How To Create A Capsule Wardrobe That Lasts
What does the ultimate love-forever wardrobe look like in 2023? These 15 pieces provide the unshakable foundations of any capsule closet
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 few pieces that can transition seamlessly between settings (simply swap your daytime sandals or sneakers for a sophisticated pair of heels). Ferragamo’s beige wool pair strike the perfect balance between relaxed and polished. Likewise, The Row’s exquisitely cut mid-rise pants will see you through many occasions, whatever the season.
VALENTINO GARAVANIWool straight-leg pants$1,260.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock38 - out of stock4042 - out of stock44 - out of stock46 - out of stock
THE ROWEssentials Igor crepe straight-leg pants$1,390.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size0 - out of stock2 - out of stock4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock1214 - out of stock
AKRISFidelia pleated cotton and linen-blend tapered pants$299.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size2 - out of stock4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock
The blazer
Since WFH has become a part of our weekly routines, it is inevitable that the lines between on- and off-duty style have blurred for many of us. Case in point? The blazer’s transition from workwear classic to capsule-closet essential. Look to Toteme for an ultra-chic spin, while Brioni’s light-blue iteration – a NET-A-PORTER exclusive – is a worthy choice for your work or weekend wardrobe.
ANOTHER TOMORROW+ NET SUSTAIN double-breasted merino wool jacket$654.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock46 - out of stock48 - out of stock
MAX MARAMosa cotton and linen-blend blazer$554.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size46 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock1618 - out of stock
ACNE STUDIOSDouble-breasted twill blazer$360.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size30 - out of stock32 - out of stock34 - out of stock36 - out of stock3840 - out of stock42
Straight-leg jeans
Consider timeless straight-leg styles the new denim default for your capsule wardrobe. For the ultimate investment, look to all-American labels that have built a cult following for their natural washes and flattering shapes – think California-based brands Slvrlake and Citizens of Humanity for foolproof go-tos. Meanwhile, Nili Lotan’s high-rise style is utterly timeless – team with a tank top and penny loafers for daytime cool, then simply swap to a barely-there ’90s sandal and fitted black blazer for evening.
A classic shoulder bag
The ‘It-bag’ name might bring to mind a buzzy one-season wonder, but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover an array of tried-and-true pieces that are deserving of cult status. Think contemporary classics, such as Valentino Garavani’s vintage-inspired ‘VLogo’ and Loewe’s versatile ‘Goya’ in goes-with-everything tan. If in doubt, it’s impossible to go wrong with Saint Laurent’s lust-worthy creations, which are the ultimate in elegant luxury. The Parisian label’s chic ‘Le 5 à 7’ leather shoulder bag in black is a day-to-night all-rounder that’ll be glued to your side for seasons to come.
A white dress
A crisp white dress is a wardrobe essential for easy summer style, as the lightweight fabric and neutral hue offers a fresh canvas for accessorizing. This is the trophy number you slip into for sun-filled days, when you don’t have time to think or plan your outfit. Go from work to the weekend with ease in Chloé’s lace-up midi dress. Spun from a smooth wool-and-linen blend, style it with a sharp, black blazer and ballet flats for the office, then swap for sneakers and sunglasses to take it off-duty. For a garden party, Ulla Johnson’s one-shoulder midi dress will look divine with white sandals, a raffia tote, and a string of pearls.
CHLOÉLace-up wool and linen-blend piqué midi dress$1,107.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
LAFAYETTE 148Draped cotton-poplin midi shirt dress$520.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size2 - out of stock4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock
An oversized shirt
The most dependable of wardrobe essentials, the shirt is among a mere handful of garments that can exude authority and polish in an instant. This season, however, you’ll discover standard silhouettes have been pumped up to cooler, more relaxed proportions – look to Sacai’s collaboration with Thomas Mason for a roomy linen-blend style in soft blue, or Stella McCartney for a crisp yet capacious cotton-poplin iteration with glossy mother-of-pearl buttons.
Minimal sneakers
Where black dresses and blazers have long been deemed classics, the sleek white sneaker is a relatively new inductee to the pantheon of wardrobe must-haves; an item no longer the preserve of sports settings but an everyday off-duty essential. Indeed, a streamlined tennis-style shoe will always serve you well, and The Row’s plimsoll-inspired pair can be teamed with everything from wide-leg pants to everyday denims. Athletic designs, meanwhile, will inject a streetwise edge to polished pieces – pair Saint Laurent’s retro-style sneakers with crisp tailoring for a chic high-low contrast.
ISABEL MARANTBeth suede-trimmed leather sneakers$430.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size353637 - out of stock38 - out of stock39 - out of stock40 - out of stock41 - out of stock
A trench coat
A trench coat is one of the most important seasonal purchases you’ll make: choose right, and you have a sartorial ally that will see you through many seasons in style. We advise opting for a classic silhouette that will complement your existing closet: Loewe’s camel-colored coat is the epitome of timeless elegance – roomy enough for layering on cooler days, it will look equally impressive over sleek suiting or a black evening dress. Meanwhile, Loro Piana’s luxe ‘Billie’ coat is cut from lightweight linen and comes with a self-tie belt that lends a casual feel to its precision tailoring.
LORO PIANABille checked belted linen trench coat$3,600.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock3840 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock46 - out of stock48 - out of stock
A timeless watch
A trusted timepiece is a lifelong investment that’s likely to be passed down the generations. For the ultimate heirloom, turn to the esteemed heritage houses, which have devoted decades to honing their craft, such as IWC Schaffhausen, whose ‘Portofino’ is a minimalist’s dream, or Cartier, whose ‘Tank Française’ timepiece embodies modern glamour.
CARTIERTank Française 32mm medium 18-karat gold diamond watch
Chunky sandals
A pair of chunky sandals will complete every daytime style, whether it’s lunch with friends, running errands, or a vacation to a balmy destination. Toteme’s ‘The Chunky’ is a no-brainer and, given the timeless silhouette, a true investment piece. The intricate, interwoven straps add instant elegance to the casual silhouette, making them perfect for slipping on with jeans and a top for impromptu parties, too. Meanwhile, The Row’s ‘Ginza’ sandals have a minimal vibe and are cut from classic black leather that goes with everything.
THE ROWGinza leather and suede platform flip flops$990.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3535.5 - out of stock36 - low stock36.5 - out of stock3737.53838.53939.54040.54141.542
MARNIFussbett leather slingback sandals$795.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - low stock35.5 - low stock3636.537 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - low stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock
Everyday embellishments
Be sure not to neglect the finer details when curating your capsule closet. While relatively small in scale, an eye-catching earring or glittering necklace can prove outsized in impact – and instantly elevates an everyday outfit from basic to brilliant. A chic gold chain, for example, will stand you in good stead – and Yvonne Léon puts forward a forever design with its 18-karat-gold and topaz necklace, which is a NET-A-PORTER exclusive. Meanwhile, Mateo’s ‘Wave’ diamond hoop earrings will make a dazzling addition for day or evening.
YVONNE LÉON18-karat gold topaz necklace
L'ATELIER NAWBARBeak 18-karat gold, enamel and diamond pinky ring
Sunglasses
When the days get warmer, longer and brighter, it’s time to update your collection of sunglasses. After all, the right pair instantly elevates casual outfits and adds effortless cool to dressed-up looks, too. Oliver Peoples and Khaite’s vintage-inspired ‘1969’ is a coveted style for SS23 – and is available only at NET-A-PORTER. While Lexxola’s ‘Ida’ pair – also an exclusive – has a minimal oval shape that’s the perfect finishing touch to pared-back, ’90s outfits.
OLIVER PEOPLES+ Khaite 1969 oval-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses
CELINE EYEWEARSquare-frame acetate sunglasses
DIOR EYEWEARDiorMidnight B1I cat-eye acetate sunglasses
Penny loafers
Loafers have that wonderful blend of practicality and polish that makes them a true wardrobe foundation. This season sees a wide-ranging mix of styles that cater to all tastes, from The Row’s timeless ‘Adam’ loafers to Ganni’s crystal-embellished style. Roll up your jeans or pair them with shorts to put your best foot forward.
3.1 PHILLIP LIMAlexa patent-leather loafers$180.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock36 - out of stock37 - out of stock38 - out of stock39 - out of stock40 - out of stock41 - out of stock
A denim jacket
A fail-safe outerwear option for casual days, the denim jacket is a trusty staple for transitional dressing. When choosing your wash, go for a shade of indigo that matches your favorite pair of jeans to maximize its styling potential. Victoria Beckham’s cropped style comes in a classic blue that pairs well with darker and lighter denims, while the proportion balances high-rise jeans. Loewe’s navy version, on the other hand, is ideal for dressing up with leather pants and strappy heels for a night out.
KHAITEGrizzo oversized denim jacket$490.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stock
The Breton knit
For those trans-seasonal days when there’s still a chill in the air, the nautical feel of Breton-striped knitwear is a nod to the new season, while still being a practical and elevated choice. La Ligne’s ‘Marin’ cardigan is cut from a soft wool-and-cashmere blend, with a loose fit for layering over a tank top or simple cotton dress. Meanwhile, Officine Générale’s vest-style version is a chic addition to your edit of workwear – all you need is a white T-shirt and jeans.
How to ensure your pieces last
Taking care of your clothes is not only good news for you, because they last longer, but is thought to significantly reduce the carbon and water footprint of each piece. Bronwyn Seier, from repairs and alterations specialist The Seam, shares three tips to help build longevity into your closet.
1. Store safely
Store clothes carefully between wears – tailoring should be hung on a supportive hanger; knitwear should be laid flat, folding along seams if necessary. Avoid hanging items that have been cut on the bias, as they are likely to misshape. Between seasons, ensure your garments, particularly natural fibers, are stored away from light and moisture in airtight bags to protect against moths.
2. Wash well
The temperature on the care label is maximum, rather than recommended – 30 degrees should be the standard washing temperature, saving energy (up to 40 percent, according to the UK’s Energy Saving Trust) and prolonging the life of your clothes. Tackle stains immediately, then aim to wash your clothes less often – brush, lint roll, steam or spot clean to refresh between washes. Freezing is a handy way to eliminate odors (and also kills moth larvae).
3. Mend swiftly
Small snags in knitwear or tears in fabric should be mended as soon as possible, and certainly before you re-wear or wash, as they are likely to grow. Most damage is salvageable with a little imagination – repairs can always turn into reworks with a good seamstress, like The Seam, on hand.
Find out how to extend the life of your clothes with our Repair & Rewear service, powered by The Seam
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