A capsule wardrobe is nothing new. The term was coined back in the 1980s by Susie Faux, the West End boutique owner who introduced her clients to minimalist brands like Jil Sander, while Donna Karan popularized the idea in the USA in ‘85 with her Seven Easy Pieces. In more recent years, Marie Kondo’s decluttering method has shaken up wardrobes the world over. The notion of a refined and utilitarian collection of clothing, of creating the maximum number of outfits from as few items as possible, is a familiar one.
Now, though, its appeal is greater than ever. The pandemic has forced many of us to recalibrate our relationship with fashion. Giving us time to step off the fast-moving carousel of disposable trends, we spent hours in lockdowns with the clothes we own and admit which were bought to secure a quick and dirty serotonin hit in the shadow of Instagram’s comparison culture, fuelled by the ease of same-day delivery. For others, waking each morning to a global pandemic has left little room for the effort and energy required to pull together a playful outfit. With heavier burdens weighing on our minds even today (see: the cost-of-living crisis), functionality is often the biggest draw when choosing what to wear each day.
"People have been rethinking their relationship with clothing, which means more time being spent organizing, declutterring, and learning how to create a streamlined wardrobe," says personal stylist Eunice Abe. Donating, selling, swapping or gifting items which no longer fit into your life is a great way to save them from landfill but the aim isn’t to mindlessly purge your wardrobe and start anew. It's about whittling it down to a selection of thought-out pieces which will help you to resist the pull of passing trends. "Building a capsule wardrobe made up of core items not only helps me shop less and rewear my pieces over and over again," Eunice says, "but also to not shop impulsively for the 'next best thing' to wear."
At the core of a capsule wardrobe is the idea that its contents transcend passing trends but of course it will mean different things to different people. If monochrome and minimalism isn’t your flavor, a capsule wardrobe bursting with print and color is just as valuable — so long as each piece can be worn in multiple ways. Fine-tune your wardrobe so that you’re wearing what you own as much as possible, so that each piece stands the test of time and serves a functional but joyful purpose in your life. What it looks like is up to you.
Below, we’ve found the best pieces for a traditional capsule wardrobe, from summer-ready sandals to Breton striped tees.
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Capsule Closet Must-Have:
Black Bag
Handbag trends may fluctuate, from XXL totes to itsy-bitsy micro bags, but a good black bag is forever. Just make sure it fits all your essentials — keys, phone, wallet — and is versatile enough to go from day to night.
Aupen Purpose, $, available at Aupen— PAID CONTENT —
Inspired by the iconic ’90s silhouette, this versatile Coachtopia shoulder bag will get you plenty of wear. Its sleek and compact design fits comfortably under your arm, yet it’s roomy enough to house your everyday necessities. What’s more, it’s crafted with sustainable materials — a mix of recycled and regenerative leather and partially recycled plastic resin — so you can feel good about wearing it, too.
Coachtopia Ergo Bag In Coachtopia Leather, $, available at Coach
From Audrey Hepburn to Steve Jobs, the turtleneck has stood the test of time for good reason. Layer yours under white workwear shirts and crew-neck knits or wear tucked into straight-leg denim.
Agolde Pascale Stretch-Lyocell Turtleneck Top, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Skims Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve Turtleneck, $, available at Skims
Madewell Whisper Cotton Turtleneck Tee, $, available at MadewellCapsule Closet Must-Have: White T-shirt
If you can avoid spillages and stains, the plain white tee is your hardest-working piece. We're teaming ours with black blazers, gold jewelry, and flared denim but it works with just about anything, from slip skirts to high-waisted shorts.
Gap Cotton Vintage Crewneck T-Shirt, $, available at Gap
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch AIRism Cropped Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, $, available at Uniqlo
Capsule Closet Must-Have: Straight-Leg Jean
Jeans silhouettes go back and forth — goodbye skinny, hello barrel leg — but the straight leg remains a constant faithful, no matter which way the pendulum swings. Levi's and Madewell have a good size range, while Re/Done's repurposed pieces are a great sustainable option.
MOTHER The Rambler Zip Ankle, $, available at Mother
Warp + Weft ASE Plus Straight 29" Blown Away, $, available at Warp + Weft
RE/DONE High-Rise Stove Pipe, $, available at RE/DONE
A cream-colored crew-neck knit is a timeless classic with a neckline that lends itself to different necklace lengths. And lots of styling possibilities: We're wearing ours with big collar blouses and turtlenecks while it's chilly and over slip dresses come spring.
Cuyana Single-Origin Cashmere Scoop Neck Sweater, $, available at Cuyana
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $, available at Quince
ASOS DESIGN Fluffy Crew Neck Sweater, $, available at ASOSCapsule Closet Must-Have: Lace-Up Shoe
Lace-up leather shoes aren't for everyone, but if a smarter style works for your wardrobe, the styling solutions are endless. We enjoy them paired with a colorful sock and tailored trousers, with patterned tights and a mini skirt, with a black sock and a mini dress, and with straight-leg jeans and a turtleneck.
Dr. Martens 1461 Mono Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes, $, available at Dr. Martens
Whether you go for chunky or subtle, yellow or pale-toned, gold jewelry is a perennial classic. It's at its strongest against a block-colored background like a white tee or black turtleneck.
Astrid & Miyu Dome Hoops, $, available at Astrid & Miyu
BaubleBar Small Hera Bracelet, $, available at BaubleBar
Loungewear may not have appeared in traditional capsule wardrobes throughout the years but if the last few years have taught us one thing about getting dressed, it's that comfort is a top priority. Whether you go for a coordinating set or sling a classic gray marl sweatshirt over your denim, make room for the newest addition to your wardrobe.
Girlfriend Collective Porcini Heather 50/50 Cropped Sweatshirt, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
OFFLINE by Aerie OTT Fleece Short, $, available at Aerie
Vuori Performance Jogger, $, available at VuoriCapsule Closet Must-Have: Oversized Button-Down
Whether you nab a vintage linen number from the men's section of your local thrift shop or borrow from your dad/brother/boyfriend, an oversized button-down shirt will last forever. Wear over turtlenecks or under oversized knits in winter and over slip dresses, swimsuits, and tucked into Bermuda shorts come summer.
Alex Mill Easy Ruffle Shirt in Paper Poplin, $, available at Alex Mill
The Frankie Shop Conrad Button Up Shirt, $, available at The Frankie Shop
Banana Republic The Oversized Shirt, $, available at Banana RepublicCapsule Closet Must-Have: Black Ankle Boot
No matter your style of choice — hiker, Chelsea, lug-sole, or heeled — there's a black ankle boot to suit everyone. Heritage labels like Blundstone can be relied on for pairs that survive years of wear and tear, while contemporary labels such as Dear Frances and Ganni make dance floor-ready boots with interesting heels.
Dear Frances Gem Boot, $, available at Dear Frances
Ganni Patent-Leather Platform Chelsea Boots, $, available at Ganni
Blundstone Women's Dress Chelsea Boots, $, available at BlundstoneCapsule Closet Must-Have: Knit Dress
Comfortable enough that you can hit the sofa but smart enough that you feel presentable for a day at the office or a weekend lunch, knit dresses are a capsule closet must-have. Wear over knee-length boots now and team with sandals when spring (finally) arrives.
Reformation Evan Cashmere Sweater Dress, $, available at Reformation
& Other Stories Buttoned Rib Knit Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Capsule Closet Must-Have:
Summer Sandals
Beyond the sneaker revival, nowhere has the shift towards comfort-first been seen more than in sandals. Birkenstock has the lion's share here, with its two-strap Arizona style dominating every season (with a fresh pedi for summer or chunky socks for winter), with a 2023 boost as a result of the Barbie movie. But there are plenty of other worthy investments for sandals you can wear from the pool to a sunny plaza in styles that won't date.
FP Collection Mila Minimal Flat Sandals, $, available at Free People
Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Leather Sandals, $, available at mytheresa
Capsule Closet Must-Have:
Trench Coat
The trench coat needs no introduction. Though the classic belted style is perfect for those wanting a defined silhouette, we're enjoying the loose-fitting iterations coming from the runways of JW Anderson and Burberry. Nab a vintage number from the latter from eBay for an extra cool factor and wear it with everything from midi dresses and boots to tailored trousers and tees.
Topshop Utility Trench Coat, $, available at Nordstrom
Mango Belt Detail Classic Trench Coat, $, available at Macy's
Vero Moda Long Line Trench Coat, $, available at ASOSCapsule Closet Must-Have: Tailored Trouser
Thanks to a slew of contemporary brands, tailored trousers have thrown off their stuffy and restrictive connotations and are tempting us away from our trusted denim. Go suited and booted if you please but a tailored trouser looks as good with a white tee and silver jewelry as it does with a crew-neck knit.
Universal Standard Infinite Flannel Pants, $, available at Universal Standard
Vince Tapered Pull On Pant, $, available at Revolve
If gold isn't your thing, simple silver pieces work equally well with just about everything in your wardrobe. From super-thin snake chains to no-need-to-take-them-out sleeper hoops, see Jenny Bird, Missoma and Rellery for the cream of the crop.
Missoma Mini Chubby Hoop Earrings, $, available at Missoma
Rellery Chunky Chain Choker Necklace, $, available at Rellery
Jenny Bird Gia Bangle, $, available at Jenny BirdCapsule Closet Must-Have: Leather Jacket
Whether you want to emulate a Matrix-inspired cyberpunk or channel your inner Rebel Without A Cause, leather jackets are more adaptable than you might think. Vintage is best — they get softer with age and there are tons waiting for a new home — but there is no shortage of fantastic biker silhouettes you can buy brand-new, too.
J.Crew Collection Jodie Leather Lady Jacket, $, available at J.Crew
Nanushka Ado Regenerated Leather Jacket, $, available at Nanushka
BDG Sean Faux Leather Harrington Jacket, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Capsule Closet Must-Have: Tank Top
The humble tank top enjoyed a renaissance in the last few years. Now a summer staple, we wear ours with boxer shorts in bed, with slip skirts and mules for balmy evenings and with mom jeans and gold jewelry for a throwback look.
Alo Goddess Ribbed Go-To Tank, $, available at Alo
Athleta Renew Seamless Racerback Tank, $, available at Athleta
Intimately Clean Lines Muscle Cami, $, available at Free People
Capsule Closet Must-Have:
White Sneaker
However you get your kicks, there's a white sneaker for you. Box-fresh and chunky? You can't go wrong with New Balance's 1400. Retro-inspired? Look to Converse All-Stars or Adidas Sambas. For sustainable options, Veja and Cariuma hit the spot. The more worn, the better — there's no trick to styling this perennial classic.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE
Cariuma Off-White Canvas OCA Low, $, available at Cariuma
Reebok BB 4000 II Sneakers, $, available at Farfetch
Capsule Closet Must-Have: Black Coat
There are plenty of coat styles that never age, from a navy pea coat to a khaki parka. If you're looking for something to survive every winter without being too trend-dominated, may we suggest a black coat? Whether you opt for double-breasted and wool, quilted and collarless, or fuzzy faux fur, as long as you'll get substantial wear out of it come winter, and it'll protect you from the cold, it's a forever piece for sure.
Everlane The ReNew Long Liner, $, available at Everlane
Estelle Longline Coat, $, available at NordstromFashion has a waste problem — but Coachtopia thinks it’s solvable. See how it’s redefining what it means to be circular in the first episode of its new docuseries, The Road To Circularity,here.
Supported By Coachtopia
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Bust out your heart-shaped earrings, sultry dresses, and pointed-toe boots because Valentine’s Day is on its way. The first step toward creating a flawless ensemble? Milla. The fashion-forward label specializes in affordable couture-quality gowns for as little as $150 — meaning you can look like you just walked fresh off the catwalk in a glamorous gown. While Milla has higher-end styles that easily top $1,000, we’ve chosen ones that are $650 and less.
Find investment pieces to wear for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Milla’s dresses are colorful statement pieces that’ll leave a lasting impression. We’ve chosen fuchsia mini dresses that look like they’re headed to Barbie’s wardrobe, sparkly long-sleeve goddess gowns, and striking crystal-embellished ones that’ll enchant your date. Get ready to look your very best this V-Day.
For a mini dress that’ll really stand out from your usual date-night LBDs, opt for one of the brand’s showstopping styles. Peruse styles embellished with crystals, flirty cutouts, and floral prints. Your Valentine’s Day dress is just around the corner, but you can fashion these styles for a multitude of events — birthdays, bachelorette parties, and weddings.
Take your pick from darling cocktail dresses in organza and satin. The brand has a selection of silhouettes in Valentine’s Day-ready shades — dramatic red, flirty black, delicate pink, and a dreamy floral print.
Unless your Valentine’s Day date has tickets to a surprise ball or the opera, you might not gravitate toward these longer dresses. However, we do understand the struggle of looking for wedding guest dresses, especially for a black-tie affair. You don’t want a dress that lasts only one night or an expensive gown that’ll sit in the closet.
With the cost-of-the-living crisis and a newly reemerged desire for wearable fashion, it can be hard to justify a luxury fashion purchase today. But, with resale more popular than ever before (as a result of sustainability concerns), it’s also easier than ever to sell your wares down the line should you not get enough use out of or change your mind about your buy — particularly if it’s one with a high resale value. While handbags from Chanel and Hermès will always be foolproof (albeit very costly!) investments — according to the Rebag 2023 Clair Report, the most popular styles from the heritage house have an average value retention of 105% and 115%, respectively — these aren’t the only designer styles that may provide you with a financial payoff in 2024.
“With the excitement of Phoebe Philo’s long-awaited launch of her eponymous label, we’ve seen a rise in demand for Old Celine,” says Rachel Glicksberg, manager of women’s fashion and new initiatives at The RealReal, referring to collections that Philo designed while at the luxury house from 2008 to 2017. “If you’re looking to clean out your closet, it’s a good time to consign your pieces as the value for the items is rising. The average selling price is the highest it’s been in the past five years.”
Likewise, pieces from Philo’s new namesake brand, which saw certain items sell out in 24 hours despite the debut line starting at $450, will retain value, as will Celine in general. “Celine is trending BIG right now and is likely not going anywhere anytime soon — canvas prints in particular. Vintage canvas macadam print bags have been on the uptick for us already as newly-dropped Triomphe canvas bags have been seen on A-list celebs like Angelina Jolie, as well as on a number of fashion bloggers,” says Ambria Mische, SVP of merchandising and buying at vintage designer destination WGACA.
In terms of aesthetics, Quiet Luxury will ensure that elevated essentials from brands like The Row will continue to be safe investments. Though if you’re looking to add newer names to your closet collection, Glicksberg suggests colorful pants from High Sports, crochet clothing from Diotima, and a leather handbag from Little Liffner: “Search for these three emerging brands have shown triple-digit increases since 2022.”
In terms of handbags, silhouettes from Louis Vuitton will be popular this year, in particular the Neverfull handbag, due to the brand moving the popular tote to a waitlist model, as well as the denim line. “Louis Vuitton just released reissue collections of their Monogram Denim,” says Kimberly Bickle, site merchandising manager at Fashionphile. “Those in the know can get the same look by shopping the original vintage styles from the Y2K-era.”
Before splurging on that big-ticket item, see what luxury fashion items resale experts predict will be sound investments this year.
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Prada Re-Edition Bag
“Prada Re-Edition Hobo will maintain popularity in 2024. According to our 2023 Clair Report, not only is it one of the most searched bags on Rebag.com, [but] the 2000 Hobo and the 2005 Hobo boasted remarkable 94% and 89% average value retention, respectively.” — Elizabeth Layne, Chief Marketing Officer of Rebag
Elsa Peretti For Tiffany Jewelry
“Sculptural silver jewelry is trending, particularly Elsa Peretti designs for Tiffany including her Bone cuff, Bean designs, and Sevillana necklace. We saw a 42% increase in searches last year, with the momentum holding strong in the first month of 2024… I, myself, have my eye out for a red Sevillana rope necklace like the one stylist Jamie Mizrahi styled for Jennifer Lawrence.” — Rachel Glicksberg, Manager of Women’s Fashion & New Initiatives at The RealReal
Loewe Squeeze Bag
“We’re starting to see oversized bags gain in popularity and Quiet Luxury continues to hold strong. The Loewe Squeeze Bag perfectly combines those two of-the-moment trends.” — Kimberly Bickle, Site Merchandising Manager at Fashionphile
Saint Laurent Oversized Blazer
“A timeless piece that fits into both the quiet luxury and re-emerging ‘80s silhouette. It’s a favorite of mine.” — Samina Virk, North America CEO of Vestiaire Collective
Louis Vuitton Monogram Denim Bag
“Louis Vuitton denim monogram bags are likely going to make a big spring/summer comeback, with LV re-introducing pieces in blue denim — remixes of the ever-popular Neo Speedy, as well as newer silhouettes like the On The Go. This iconic take on LV monogram was first introduced to us by Marc Jacobs in 2005 and quickly became a celebrity favorite for street style looks… Now a new set of celebs and fashion icons are readily embracing the casual-luxury material.” — Ambria Mische, SVP, Merchandising & Buying at WGACA
Tory Burch Cap-Toe Pump
“The Tory Burch Cap-Toe Pump will be a popular resale item for 2024. A key style for the Post Romance trend, these are a playful, modern and matured version of the classic ballet flat. On Depop, we’ve seen a 132% rise in searches for the brand in the last year, and Tory Burch Cap-Toe Pump is poised for a moment this season.” — Agus Panzoni, Depop Trend Specialist
Jacquemus Le Chiquito Bag
“With leopard print taking off, it’s only right to invest in a bag like the Le Chiquito Long Leopard Print bag from Jacquemus: a brand that is consistently trending and high in resale demand.” — Andrew Parietti, Chief Marketing Officer at Croissant
Louis Vuitton Neverfull
“The French label introduced a waitlist for the iconic Neverfull, a staple in many fashion-forward handbag collections since its introduction in 2007. Given the newfound degree of scarcity, the already-popular style climbed 8 percentage points to an impressive 136% average value retention, far surpassing the Pochette Accessoires, the second most valuable Louis Vuitton style in terms of resale value.” — Elizabeth Layne, Chief Marketing Officer of Rebag
The Row, Khaite, Toteme
“Younger brands like The Row, Khaite, and Toteme have dominated the Quiet Luxury aesthetic and we don’t see the excitement for this trio dying down anytime soon. The brands have been hot on The RealReal: In 2024 alone, Khaite is up 76%, the Row is up 26% and Toteme is up 53% in GMV [gross merchandise value] year over year… with clothing being the top driver.” — Rachel Glicksberg, Manager of Women’s Fashion & New Initiatives at The RealReal
Gucci Horsebit Chain Bag
“The Gucci Horsebit Chain Bag is a Y2K-era bag that was reintroduced in Fall 2023 and we’re expecting to continue to trend in 2024. This style sparks nostalgia from the Tom Ford days at Gucci which has driven a lot of renewed interest over the last few years. We’ve also seen customers styling this bag with the new Mob Wife aesthetic to elevate the look.” — Kimberly Bickle, Site Merchandising Manager at Fashionphile
Cartier Baignoire Watch
“The ultimate investment piece — buy the watch now before the trend blows up even further and prices for vintage styles are raised.” — Samina Virk, North America CEO of Vestiaire Collective
Phoebe Philo
“Phoebe Philo is bound to be highly coveted this year. More specifically, the Drive Bag is going to be a hot-ticket item. We’ve seen a shift towards larger, more functional bags on the runway and they are further making their way to closets. This is going to be a top contender, searches for Phoebe Philo have risen 300% on Depop and we predict a continuous uptick in the coming months.” — Agus Panzoni, Depop Trend Specialist
Anine Bing Ryder Boot
“Anine Bing Ryder Boot will look just as good worn in or beat up as it does new, making it a great resale item when you want to circulate your boot collection.” — Andrew Parietti, Chief Marketing Officer at Croissant
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If there's one item of clothing we wear most, regardless of the season or the latest trend, it's underwear. Think about it: Bras and panties are the starting point for every outfit and one of the few wardrobe items that actually need to be re-upped every once in a while. So why are we constantly waiting for a special occasion to treat ourselves to some new lingerie?
We may still need to get that answer, but given that the biggest lingerie shopping day of the year is just weeks away, there's no better time to give your collection the update it deserves. But instead of doling out just red and pink sets that'll be worn once and then stored away for next Valentine's Day, we've rounded up 16 lace lingerie options that you can wear all day, every day — or, at the very least, until the next special occasion convinces you to buy some more.
Take your pick from the lace lingerie sets ahead, just in time for February 14.
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Get the best of both worlds by staying comfy in a flirty bralette lingerie set. You'll still get that lift and support you're seeking while saying goodbye to any pinching underwire.
Intimately Spring Fling Bralette, $, available at Free People
Intimately Spring Fling Cheeky Undies, $, available at Free People
Bloomers Tiara Lace Bralette, $, available at Bloomers
Bloomers Her Highness Briefs, $, available at Bloomers
Love Stories Gwen Lace Triangle Bralette, $, available at Anthropologie
Love Stories Roomie Lace Thong, $, available at Anthropologie
Gooseberry Intimates Coquette Triangle White, $, available at Gooseberry Intimates
Gooseberry Intimates Coquettes Brief White, $, available at Gooseberry Intimates
Lace Padded Bra Lingerie Set
Are you looking to add a bit of oomph to your late-night Valentine's Day look? Opt for a padded bra, as it can help give you a va-va-voom look.
Skims Fits Everybody Lace Push Up Bra, $, available at Skims
Skims Fits Everybody Lace Dipped Thong, $, available at Skims
H&M 2-pack Lace Brazilian Briefs, $, available at H&M
Lace Corset Lingerie Set
Accentuate your curves with a corset lingerie set that cinches you at the waist and gives your bust a little lift.
ASOS DESIGN Curve Nina Sheer Floral Lace Underwired Corset, $, available at ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Curve Nina Sheer Floral Lace Thong, $, available at ASOS
Out From Under Flora Embroidered Bustier, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Out From Under Lace Low Rise Thong, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Meshki Lace Satin Bustier Corset - Lime Green, $, available at Meshki
Meshki Lorelei Embroidered G-String - Lime Green, $, available at Meshki
Lace Skirt Lingerie Set
Maybe panties aren't your thing or you're looking to cover up a little more. No worries. A mesh skirt adds that extra-romantic flair while effortlessly hugging every curve.
Savage x Fenty Ruffle Luv Garter Skirt, $, available at Savage x Fenty
Savage x Fenty Ruffle Luv Embroidered Unlined Demi Bra, $, available at Savage x Fenty
Love & Other Things longline bra and garter skirt set in blue, $, available at ASOS
Ladies & Men's Story Women's Underwire 3 Piece Sexy Lingerie Skirt Set, $, available at Amazon
Lace Bodysuit Lingerie
Celebrate your curves with a lingerie set that won't ride up or require you to make gymnastic moves to pull it on. A lace bodysuit gives you more coverage while adding a daring touch. Finish your dolled-up look with a silk robe, and be prepared for your significant other to be wowed. Did we mention you can also go braless?
Victoria's Secret Vintage Lace Corset Teddy, $, available at Victoria's Secret
Skims Stretch Satin Lace Brief Bodysuit, $, available at Skims
For Love & Lemons Daisy Eyelet Bodysuit, $, available at For Love & Lemons
BlueBella Marseille Bodysuit, $, available at Revolve
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