Tailored trousers are not only a failsafe office essential – they’re a capsule wardrobe necessity. If off-the-rail styles don’t fit quite right, visit a tailor to make tweakments. “Classic, minimal and transitional. I think everyone needs to have a pair of classic black trousers in their wardrobe,” says British Vogue’s fashion editor, Eniola Dare. “Cos’s straight-leg trousers are such a great fit and look perfect with either trainers or heels.”
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Fashion

# How Do I Build A Capsule Wardrobe That Stands The Test Of Time?

15 August 2024

Image may contain Clothing Coat Jacket Pants Adult Person Accessories Bag and Handbag

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Building an excellent capsule wardrobe takes time and patience. Looking at what you already have – and what you might be missing – is a good place to start (refer to Vogue’s step-by-step wardrobe detox guide for tips).

## What does a capsule wardrobe consist of?

There are certain timeless staples that the Vogue editors swear by. Let’s start with the basics: white T-shirts are team Vogue’s wardrobe MVP. Find a style that fits just right, focusing on the hemline and sleeve lengths. Excellent shirting, too, is a necessity. Pair with trousers, a blazer and loafers – other essentials – for smart occasions, or jeans and white trainers for more casual moments.

Outerwear-wise, you can’t go wrong with a trench coat. Twists on the classic silhouette from Toteme and Arket are worth the investment. As for bags? Opt for a sturdy tote that’s roomy enough to hold everything you could possibly need.

## How do I start a capsule wardrobe?

This will vary according to what is already in your wardrobe, but a good starting point is working out what you actually wear. Our top tip? Turn all your coat hangers to face the same way, then every time you wear something, turn it around. By the end of the month, you’ll have a good sense of the wardrobe heroes that you can’t live without – be it a white shirt or straight leg jeans – as these are the pieces you should be basing your capsule around.

## Vogue’s capsule wardrobe wish-list:

## The reliable shirt

Never underestimate the quiet power of a good shirt. Be it clean and crisp poplin, breezy linen or silk, there’s one for every situation. “I love a shirt that fits loosely over the mid-section and skims over the hips, and British brand With Nothing Underneath has some great options in this department,” says British Vogue’s commerce editor, Joy Montgomery.

Camilla And Marc

Bevel Shirt

COS

Oversized Tailored Shirt

With Nothing Underneath

The Classic White Shirt

Anine Bing

Plaza Shirt

## The hard-working jeans

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is no mean feat, but great ones will last you a lifetime. “I always favour a no-fuss classic straight leg jean, ideally in a washed but true-blue denim and with a raw hem,” explains Sarah Harris, British Vogue’s editor-at-large. “This shape literally works with everything. Top tip: if you’re looking for denim inspiration, Google the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, I love her in jeans.”

Arket

Cloud Low Loose Jeans

Weekday

Rowe Extra High Straight Jeans

Frame

Slouchy Straight Jeans

Citizens of Humanity

Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop Jeans

## The do-it-all tote bag

Tote bags are an accessory that you can trust. These roomy styles will fit anything and everything from laptops and chargers to your gym kit and failsafe snacks. Plus, the right tote will act as both a useful accessory and an outfit elevator, so consider styles from Khaite, Loewe or The Row to add an air of elegance to your everyday wardrobe.

Longchamp

Épure XL Tote Bag

Aspinal

Zipped Regent Tote

The Row

N/S Park Tote Medium Leather Tote Bag

Longchamp

Original Shoulder Bag

## The trench coat

There’s a reason why trench coats have stood the test of time. Easy to throw on, they instantly pull a look together and can be worn throughout the seasons. For winter, layer up with jeans and a chunky knit, or pair with a pleated skirt and loose white T-shirt for warmer weather. Opt for a good quality iteration like any of the below, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it year after year.

