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The Lyst Index

The Art of Curating a Timeless Capsule Wardrobe

Published on August 15, 2024
Authored by Morgane Speed
Launchmetrics Spotlight
All products are hand-picked by our editorial team. We make a commission on the sale of these products.

Imagine opening your closet to find an ensemble of pieces that not only excite you but also effortlessly combine to create a multitude of looks. This is the essence of the ultimate year-round capsule wardrobe — a thoughtfully selected edit of garments that form the backbone of your personal style and that make getting dressed easier and a lot more fun.

In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through what you need to build a capsule wardrobe that's uniquely you, but infinitely wearable. We'll show you the pieces that are smart investments, as well as those that'll stand the test of time in both durability and design — from the classic white shirt to the perfect pair of flats.

Ready to simplify your closet and amplify your style? Let's dive in and create a wardrobe that works as hard as you do, all year round.

Launchmetrics Spotlight

01. Basics

The foundation of any capsule wardrobe, basics are the versatile pieces that form the core of your daily outfits. A silk cami for layering, a tank top for warm days, and the perfect white T-shirt are essential. Add crisp white and blue shirts to your rotation for a polished look, a linen shirt for breezy elegance, and a long-sleeve top for cooler weather. A well-fitted bodysuit completes this category, offering seamless tucking options.

£325
Loewe
Anagram-Embroidered Stretch-Cotton Tank Top - White
From Loewe
£19
COS
Clean Cut Regular T-shirt - White
From COS
Out of stock
£85
GOOD AMERICAN
The Crewneck Long-Sleeved Jersey Body - Black
From Selfridges
Out of stock
£303
Nili Lotan
Isabella Cami Top - Black
From FARFETCH
£496
Brunello Cucinelli
Band-Collar Mini Shirt - White
From Balardi
Out of stock
£65
Frankie Shop
Striped Button-Up Shirt - Blue
From FARFETCH
Out of stock
£59
Eileen Fisher
Organic Cotton Gauze Classic Collar Shirt - Black
From Eileen Fisher
Out of stock
£368
The Row
Ciles Cotton Jersey Crewneck T-Shirt - Black
From Nordstrom
Out of stock
Moda Operandi

02. Tops

Building on your basics, these pieces add flair and personality to the rest of your capsule wardrobe. A sleek vest is perfect for layering, a feminine blouse adds a touch of sophistication, and an evening top for those jeans-and-a-nice-top nights out is also key. Don't forget an elevated T-shirt – a step up from your basic tee, it can easily transition from day to night with the right accessories.

£186
Posse
Emma Linen Vest - Black
From LUISA VIA ROMA
Out of stock
Was £165
£165
Now £82
£82
Ganni
White Poplin Peplum Waist Blouse - White
From Ganni
Sale
£18
Mango
Off The Shoulder Long Sleeve T-Shirt - Black
From Nordstrom
Out of stock
£92
Baserange
Omato Organic-Cotton Top - Natural
From FARFETCH
Launchmetrics Spotlight

03. Knitwear

Essential for cooler months and air-conditioned spaces, your knitwear selection should include a mix of weights and styles. A good cardigan, chunky sweater, classic crewneck and turtleneck cover all bases. Opt for neutral colours that pair easily with the rest of your wardrobe, ensuring maximum versatility.

£143
Axel Arigato
Off- Memory Relaxed Cardigan - Natural
From SSENSE
Out of stock
£71
Reiss
Carina - Mink Wool-cashmere Cable Knit Roll Neck Jumper, L (us 12-14) - Brown
From Reiss
Out of stock
£155
COS
Pure Cashmere Jumper - Grey
From COS
Out of stock
£109
HOMMEGIRLS
Espresso Wool Polo With Embroidered Logo - Black
From Fashdes
Out of stock
Launchmetrics Spotlight

04. Dresses

A carefully chosen dress collection can take you from work to weekend with ease. Include a versatile day dress, a classic little black dress, a casual day dress, and a more formal option for special occasions like a luxurious silk slip dress. Choose silhouettes that you feel comfortable in and fabrics that suit your lifestyle.

£219
Sleeper
Atlanta Linen Dress - White
From Coggles
Out of stock
£203
Vince
Satin Slip Dress - Blue
From Mytheresa
Out of stock
£36
GOOD AMERICAN
Rib Maxi T-Shirt Dress - Green
From Nordstrom
Out of stock
Was £350
£350
Now £257
£257
STAUD
Mercer Mini Dress - Black
From FARFETCH
Sale
£75
Faithfull the Brand
Seine Maxi Dress - Blue
From END.
Out of stock
£139
Reformation
Coucou Linen Dress 0 - Red
From Reformation
Out of stock
£188
Doen
Quinn Dress - White
From Browns Fashion
Out of stock
Was £501
£501
Now £200
£200
Co.
Ribbed-Knit Midi Dress - Black
From Mytheresa
Sale
Launchmetrics Spotlight

05. Bottoms

A well-rounded bottom selection is crucial. Include a pair of jeans in a classic cut, versatile shorts for warm weather, and comfortable leggings for casual days. A black mini skirt offers night-out options, while a maxi silk skirt brings elegance. Linen trousers for summer and sleek black and cream trousers for year-round wear complete this category.

£182
RE/DONE
Wide-Leg Cropped Jeans - Blue
From Senser
Out of stock
£479
Ami Paris
Pin Tuck Trousers - Black
From Wanan Luxury
Out of stock
£28
COS
Wide-leg Linen Drawstring Trousers - Natural
From COS
Out of stock
£77
Sporty & Rich
Vendome Boxer Shorts - Blue
From END.
Out of stock
£68
ANDAMANE
Nerea Tech Crepe Satin Mini Skirt - Black
From LUISA VIA ROMA
Out of stock
£224
Anine Bing
Bar Silk Maxi Skirt - Natural
From LUISA VIA ROMA
Out of stock
£170
TOTEME
Trousers & Shorts - Black
From FARFETCH
£128
Reiss
Eden Elasticated-Waist Wide-Leg Twill Trousers - Natural
From Selfridges
Launchmetrics Spotlight

06. Outerwear

Your outerwear collection should prepare you for all seasons. A timeless wool and trench coat are must-haves. Add a leather jacket for edge, a denim jacket for casual cool, and a puffer for extreme cold. A country jacket adds rustic charm and practicality to your rotation for country walks, while black and cream blazers offer versatile layering options for both work and play.

£473
Loulou de Saison
Borneo Double Breast Wool Blend Coat - Black
From LUISA VIA ROMA
Out of stock
£900
TOTEME
Doppelreihiger Trenchcoat, Damen - Natural
From Mytheresa
£307
AllSaints
Billie Belted-Hem Relaxed-Fit Leather Biker Jacket - Black
From Selfridges
Out of stock
£377
Anine Bing
Janet Denim Jacket - Blue
From FARFETCH
Out of stock
£735
Jacquemus
Les Sculptures 'la Veste Castagna' Blazer - Black
From Jacquemus
Out of stock
£100
Frankie Shop
Exclusive Bea Oversized Woven Blazer - Natural
From Moda Operandi
Out of stock
£95
lululemon
Wunder Puff Cropped Shell Jacket - Blue
From Selfridges
Out of stock
£320
Barbour
Coats & Jackets - Black
From TheCorner.com
Out of stock
Launchmetrics Spotlight

07. Shoes

Balancing timeless elegance with modern comfort is key when building a carefully curated shoe collection. Invest in pristine white sneakers — a versatile staple that effortlessly transitions from casual to smart-casual ensembles — and add ballet flats and impeccably crafted loafers to your collection, each promising to elevate your everyday style. For moments that demand a little more je-ne-sais-quoi, a pair of expertly crafted heels will never fail to impress. In summer, easy-to-wear clogs and refined flip-flops offer ease without compromising on style for day-to-day needs. Complete your edit with meticulously constructed ankle boots for autumnal chic and luxurious knee-high boots for winter to ensure year-round style.

£95
adidas Originals
White And Better Scarlet Samba Og Trainers - White
From Adidas
Out of stock
£170
Aeyde
Uma Ballet Flats - Natural
From FARFETCH
Out of stock
£817
Gucci
Jordaan Loafers - Black
From Gucci
£640
Manolo Blahnik
Maysale 50 Suede Mules - Women's - Leather - Black
From LUISA VIA ROMA
Out of stock
£131
Birkenstock
Contemporary Slip-On Sandals With Adjustable Buckle - White
From FARFETCH
Out of stock
£21
Havaianas
Slim Square Rubber Flip Flops - Black
From AllSole
Out of stock
£370
Aeyde
Kiki Chelsea Boots - Black
From SSENSE
Out of stock
£257
STAUD
Western Wally Knee-High Boots - Black
From Cettire
Out of stock
Launchmetrics Spotlight

08. Bags

A meticulously curated handbag collection is essential for the modern-day woman and should accommodate all aspects of your life, with each piece an investment in both style and legacy. Start with the cornerstones: a structured work bag, a versatile shoulder bag, and a casual basket bag will cover most bases. For those seeking a more comprehensive edit, introduce a sleek clutch for evenings out, a practical shopping bag, and a backpack for hands-free days. Complete your collection with a luxurious suitcase and an impeccable weekender for your adventures.

£459
Ralph Lauren
Leather Large Kassie Shoulder Bag - Brown
From Ralph Lauren
Out of stock
£595
Jacquemus
The Bambino - Black
From Jacquemus
Out of stock
£950
Loewe
Tural/tan X Paula's Ibiza Anagram Large Iraca Palm And Leather Basket Bag - Natural
From Mytheresa
£465
Mansur Gavriel
Mini Cloud Leather Clutch - Black
From FARFETCH
£59
Studio Nicholson
Standard Tote - Black
From SSENSE
Out of stock
£2,150
The Row
Joe Leather Backpack - Black
From Mytheresa
Out of stock
£160
Longchamp
Le Pliage Original Medium Travel Bag - Black
From FARFETCH
£207
Quince
Aluminum Carry-On Suitcase - Grey
From Quince
Out of stock
Launchmetrics Spotlight

09. Jewelry

The right jewelry can elevate any outfit and is the ultimate investment for your capsule wardrobe, with the potential to become treasured heirlooms. Start with a delicate necklace and versatile studs and hoop earrings for everyday wear, and include a classic watch, signature ring, and statement earrings for special occasions. A simple bracelet and a chic hair accessory will complete your jewelry box, allowing for both understated and bold looks. These carefully curated pieces seamlessly transition from daywear to evening looks, but they aren't just accessories — they're future artifacts of your personal style legacy.

£95
Missoma
Savi Dome Small 18kt -plated Hoop Earrings - Metallic
From Harvey Nichols
Out of stock
£87
Alighieri
The Medium Illuminated Eye Necklace - Metallic
From LUISA VIA ROMA
Out of stock
£9,050
Cartier
Crw2pn0006 Panthère De Small Model 18ct Yellow-gold And Stainless-steel Watch - Metallic
From Selfridges
Out of stock
£55
Astrid & Miyu
Plated Embellished Stud Earrings - Metallic
From Harrods
£469
Otiumberg
Sterling Arena Chain Necklace - Metallic
From Browns Fashion
Out of stock
£120
COMPLETEDWORKS
Twisted 18Kt Vermeil Ring - Metallic
From Harvey Nichols
Out of stock
£360
AGMES
Astrid Large Gold Vermeil Cuff - Metallic
From Harvey Nichols
Out of stock
£360
Sophie Buhai
Tiny Egg Stud Earrings - Black
From SSENSE
Out of stock
Launchmetrics Spotlight

10. Accessories

These finishing touches close the sartorial loop on your capsule wardrobe. A cap for casual days, quality sunglasses for year-round use, and swimwear for vacations are essential. Add a belt to define your waist, a beanie for cold days, and a scarf and gloves for winter. These pieces not only serve practical purposes but also add personality to your outfits.

£150
TOTEME
Canvas Twill Baseball Cap - Natural
From Nordstrom
Out of stock
Was £57
£57
Now £40
£40
Le Specs
Outta Love - Brown
From Le Specs
Sale
£26
COS
Scoop-neck Ribbed Swimsuit - Black
From COS
Out of stock
£175
Hunza G
Juno Crinkled Bikini Set - Black
From FARFETCH
Out of stock
£135
Anderson's
Grained Leather Belt - Black
From Harvey Nichols
Out of stock
£116
Woolrich
Cashmere Ribbed Beanie - Grey
From FARFETCH
Out of stock
£180
Acne Studios
Fringe Wool Scarf – Narrow - Black
From Acne Studios
Out of stock
£169
Agnelle
Lady Lambskin Leather Gloves - Grey
From Bergdorf Goodman
Out of stock
⸺
Editorial

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