Nowadays, the term “capsule wardrobe” is firmly embedded in our fashion vernacular. For anyone trying to streamline and refine their closet, the concept will likely be familiar: a curated selection of versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched, forming countless outfits. The goal? To buy less while maximising the value and wearability of items you do decide to spend your money on.
Editor, stylist and influencer Anna Cascarina delves into the many benefits of a capsule approach in her 2024 book, The Forever Wardrobe, which draws from her 25 years of industry experience to decode the formula for a long-lasting wardrobe. In this empowering guide, she makes a case for choosing timeless investment pieces over fleeting seasonal trends, explaining how to find confidence-boosting clothing that suits any shape or age.
Naturally, her insights left me wondering about the items she considers essential to a capsule wardrobe. So, I asked her just that—read on to discover the ride-or-die pieces this fashion expert swears by.
SHOP THE TIMELESS CAPSULE WARDROBE PIECES THAT WORK FOR ANY AGE:
1. Black Blazer
“I have quite a few blazers because they're so versatile and instantly make an outfit look put-together, whether it’s with a pair of jeans and a white tee or over a slinky dress on a night out. One in every colour would be the dream for me, but if you’re just starting out on your capsule wardrobe journey, then a simple black blazer is the one to get.”
Shop blazers:
A high-street hero.
If you want to invest a little more, look no further.
We're often impressed by H&M's affordable tailoring.
2. White Tee
“It might sound uninspiring, but a white T-shirt is one of those important basics in your wardrobe that you will wear again and again. It’s vital to think about the weight of the fabric: if it's too thin, it will be see-through and if it's too thick, it will be bulky. For a bit of luxury, I like the Sunspel classic tee but Uniqlo also does really good ones for under £15.”
Shop T-shirts:
This might just be the perfect white tee.
Uniqlo is a go-to for hard-working basics.
Made from 100% organic cotton.
3. Wide-Leg Trousers
“Another staple in every wardrobe is a pair of wide-leg trousers. Again, they're so versatile as you’re able to dress them up or down, wear them for work or play and they're timeless, so will be in your wardrobe forever. I actually bought two pairs of these COS trousers as they are the perfect fit and I wear them so much!”
Shop trousers:
These are an influencer favourite.
This extra-wide pair cuts a dramatic silhouette.
The Row is always a safe bet for elevated basics.
4. Grey Sweatshirt
“Trust me, a grey sweatshirt will become your comfort item and get better over time the more you wear it. My favourite is the relaxed style by Navy Grey which is a bit more pricey, but is the perfect fit and colour with just the right amount of slouch. I wear mine with wide-leg trousers and a pair of loafers for an effortless everyday look.”
Shop sweatshirts:
Wait until you feel how soft this is.
This is a work-from-home staple.
If you favour deeper hues, try a charcoal iteration.
5. Black Boots
“I could recommend three or four pairs of black boots that would fit well into a capsule wardrobe, however, the ones I wear the most have a slightly pointed toe and a low heel. They're comfy enough to wear all day, but give me an elevated feel. These Jigsaw ones are so comfortable and very sleek—you'll be reaching for them all the time.”
Shop boots:
You won't run out of ways to wear these.
Doesn't this pair look designer?
Dream boots alert.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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