Jigsaw

Cotton Trench Coat

Totême

Double-Breasted Trench Coat

Camilla And Marc

Reyes Classic Trench Coat

& OTHER STORIES

Buckle-Belt Trench Coat

## The sporty trainers

Trainers are a failsafe essential suitable for work, play and everything in between. Retro-inspired styles from Adidas, such as the Handball Spezial, SL 72, and various collaborations with Wales Bonner are instant wardrobe wins, acting as colourful accompaniments to everyday-wear. Likewise, Nike’s Cortez model is having a welcome renaissance – and we can attest to its comfort and versatility.

Adidas X Wales Bonner

SL72 Leather-Trim Trainers

New Balance

9060 Trainers

Gola

Elan Suede Trainers

Nike

Cortez Vintage Sneakers

## The tailored trousers

Tailored trousers are not only a failsafe office essential – they’re a capsule wardrobe necessity. If off-the-rail styles don’t fit quite right, visit a tailor to make tweakments. “Classic, minimal and transitional. I think everyone needs to have a pair of classic black trousers in their wardrobe,” says British Vogue’s fashion editor, Eniola Dare. “Cos’s straight-leg trousers are such a great fit and look perfect with either trainers or heels.”

Filippa K

Darcey Wool Trousers

St.Agni

Linen Tailored Trousers

& Other Stories

Tailored Trousers

Arket

High-Waist Flannel Trousers

## The white T-shirt

There are a roster of brands that team Vogue relies on for white T-shirts. For styles that won’t break the bank, try Cos’s Clean Cut T-shirt, which is the perfect boxy fit, or opt for Arket’s Heavyweight style that feels luxuriously thick and won’t show any bra lines. It’s also not a bad idea to invest in a premium take when it comes to something that you might wear regularly – styles from Dries Van Noten, The Row and Toteme will tick all the boxes.

GANNI

Rhinestone T-Shirt

Arket

Heavyweight T-Shirt

COS

The Clean Cut T-Shirt

Axel Arigato

Ria Gathered T-Shirt

## The hoop earrings

When buying jewellery, it’s important to implement the “buy well, buy once” rule. Invest in a good quality pair of hoops from the likes of Mejuri, Missoma or Ottiumberg, which won’t fade or tarnish – even after multiple wears.

Mejuri

Dôme Hoops

Missoma

Tunnel Hoop Earrings

Mejuri

Pavé Diamond Hoops

Bottega Veneta

Silver Pillar Twisted Hoop Earrings

## The black leggings

No longer reserved for gym outings, let black leggings be one of your greatest style companions for 2024. Wear them with a tailored blazer, crisp shirt and smart loafers for a day at the office, then switch to a kitten heel to take on the town. Try a pair with a flared hem or stirrup straps for a chic twist on the classic silhouette.

Leset

Stirrup Leggings

The Frankie Shop

Reya Ribbed Stretch-Jersey Flared Leggings

Totême

Cork Stretch-Jersey Leggings

Lounge

Essential Leggings

## The vest top

“When it comes to white tank tops, you can’t beat Agolde,” says Joy Montgomery. “It’s definitely an investment, but the sturdy fabric means that, even after multiple washes, it looks good as the day I got it.” And Agolde isn’t the only denim brand offering premium tanks – take a look at Frame’s scoop-neck vest or Citizens Of Humanity’s ribbed style, both of which will last several wears and washes. Whichever iteration you settle on, be sure to enjoy the countless outfit opportunities the humble vest can offer – it might just be the most versatile item in a capsule wardrobe.

Arket

Racer Tank Top

Agolde

Bailey Ribbed Stretch-Lyocell And Organic Cotton-Blend Tank

COS

Ribbed Tank Top

James Perse

The Daily Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Tank

## The blazer

When done right, louche tailoring can be exquisitely chic. Our tip? Ensure the oversized fit doesn’t swamp you. “I’m not typically a blazer fan, but Filippa K’s tailored offering convinced me to wear them more often,” says commerce writer, Alice Cary. “The cut and fit of the single-breasted Davina style is really flattering, whether worn with the matching Darcey trousers, jeans or a skirt.”

Rohé

Pinstriped Wool-Blend Twill Wrap Blazer

Arket

Oversized Wool Blend Twill Blazer

GANNI

Textured Tie-String Blazer

Filippa K

Double Breasted Blazer

## The versatile jumper

When it comes to layering, a simple crew neck or rollneck will do the job nicely. While safe colours like black, beige or grey are undeniably versatile, bright shades are also welcome, as they can break up an otherwise neutral-based wardrobe. Mohair and cashmere are equal parts soft and enduring, and if you opt for something that risks pilling, we suggest trying a fabric shaver which will help to elongate the life of your knits.

& Daughter

Slouchy Crewneck Sweater

M&S

Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper

Uniqlo

Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper

Sunspel

Lambswool Crew Neck Jumper

## The smart shoes

Buckled, backless, patent or un-polished, there are so many iterations of loafers to choose from – and just as many ways to wear them. Try styling Vagabond’s Naima loafer with a pair of loose-fitting jeans and a statement jacket, or pair Duke & Dexter’s mules with tailored shorts and a simple T-shirt. Top tip: experiment with different sock pairings to add an unexpected element to your outfit.

The Row

Vera Leather Loafers

Duke + Dexter

Mule Loafers

Maison Margiela

Tabi Split-Toe Glossed-Leather Loafers

Grenson

Hattie Loafers

## The throw-on skirt

A throw-on skirt is a capsule wardrobe staple for all seasons. Pair with boots and a coat for winter, and with sandals and a tucked-in T-shirt or tank top for spring and summer. Long denim styles from Levi’s or Frame will improve with age, while a wrap skirt from Toteme will be your saviour when the dress code says “smart casual.”

Peachy Den

The Deba Midi-Skirt

Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Maxi Utility Skirt

Ninety Percent

Flute Skirt In Chestnut

Tory Burch

Denim Deconstructed Skirt

## The classic belt

A classic leather belt with an elegant metal clasp will be one of the hardest working pieces in your capsule wardrobe. Like a great pair of shoes, a good belt will soften and mould with your movements, making it a priceless piece that you will value more with every wear.

Andersons

Woven Leather Belt

Arket

Leather Belt

Gucci

Marmont GG Thin Belt

COS

Classic Leather Belt

## The leather jacket

Whether oversized and rugged, or upgraded with minimal embellishments, you can’t go wrong with a great leather jacket. Designer options from the likes of Prada and Miu Miu are everything they’re cracked up to be, but don’t doubt the durability of Cos’s moto jacket or & Other Stories’s oversized bomber. If you’re looking for something premium for a less than premium price, browse the endless listings on eBay, where there are plenty of preloved options on offer.

& OTHER STORIES

Oversized Leather Jacket

Jigsaw

Zip Front Leather Biker Jacket

Diesel

Preloved Leather Jacket

COS

Oversized Cropped Leather Biker Jacket

## The versatile dress

For those times when you want to “throw on and go” and still feel fabulous, a versatile dress is an effortless option for all occasions. Try a block colour in a textured material like seersucker or silk to keep things simple but elevated.

Simone Rocha

Cloqué Midi-Dress

Asceno

Bordeaux Slip Dress

Me + Em

Contrast Stitch Midi-Dress

Rixo

Seraphina Midi-Dress

## The statement bag

A well-chosen bag is the easiest way to transition your daytime looks into evening. Look out for styles that boast colour or embellishment, like a silver Gucci Horsebit bag, that can pull a look together, or a red top-handle from Ferragamo that will go with anything and last a lifetime. Other styles from Bottega Veneta and Fendi will offer sophisticated glam for when a tote won’t cut the mustard.

Bottega Veneta

Medium Sardine Bag

Gucci

Horsebit Chain Shoulder Bag

Louis Vuitton

Pre-Loved Blue Monogram Denim Mini Pleaty Handbag

Ferragamo

Prisma Glossed-Leather Bag

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