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
Everyday knits
Whether you’re looking to add to your ever-growing collection or replace a love-worn favorite, now is the perfect time to upgrade your knitwear. Standout styles include Toteme’s wool-blend striped turtleneck – this NET-A-PORTER exclusive is part of our NET SUSTAIN curation of consciously crafted pieces – in versatile beige. Pair it with everything from wide-leg jeans to straight-cut leather pants. To ensure longevity, use a special knitwear comb and fabric spray to keep yours fresh and bobble-free between wears. If you’re looking for a chic gift for a loved one (or the ultimate self-gift), consider &Daughter’s ‘Balla’ sweater (another NET SUSTAIN highlight). Lovingly spun from Geelong wool in Donegal, Ireland, it’s both sophisticated and comforting.
A versatile midi skirt
The beauty of a midi skirt lies in its versatility. Easy to dress up or down, there’s little you can’t style one with, from simple tanks and romantic blouses to ballet flats and ankle boots – the options are endless. For something with after-hours appeal Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Cassia’ midi in a recycled leather blend might just be the style to pry you away from your favorite jeans. The elegant A-line shape echoes styles from the ’70s, while the luxe chocolate-brown color is both timely and timeless. Elsewhere, Simkhai’s cotton ‘Stella’ style is a chic way to elevate classic shirting or knitwear – and in crisp white, it will serve you well through the sunnier months.
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. Bettter’s classic white version comes in a relaxed, oversized shape that lends an air of nonchalance when worn loose and has been upcycled from deadstock cotton-poplin, making it a very worthy addition to your wardrobe. Meanwhile, B Sides’ blue and white pinstriped style looks just as good worn open with a tank top and jeans as it does buttoned-up with sharply tailored pants.
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 the few pieces that can transition seamlessly between settings (simply swap your daytime ballet flats or sneakers for a pair of heels). Made to last for seasons to come, Veronica Beard’s ‘Cole’ wide-leg style is crafted from navy crepe with a high-rise waist – wear with a crisp white shirt and low-heeled mules for a fail-safe smart-casual look. For a pair that will work from the office to after-hours, consider Róhe’s sweeping palazzo-inspired style in a light beige – simply swap shirting for a bodysuit after dark.
A leather jacket
A leather jacket lends any outfit instant cool, and this season’s offerings come in a myriad of silhouettes to suit all occasions. Every closet needs a classic biker jacket and Nour Hammour’s ‘Clint’ version will appeal to minimalists, thanks to it’s understated design – plus, it is also part of our NET SUSTAIN edit of consciously crafted pieces. Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham has created an elevated take on the trending chore jacket that is perfect for off-duty days with straight leg jeans and a ribbed long-sleeved T-shirt. For something more dressed up, consider Tom Ford’s buttery leather safari style. Layer it over a fine-knit poloneck and wide-leg tailored pants – and cinch it at the waist to add shape and to balance the volume.
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. Bottega Veneta’s ‘Ciao Ciao’ is roomy and reliable, while Saint Laurent’s ‘Le 5 à 7 Bea’ offers the same versatility in tan suede. Elsewhere, Loewe’s ‘Puzzle Fold’ comes in a neutral sand shade and has plenty of space inside for a laptop and cosmetics case. Style it with relaxed tailoring to the office, or loungewear on a long-haul flight.
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 home town 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 certified organic cotton that will become softer with each wear. Meanwhile, Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Zurie’ jeans have been faded and whiskered to look like an authentic vintage pair. Wear them with a white or light-blue button-down and loafers – or a cashmere sweater and trench on chillier days. Alternatively, for jeans with after-dark appeal, try Toteme’s black denim pair (a NET SUSTAIN highlight), dressed up with a blazer and kitten heels.
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 elevates an everyday outfit from basic to brilliant. Silver has been back on our radar for some time now, and Completedworks’ silver-plated bangle will look chic and polished next to folded shirt cuffs, thanks to its minimal, sculptural shape. Meanwhile, Lié Studio’s ‘The Margaret’ necklace is strung with slinky silver-plated bars that sit just below the collarbone, making it the perfect complementary piece to an open-collar shirt or crew-neck tee. Those who favor gold, meanwhile, are sure to fall head-over-heels for Spinelli Kilcollin’s 18-karat gold and diamond ‘Libra’ ring.
A chic 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 The Row for an ultra-chic style that’s both relaxed and refined. The brand takes its name from London’s renowned Savile Row, so it’s no surprise its tailoring is always a highlight of its collections, and this ‘Timoty’ blazer is no exception. Style it with wide-leg pants for work or over a slip dress for the festive season. Elsewhere, Faithfull’s asymmetric blazer comes in a classic charcoal color and is sure to become a regular in your office rotation. Style it with a white tank top, wide-leg tailored pants and minimal accessories for a modern take on power dressing.
A day-to-night 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 Loewe’s lust-worthy ‘Flamenco’ tote, which is crafted from soft leather and comes with a detachable gold chain strap. Elsewhere, Saint Laurent’s sleek ‘Le 5 à 7’ shoulder bag is an equally chic all-rounder that will be by your side for years to come.
A timeless trench
Few things are as enduring as a trench coat – first created in the 1800s, it’s been protecting us from the elements ever since. But not only is this perennial favorite loved for its practical qualities, but for its elegant, understated style, too – it’s the reason designers can’t help but put their own spin on it each season, and why it’s been immortalized onscreen for decades. Channel a modern-day Audrey Hepburn in Saint Laurent’s double-breasted cotton-blend twill oversized trench. Alternatively, invest Nour Hammour's ‘Valetta’ brown leather version for a contemporary take. As for styling, take cues from British style maven Alexa Chung by wearing yours loose over a statement jacket and pinstriped pants.
Kitten-heel pumps
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 in cold, wet weather. Enter the kitten-heel pump. Sleek and surprisingly versatile, this season’s styles come in point-toe silhouettes that will add instant polish without compromising on comfort and go perfectly with floaty dresses, smart tailoring and relaxed denim alike. Loro Piana’s light-green version from its ‘Rebecca’ collection is the epitome of chic. For the ultimate style statement, try Ferragamo’s black leather ‘Dorye’ style with striking flame-shaped vamps.
The LBD
A little black dress (and indeed a long black dress) is a wardrobe essential for life. No matter what silhouette you choose or which fabric it’s crafted from, the LBD always exudes a put-together polish and is a perfect canvas for accessorizing. This is the trophy number you slip into for events when you don’t have time to plan your outfit. Turn to The Park for a sleek jersey style you can wear from day events to dinner with a few styling swaps. Gabriela Hearst’s cashmere and silk-blend turtleneck style also promises longevity in your closet – complement the midi length with sleek knee-high boots.
A timeless watch
A trusted timepiece is a lifelong investment that’s likely to be passed down through generations. For the ultimate heirloom, turn to the esteemed heritage houses, which have devoted decades to honing their craft, such as Cartier, whose ‘Ballon Bleu de Cartier’ embodies timeless style. For a unique wristwatch, consider a limited-edition version of Jaeger LeCoultre’s ‘Reverso Classic’, which pays tribute to Sydney with an intricately etched view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and is available exclusively at NET-A-PORTER.
Fancy flats
Ballet flats have been on every fashion editor and influencer’s radar since their return to the runways two seasons ago, and their popularity is set to continue for SS25. Alaïa’s perforated leather style come with buckled straps that make them both day- and evening-appropriate. Wear them to the office with a knitted midi dress, or at the weekend with a cashmere cardigan and jeans. Alternatively, Aeyde’s ‘Betty’ style in burgundy are a fun way to add a flash of color to outfits, and look especially chic styled with a voluminous midi dress.
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
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown