How To Create A Capsule Wardrobe That Lasts
Want to ensure you always have the right thing to wear? These 15 pieces are key to a capsule wardrobe and will provide the unshakable foundations of a love-forever closet for 2025 and beyond
The city vest
A hit both on and off the runway, tailored vests (or waistcoats) are firmly back on the fashion agenda. Traditionally worn as part of a three-piece suit, this sleek separate has evolved to become a staple in its own right and is the perfect partner to jeans, shorts and maxi skirts. Featured in our NET SUSTAIN edit, Posse’s ‘Nancy’ vest is beautifully tailored from linen and detailed with buttons that stop at the smallest part of your waist, creating a subtle (and flattering) peplum through the hips. Wear it to the office or a wedding reception with the brand’s ‘Parker’ pants and heeled thong sandals. Elsewhere, balance Faithfull’s ‘Eloise’ design – another NET SUSTAIN highlight – with laid-back denim cut-offs this summer – look to Kate Moss at Glastonbury in the early 2000s as your muse.
A versatile skirt
When it comes to skirt lengths, midi and maxi styles are arguably the most versatile. Easy to dress up or down, there’s little you can’t style them with, from simple tanks and romantic blouses to ballet flats and loafers. For something with after-hours appeal, Khaite’s ‘Monina’ midi in layered satin and organza might just be the style to pry you away from your favorite jeans. The slinky, figure-skimming shape echoes styles from the ’90s and feels just as timeless. Elsewhere, Johanna Ortiz’s recycled-jersey ‘Keel’ maxi in trending buttery yellow will work just as well with classic shirting in the city as it will on vacation over swimwear. The chic U-ring detailing at the waist adds to the summery feel. For something a touch more structured, try Posse’s bestselling ‘Emma’ skirt, which is cut from cool white linen in a flattering pencil shape. Both are highlights from our NET SUSTAIN edit and crafted using lower-impact materials.
City sandals
Flat sandals can sometimes feel a little too casual in formal city settings, but not with the right styling – pair The Row’s cult ‘Ginza’ flip flops with a crisp shirt dress or tailored shorts and they’ll instantly feel elevated enough for a work meeting or lunch. The same goes for Emme Parsons’ ‘Cecilia’ sandals in glossy red leather, which will look so chic paired with a tonal skirt and lightweight cardigan for rooftop drinks. Meanwhile, Aquazzura’s ‘Oaxaca’ pair – a NET-A-PORTER exclusive – has knotted leather straps that wrap around the ankle and lend an effortless boho feel.
The little white dress
White dresses can often be overlooked in favor of their trusty black counterpart, but they’re just as versatile – not to mention indisputably chic. Turn to Dôen for an effortless style you can wear from daytime events to dinner, with a few styling swaps. Featured in our NET SUSTAN edit, this prairie-inspired ‘Emmaretta’ style is made from lightweight cotton-voile and has a beautiful shirred bodice that’s super flattering. Elsewhere, Khaite’s ‘Hal’ style in soft cotton-jersey also promises longevity in your closet – wear it with strappy sandals now, swapping for knee-high boots and a turtleneck sweater come fall.
A classic shoulder bag
Some bags are designed to be 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; their dawn-til-dusk practicality ensuring they become a forever favorite in your accessory closet. It’s impossible to go wrong with Gucci’s ‘Jackie 1961’ shoulder bag, which is crafted from smooth burgundy leather and detailed with the iconic gold-tone piston clasp. Elsewhere, Savette’s ‘Symmetry’ style from our NET SUSTAN edit is an equally chic all-rounder that will be by your side for years to come.
City shorts
Find the perfect pair of city shorts (tailored or neatly cut denim styles both qualify) 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). Yet another highlight from our NET SUSTAIN edit, Le Kasha’s ‘Aqiva’ style is crafted from Italian linen with a double-belted high-rise waist and folded cuffs – wear with a crisp white shirt and low-heeled mules for a fail-safe smart-casual look. Prefer denim? Consider Frame’s aptly named ‘The Timeless’ shorts. Wear them with a white tee and a blazer for smart-casual days or a romantic white blouse on weekends.
Stylish 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. Sixties-inspired oval sunglasses look fabulous off-duty: Celine Eyewear’s black ‘Triomphe’ frames or Miu Miu’s sleek tortoiseshell acetate pair are both fail-safe picks. Elsewhere, the angular curves of Gucci Eyewear’s cat-eye sunglasses will complement tailoring perfectly.
Chic flats
Ballet flats have been on every fashion editor and influencer’s radar since their return to the runways a few seasons ago, and their popularity is set to continue for SS25. Gianvito Rossi’s raffia ‘Carla Marbella’ Mary Janes come with a sleek buckled leather strap that makes them both day- and evening-appropriate. Wear them to the office with a black maxi dress or at the weekend with a T-shirt and jeans. Alternatively, Le Monde Béryl’s ‘Regency’ style in red woven leather is a fun way to add a flash of color to outfits, and look especially chic styled with a voluminous midi skirt.
The relaxed 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 Bottega Veneta for an ultra-chic style that’s both relaxed and refined. Crafted from canvas, the double-breasted shape is traced with knotted gold hardware in place of buttons and will elevate just about anything you pair it with. Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham’s blazer comes in a dusty lavender shade that’s surprisingly versatile and sure to become a regular in your office rotation. Style it with the matching flared pants (also available in our edit) and sky-blue accessories for a modern take on power dressing.
Straight-leg jeans
Consider timeless straight-leg jeans the new denim default for your capsule wardrobe. For the ultimate investment, look to all-American brands that have built a cult following, such as Agolde, which produces as much of its denim in its hometown of Los Angeles as possible. The brand’s bestselling cult ’90s ‘Pinch Waist’ jeans are a no-brainer for their timeless and flattering shape, plus this version is crafted from regenerative cotton that will become softer with each wear. Meanwhile, Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Blaine’ jeans have been faded and whiskered to look like an authentic vintage pair. Wear them with a white or light-blue button-down and boat shoes – or camisole and kitten-heeled mules for after-dark appeal.
A tank top
From Ralph Lauren in New York to Stella McCartney in Paris, 16Arlington in London and Gucci in Milan, tank tops were spotted on the SS25 runways (and on the streets) in all four cities across fashion month. The utilitarian staple served as the foundational piece to various looks, from slouchy tailoring to embellished evening skirts, further cementing its versatility beyond sports and athleisure. Agolde’s ‘Rayne’ tank from our NET SUSTAIN lineup is blended with organic cotton and Lyocell, and will look great paired with cargo pants and leather skirts alike. Meanwhile, Róhe’s textured-cotton tank leans into the season’s penchant for artisanal textures and is perfect for vacation. Wear it with frayed denim shorts and a long beaded necklace.
Everyday jewelry
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 elevate an everyday outfit from basic to brilliant. Silver has been back on our radar for some time now, and Sophie Buhai’s silver ‘Gallop’ cuff – another NET-A-PORTER exclusive – will look chic and polished next to folded shirt cuffs, thanks to its minimal, sculptural shape. Those who favor gold, on the other hand, are sure to fall head-over-heels for By Pariah’s 14-karat gold, agate and diamond ring stack or Foundrae’s 18-karat yellow- and white-gold earring, detailed with the brand’s ‘True Love’ medallion.
A wear-anywhere 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, you’ll discover an array of covetable silhouettes to choose from. Toteme’s classic light-blue organic cotton-poplin version comes in a relaxed, oversized shape that lends an air of nonchalance when worn loose, making it a very worthy addition to your wardrobe. Meanwhile, The Row’s striped ‘Nesson’ style looks just as good worn open with a tank top and jeans as it does buttoned-up with sharply tailored pants.
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. Paris Texas’ snake-effect ‘Portofino’ sandals are the epitome of chic. For the ultimate style statement, try Aeyde’s ‘Ilvy’ style, which come in zebra-print pony hair and have blunt square toes.
The do-it-all tote
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 tick list, leaving your mind free to ponder the more playful elements of each outfit. Enter the do-it-all tote. Saint Laurent’s ‘Le 5 à 7’ is roomy and reliable, while Bottega Veneta’s ‘Large Hop’ offers the same versatility in ecru suede. Elsewhere, Toteme’s ‘Belted’ tote comes in dark-brown croc-effect leather and has plenty of space inside for a tablet and cosmetics case. Style it with relaxed tailoring to the office, or loungewear on a long-haul flight.
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 them 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%, 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 can be salvaged with a little imagination – repairs can often turn into reworks with the help of a specialist, like The Seam.
Find out how to extend the life of your clothes with our Repair & Rewear service, powered by The Seam
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The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown