
    32
  • NILI LOTAN
    Celia high-rise flared jeans
    $410.00
    Select a Size
    23 - out of stock
    24 - out of stock
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29 - low stock
    30
    31 - out of stock
    32
  • MARIA MCMANUS
    Crescent wide-leg jeans
    $690.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2
    4
    6
    8
    10 - low stock

The incredibly chic tote bag

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 favorite, Saint Laurent’s quilted suede ‘Icare’ tote is roomy and reliable, while Bottega Veneta’s ‘Corso’ style offers the same versatility in burgundy intrecciato leather. Elsewhere, DeMellier’s ‘New York’ tote from our NET SUSTAIN edit 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.

  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Corso Intrecciato leather tote
    $3,749.00
  • BALENCIAGA
    Rodeo large leather shoulder bag
    $5,650.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Icare medium matelassé leather tote
    $4,284.00
  • DEMELLIER
    The New York leather tote
    $635.00

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. Lean into trending checks with styles by Auralee, Still Here and Róhe. The former’s cotton and silk-blend shirt is cut in a relaxed shape and looks as good worn open with a tank top and tailored pants as it does buttoned up with jeans and cowboy boots à la Lucy Williams. Alternatively, for something work-appropriate, MFPEN’s cornflower-blue cotton shirt is the perfect pick. Wear it loose over a pencil skirt with ballet flats and a top-handle bag.

  • AURALEE
    Checked cotton and silk-blend shirt
    $735.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    1 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
  • MFPEN
    The Womens Generous cotton shirt
    $335.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large - out of stock
  • STILL HERE
    Noon checked cotton-blend plaid shirt
    $340.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large
  • RÓHE
    Checked cotton-flannel shirt
    $800.00
    Select a Size
    32
    34
    36
    38
    40 - low stock
    42 - low stock
    44

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. Jacques Marie Mage's aviator-style 'Clyde' frames will pair beautifully with leather jackets and sharp tailoring alike. Next, elevate your favorite jeans or pants with a refined belt, like Déhanche’s ’Hollyhock’ design from our NET SUSTAIN edit. For a pop of color, drape Johnstons of Elgin’s red cashmere scarf over a blazer or swap your usual black socks for a purple pair.

  • JACQUES MARIE MAGE
    Clyde aviator-style acetate sunglasses
    $875.00
  • JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN
    Fringed cashmere scarf
    $230.00
  • AGNELLE
    Celia leather gloves
    $180.00
    Select a Size
    6 - out of stock
    6.5
    7
    7.5
    8
    8.5 - low stock
  • DÉHANCHE
    Hollyhock leather belt
    $315.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large - low stock

A tailored coat

There’s no better way to mark the start of fall/winter than with a new coat, and the worthiest investments are those in smart tailored shapes. Nili Lotan’s ‘Edmond’ style is made from a checked wool-blend in an oversized double-breasted silhouette that’s perfect for layering over knitwear or a suit. Elsewhere, Balenciaga’s coat is spun from a blend of wool and cashmere for warmth and softness and has a beautiful hourglass shape emphasized by sharp shoulders and a nipped-in waist. Size up if you prefer an even roomier fit and style with ankle socks and slingbacks.

  • CHLOÉ
    Double-breasted wool coat
    $2,875.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36
    38
    40
    42
    44 - out of stock
  • BALENCIAGA
    Wool and cashmere-blend long coat
    $3,950.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40
  • NILI LOTAN
    Edmond double-breasted checked wool-blend coat
    $2,490.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - out of stock
    x small - out of stock
    small - low stock
    medium - low stock
    large
    x large - out of stock
  • DESTREE
    Maria velvet-trimmed wool-felt coat
    $895.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium - low stock
    large - out of stock

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, Dries Van Noten’s burnished 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. As far as shoe trends go, ballet flats are still going strong and there are plenty of new styles to obsess over this season, including Alaïa’s ‘Criss Cross’ pair and Lemaire’s sleek ‘Glove’ flats.

  • DRIES VAN NOTEN
    Leather loafers
    $770.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    37 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    39
    40 - low stock
    41 - low stock
  • ALAÏA
    Criss Cross leather-trimmed calf hair ballet flats
    $955.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39
    39.5 - out of stock
    40
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - low stock
    42 - out of stock
  • GUCCI
    Jordaan Horsebit-detailed leather loafers
    $867.00
    Select a Size
    36 - low stock
    36.5 - low stock
    37 - low stock
    37.5 - low stock
    38
    38.5 - low stock
    39 - low stock
    39.5
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    41.5 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
  • POLO RALPH LAUREN
    Bow-detail suede moccassins
    $475.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36
    37 - low stock
    37.5
    38 - low stock
    38.5
    39
    39.5 - out of stock

Tailored pants

Find the perfect pair of tailored pants and you’ll treasure them for years to come. Not only does their 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 for a pair of heels). Our buying team loves The Row’s wide-leg ‘Daniela’ style in pleated wool-twill and Jil Sander’s draped sablé’ pants, which are designed to take you from the office to after-hours – simply swap shirting for a going-out top.

  • DRIES VAN NOTEN
    Pinstriped crepe wide-leg pants
    $675.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - out of stock
    42
    44
  • JIL SANDER
    Draped wool-sablé wide-leg pants
    $1,330.00
    Select a Size
    36
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - low stock
    44
    46
  • THE ROW
    Daniela wool-twill wide-leg pants
    $1,710.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - low stock
    4
    6
    8 - out of stock
    10
    12
  • MFPEN
    Primary striped wool straight-leg pants
    $440.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large

Elevated 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 Lié Studio’s pretty ‘The Eleanora’ hoop earrings encapsulate everything we love about mixed-toned metals. The same goes for Foundrae’s lariat necklace, which is connected by a diamond-encrusted white gold hoop.

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