How to create the ultimate capsule wardrobe
Essentials, basics, wardrobe fail-safes… Whatever you call them, these nine key pieces are the unshakeable foundations of any look
The new jean shape
After what seems like a lifetime, skinny jeans have officially lost their stranglehold on your closet – high-waisted, wide-leg styles are the designs in demand. Cool and universally flattering, retro-inspired jeans by the likes of denim masters Goldsign, Agolde and Rag & Bone will put a different spin on your off-duty look. Pair with second-skin knits or play with proportions (and tick off two trends in one) by adding statement sleeves. Minimal effort, maximum impact? It’s all down to good jeans.
- rag & boneDistressed high-rise straight-leg jeans
- GoldsignThe Benefit high-rise straight-leg jeans
- AGOLDEBoyfriend jeans
- Isabel Marant ÉtoileCorsy jeans
A crossbody bag
Every now and then, a bag comes along that boasts both the immediate appeal that makes it, well, ‘it’, and a simplicity that ensures it’ll stand the test of time. Bijou yet practical, a great crossbody bag ticks every box. Signature, yet refreshingly modern, styles by the likes of Chloé, Wandler, Gucci and The Row aren’t just ultra-covetable, they will also work with (and improve) every look in your existing closet. Fashion magic.
- ChloéChloé C small leather-trimmed croc-effect shoulder bag
- The RowJulien leather shoulder bag
- GucciGG Marmont Circle quilted leather shoulder bag
- WandlerBilly leather shoulder bag
Everyday embellishment
The modern way to wear jewelry? In abundance and with aplomb – why save your stones for a rainy day when a delicate dusting will take even the most understated of outfits to another level? Take inspiration from French fashion consultant Camille Charrière and elevate a simple sweater with a coin necklace, or try Margaret Zhang’s trick of using gold hoops to brighten up jet-lagged skin. As for high-ticket items like diamonds and classic-luxe watches, don’t let them languish in your jewelry box; these envy-inducing pieces were made to be worn – and admired.
- AlighieriIl Leone Medallion gold-plated necklace
- RosanticaGold-tone hoop earrings
- Pomellato18-karat rose gold diamond ring
- CartierBaignoire 24.5mm small 18-karat pink gold and alligator watch
A fail-safe coat
Brooklyn-based creative and star of our 2018 best-dressed list Vanessa Hong is a self-confessed outerwear addict. She’s a firm believer that a great trench or shearling coat will stand the test of time, growing with you as your style evolves, and we’d have to agree. In addition to her chic picks, we’d also add a sumptuous woolen coat and puffer jacket, which is quickly becoming a modern classic, to your list of essential styles.
- KhaiteFelice cotton-gabardine trench coat
- JosephLuke shearling coat
- GucciOversized intarsia-trimmed quilted shell down coat
A blazer
In an age when Silicon Valley’s biggest power players wear hoodies to work, it was inevitable that the lines between on- and off-duty style would begin to blur. Case in point? The blazer’s transition from corporate classic to closet essential. Uber-cool stylists Alexandra Carl and Julie Pelipas favor oversized cuts, but look to Saint Laurent for a quintessential Le Smoking or up-and-coming labels Petar Petrov and Anna Quan for cinched styles. Pair with blue denim for a truly modern hi/low mix.
- Saint LaurentWool-gabardine blazer
- Petar PetrovJovan wool and silk-blend twill blazer
- ANNA QUANSienna wool and cashmere-blend blazer
- RokhLayered twill blazer
A cashmere turtleneck
Contrary to everything you’ve been told, cashmere does not need to be dry-cleaned. In fact, even if your washing machine doesn’t have a hand-wash setting, you can simply pop your woolens into a pillowcase and a cold wash will do the job. Meaning, invest in a super-chic cashmere sweater now and you’ll wear it on repeat for years to come; turtlenecks in muted tones will never date. Top tip: add a drop of baby shampoo to the washing machine drum for extra softness.
- KhaiteMolly striped cashmere turtleneck sweater
- BurberryCashmere turtleneck sweater
- &DaughterCasla cashmere turtleneck sweater
Stacked sneakers
A lot can change in a year. When Balenciaga launched its cult Triple S sneaker in fall 2017, they were considered to be so directional that only the savviest of dressers would dare to wear them. Flash-forward to now and the ‘ugly’ sneaker has become a bona fide closet essential. Minimal designs have been tossed aside in favor of chunky, stacked, technical styles and every label from Fendi to Chloé is getting in on the game. Get your kicks.
- BalenciagaTriple S logo-embroidered leather, nubuck and mesh sneakers
- FendiLogo-print leather and rubber sneakers
- ChloéSonnie canvas, mesh, suede and leather sneakers
- Acne StudiosManhattan leather, suede and mesh sneakers
A silk slip dress
One of those magical pieces that can go from off-duty to high-octane with a simple accessory switch-up, the wear-with-anything properties of a slip dress should not be underestimated. The trick to finding a forever piece is to opt for silk; it is less prone to creasing, which means you can wear it from dawn to dusk. This season, Chloé, Jason Wu and Orseund Iris have debuted covetable designs in a bevy of blush, black and scarlet tones. Pair yours with chunky knits and barely-there sandals for leisurely days that stretch into long nights.
- Orseund IrisRuched satin dress
- Jason Wu CollectionOpen-back satin-crepe midi dress
- ChloéScalloped crepe dress
- DeitasCoco silk-charmeuse maxi dress
Cowboy boots
Yes, really. In recent seasons cowboy boots have gone from outré choice to veritable closet essential. The perfect complement to everything from blue denim to micro-mini dresses, they’re a fail-safe footwear style that’s full of personality. Whether you gravitate towards Chloé’s modern snake-print styles or Ganni’s traditional two-tone boots, you’ll find yourself wondering what you wore 24/7 before. Not your first time at the rodeo? Take your styling cues from the catwalk and go full-on gaucho by finishing Isabel Marant’s suede show-stoppers with a belted blanket coat.
- ChloéRylee cutout suede and leather ankle boots
- Isabel MarantDenzy embroidered suede knee boots
- Isabel MarantLamsy embellished suede ankle boots
- GANNIMarlyn two-tone embroidered leather cutout boots
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