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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 Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion

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 scoop-neck midi is made from cotton-poplin that floats away from the body for ease and works beautifully with thong sandals or a kitten heel. Elsewhere, Dôen’s ‘Ischia’ style from our NET SUSTAIN edit evokes the modern prairie aesthetic, bringing a touch of romance to your closet – wear it with ballet flats now and cowboy boots come fall.

  • KHAITE
    Nola ruched cotton-poplin midi dress
    ر.س10,300.00
    Select a Size
    0
    2 - low stock
    4
    6 - low stock
    8
    10 - out of stock
  • DÔEN
    Ischia shirred organic cotton-blend voile midi dress
    ر.س1,800.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - low stock
    x small
    small
    medium
    large
    x large
    xx large
  • TOTEME
    Cotton-poplin midi dress
    ر.س1,900.00
    Select a Size
    32 - out of stock
    34
    36
    38 - out of stock
    40 - low stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • MATTEAU
    Shirred organic cotton midi dress
    ر.س2,025.00
    Select a Size
    1
    2
    3
    4 - out of stock
    5 - out of stock

Fashion flip flops

No longer reserved for the beach, fashion flip flops have become a fully-fledged city staple, and an easy way to add an effortless, insouciance feel to your outfits. Style A.Emery’s beloved ‘Kinto’ 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 Christopher Esber’s ‘Jo’ flip flops in red, which will look elegantly undone with a midi skirt and lightweight cardigan.

  • CHRISTEN
    Edge lizard-effect leather flip flops
    ر.س4,200.00
    Select a Size
    36 - low stock
    37 - low stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5
    39 - low stock
    39.5 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    41
    42
  • ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
    Jelly flip flops
    ر.س410.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36 - low stock
    37
    38
    39
    40
    41
  • CHRISTOPHER ESBER
    Jo PVC flip flops
    ر.س1,470.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    39
    40
    41
  • A.EMERY
    Kinto suede sandals
    ر.س660.00
    Select a Size
    35 - low stock
    36
    37
    38
    39
    40
    41
    42

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. Tibi’s crinkled charmeuse style is an elegant day-to-night option, especially when paired with a poplin shirt and heels. Meanwhile, Dries Van Noten’s ruffled denim design works perfectly with a blazer and open-toe mules.

  • DRIES VAN NOTEN
    Ruffle-detailed draped denim midi skirt
    ر.س2,100.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • AFLALO
    Rixa satin wrap midi skirt
    ر.س2,885.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - out of stock
  • TIBI
    Crinkle charmeuse midi skirt
    ر.س1,915.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - out of stock
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large
  • OUR LEGACY
    Origami asymmetric pleated virgin wool skirt
    ر.س2,295.00
    Select a Size
    EU 32 - low stock
    EU 34
    EU 36 - low stock
    EU 38 - low stock
    EU 40 - low stock
    EU 42 - out of 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, The Row’s ‘Marlo’ tote is roomy and reliable, while Bottega Veneta’s ‘Barbara’ style offers the same versatility in burgundy intrecciato leather. Elsewhere, Kallmeyer’s ‘Cottage’ canvas tote 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.

  • THE ROW
    Marlo 12 textured-leather tote
    ر.س24,695.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Icare maxi suede tote
    ر.س26,500.00
  • KALLMEYER
    Cottage leather-trimmed canvas tote
    ر.س3,430.00
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Barbara Intrecciato leather tote
    ر.س24,350.00

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 ‘May’ tank is made from organic cotton-jersey and looks great paired with cargo pants and denim shorts alike. Meanwhile, Saint Laurent’s V-neck version is an elevated choice for evening. Wear it with high-waisted pants and heels for rooftop drinks.

  • SAINT LAURENT
    Ribbed-knit tank
    ر.س5,250.00
    Select a Size
    XS
    S - low stock
    M - out of stock
    L - low stock
  • LOEWE
    Anagram-embroidered ribbed tank
    ر.س3,550.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
  • FLORE FLORE
    May organic cotton-jersey tank
    ر.س340.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - low stock
    medium
    large
    x large - low stock
  • TIBI
    Ribbed wool tank
    ر.س1,825.00
    Select a Size
    xx small
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large

City shorts

The street-style set has had tailored shorts and culottes on heavy rotation all summer long, but they’ll easily transition into your fall wardrobe, too. Khaite’s ‘Auggie’ Bermuda shorts are crafted from structured wool-and-silk blend with a high-rise waist and a relaxed fit – style them with a crisp white shirt and low-heeled mules for a fail-safe smart-casual look. Alternatively, opt for Anine Bing’s neatly pressed cream canvas pair and style them with a co-ordinating vest or blazer for the office, or try Liberowe’s longer silhouette with a draped satin blouse in the evening.

  • ANINE BING
    Bryson canvas bermuda shorts
    ر.س1,410.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    40
    42 - low stock
  • LIBEROWE
    Pleated wool-fresco culotte shorts
    ر.س4,260.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
    x large - out of stock
  • KHAITE
    Auggie pleated wool and silk-blend shorts
    ر.س6,800.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - low stock
    4
    6
    8 - low stock
    10
    12
  • MATTEAU
    Pleated organic cotton-blend twill shorts
    ر.س1,795.00
    Select a Size
    1 - out of stock
    2 - low stock
    3 - out of stock
    4 - low stock
    5 - 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- and pointed-toe shapes that will add instant polish without compromising on comfort and go perfectly with floaty dresses, smart tailoring and relaxed denim alike. Gucci’s horsebit-embellished leather ‘Vittoria’ slingback pumps are an on-trend choice for evening events, while Jil Sander’s ‘Cage’ sandals in red satin make an elegant style statement.

  • GUCCI
    Vittoria 55 horsebit-embellished leather slingback pumps
    ر.س4,750.00
    Select a Size
    36
    37
    37.5
    38
    38.5
    39 - out of stock
    39.5
    40
    41
    42
  • JIL SANDER
    Cage satin sandals
    ر.س3,490.00
    Select a Size
    36
    37 - low stock
    37.5
    38 - low stock
    38.5
    39
    39.5
    40
    41
  • JUDE
    Cave 65 suede mules
    ر.س1,935.00
    Select a Size
    36
    36.5
    37 - low stock
    37.5 - low stock
    38
    38.5 - low stock
    39 - low stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - low stock
  • JIMMY CHOO
    Amel 50 logo-embellished eel-effect leather slingback pumps
    ر.س4,335.00
    Select a Size
    36 - low stock
    36.5
    37 - low stock
    37.5 - low stock
    38
    38.5 - low stock
    39
    39.5 - low stock
    40
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - low stock
    41.5
    42 - 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 The Row’s timeless ‘Alma Baguette’ bag, which is crafted from butter-soft leather in a clean, 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.

  • TOTEME
    T-Lock leather shoulder bag
    ر.س4,860.00
  • GUCCI
    Borsetto Small leather shoulder bag
    ر.س12,950.00
  • THE ROW
    Alma Baguette leather shoulder bag
    ر.س14,070.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Cassandre textured-leather shoulder bag
    ر.س8,150.00

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 Citizens of Humanity, which produces as much of its denim as possible in its hometown of Los Angeles. The brand’s high-rise ‘The Taper’ jeans are faded and whiskered to resemble an authentic vintage pair. Meanwhile, Frame’s ‘The Newbie Skimp’ jeans are a no-brainer thanks to their timeless and flattering shape. Wear them with a striped button-down and ballet flats – or a lace-trimmed camisole and kitten-heel mules for after-dark appeal.

  • MOTHER
    The Newbie Skimp mid-rise straight-leg jeans
    ر.س1,700.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24 - low stock
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30 - low stock
    31 - low stock
    32 - low stock
  • AGOLDE
    80s high-waist straight-leg jeans
    ر.س1,420.00
    Select a Size
    23 - out of stock
    24
    25
    26
    27 - out of stock
    28 - out of stock
    29 - out of stock
    30 - out of stock
    31 - out of stock
    32 - out of stock
  • CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
    The Taper Jean mid-rise straight-leg jeans
    ر.س1,475.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30 - low stock
    31 - low stock
    32
  • THE ROW
    Fargo mid-rise straight-leg jeans
    ر.س5,200.00
    Select a Size
    23 - out of stock
    24
    25 - out of stock
    26
    27 - out of stock
    28
    29
    30 - out of stock
    31

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 stripes with styles by Studio Nicholson, Nili Lotan and Burberry. The former’s ‘View’ shirt is cut in an oversized shape and looks as good worn open with a tank top and jeans as it does buttoned-up with sharply tailored pants. Alternatively, for something a touch more fitted, Nili Lotan’s ‘Raphael Classic’ shirt is the perfect pick.

  • NILI LOTAN
    Raphael striped cotton shirt
    ر.س2,175.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium
    large
    x large
  • BURBERRY
    Logo-embroidered striped silk shirt
    ر.س4,690.00
    Select a Size
    4
    6 - low stock
    8 - low stock
    10 - low stock
    12 - low stock
    14 - low stock
    16
    18
  • STUDIO NICHOLSON
    View striped cotton and silk-blend shirt
    ر.س3,085.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large - low stock
  • JIL SANDER
    Cotton shirt
    ر.س7,720.00
    Select a Size
    38 - low stock
    40
    42 - low stock
    44 - low stock
    46
    48

Timeless sunglasses

Sunglasses are an essential addition to any capsule closet. The right shades will complete every look – and by ‘right,’ we mean that they flatter both your face and personal style. Aviators are perfect for every date in your diary, and Bottega Veneta’s ‘Dizzy’ pair feel like a modern update to classic metal-frame styles. Elsewhere, the clean lines of Saint Laurent’s rectangular ‘SL M182 JAZZ’ shades will complement tailoring, LBDs and denim perfectly.

  • SAINT LAURENT EYEWEAR
    SL M182 JAZZ square-frame recycled tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses
    ر.س1,520.00
  • JACQUES MARIE MAGE
    Molino square-frame sunglasses
    ر.س4,080.00
  • BOTTEGA VENETA EYEWEAR
    Dizzy aviator-style recycled-acetate sunglasses
    ر.س1,730.00
  • GUCCI EYEWEAR
    Bella Interlocking G-detailed oval-frame silver-tone recycled-acetate sunglasses
    ر.س1,395.00

The blazer

Escaping the office-only pigeonhole, blazers are both one of the hottest items to invest in right now and a true capsule-closet essential. Turn to Stella McCartney for an ultra-chic style that’s both relaxed and refined. Cut from supple wool-twill, the brand’s oversized design from our NET SUSTAIN edit will make all your favorite workweek looks feel fresh. Meanwhile, Saint Laurent’s ’80s-inspired wool style is primed to become a staple in your office rotation.

  • SAINT LAURENT
    Double-breasted virgin wool blazer
    ر.س16,100.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    42
  • STELLA MCCARTNEY
    Double-breasted oversized wool-twill blazer
    ر.س6,200.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    42 - low stock
    44 - low stock
    46
  • VICTORIA BECKHAM
    Katherine twill blazer
    ر.س4,120.00
    Select a Size
    4 - low stock
    6
    8
    10
    12 - low stock
    14 - low stock
    16
  • DOLCE&GABBANA
    Prince of Wales wool and cashmere-blend blazer
    ر.س12,365.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    42
    44
    46

Ballet flats

Ballet flats are still every tastemaker’s go-to shoe owing to their versatility and timeless appeal. Le Monde Béryl and Alaïa’s Mary Janes come in brown snake-effect leather and suede-trimmed mesh, respectively, and will transition effortlessly from day to night. Wear them to the office with a suede maxi skirt or at the weekend with a T-shirt and jeans. Alternatively, Aeyde’s glove-like ‘Nomi’ pair look especially chic styled with a slip dress.

  • ALAÏA
    Suede-trimmed mesh ballet flats
    ر.س3,290.00
    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
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - low stock
    42 - out of stock
  • LE MONDE BERYL
    Mary Jane snake-effect leather ballet flats
    ر.س2,440.00
    Select a Size
    35 - low stock
    36 - low stock
    36.5
    37 - low stock
    37.5
    38
    38.5
    39
    39.5
    40
    40.5 - low stock
    41
    41.5 - low stock
    42
  • GUCCI
    Horsebit-embellished leather ballet flats
    ر.س3,150.00
    Select a Size
    36 - low stock
    36.5
    37 - low stock
    37.5 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    38.5 - low stock
    39 - low stock
    39.5 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    40.5
    41
    41.5
    42 - low stock
  • AEYDE
    Nomi leather ballet flats
    ر.س1,745.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    36.5
    37
    37.5 - low stock
    38 - low stock
    38.5
    39
    39.5 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    40.5
    41 - low stock
    41.5 - low stock
    42

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 and Kallmeyer’s ‘Joel’ pants, which are designed to take you from the office to after-hours – simply swap shirting for a going-out top.

  • LOULOU DE SAISON
    Sbiru pleated wool-twill straight-leg pants
    ر.س1,230.00
    Select a Size
    34
    36
    38
    40
    42
  • KALLMEYER
    Joel pleated cotton-poplin wide-leg pants
    ر.س3,485.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - low stock
    6 - low stock
    8 - low stock
    10
    12
  • OUR LEGACY
    Wool-blend wide-leg pants
    ر.س2,650.00
    Select a Size
    EU 32
    EU 34
    EU 36 - low stock
    EU 38 - low stock
    EU 40
    EU 42 - low stock
  • DRIES VAN NOTEN
    Belted checked wool wide-leg pants
    ر.س3,730.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - low stock
    38
    40 - low stock
    42
    44

An everyday watch and 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. The same goes for Lie Studio’s two-tone ‘The Jil’ ring and Lucy Delius’ diamond-encrusted ‘Sciura’ hoops.

  • LUCY DELIUS
    Sciura 14-karat gold rhodium-plated diamond hoop earrings
    ر.س17,100.00
  • LIÉ STUDIO
    The Jil 18-karat gold-plated sterling silver ring
    ر.س910.00
    Select a Size
    48
    50 - low stock
    52
    54 - low stock
    56 - low stock
    58
  • FOUNDRAE
    New Beginnings 18-karat gold diamond necklace
    ر.س65,100.00

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