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I talk a lot about purging items in your wardrobe (see here and here), as rotating your closet can give you the fresh start you need. That said, there are items that you should never let go of.
Toteme Houndstooth Annecy Coat (sz XS), Everlane cashmere knit* (sz XS), Everlane jeans*, Gucci belt (review here), Sarah Flint pumps* (review and discount code here), Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Ray Ban sunglasses
Buying classic wardrobe essentials is key to creating a minimalistic, capsule wardrobe. That’s because classic investment pieces are the foundation of any capsule wardrobe – you can style them in a heap of ways and create a catalogue of outfits just from a few pieces.
My wardrobe has had its fair share of purges in the last couple of years, thanks to the extended time at home, and while the exercise requires me to go through my wardrobe with a fine-toothed comb (see here), there are pieces that immediately get sorted into the ‘save’ pile.
Here are the pieces that you should never purge and the wardrobe staples to keep:
#1 – Tailoring
Reiss blazer (new season release here), Everlane trousers* (sz 2), Arket t-shirt (sz S), The Fold London loafers*, Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses
There’s no denying the increasing power of a woman in tailoring. And its staying power is thanks to the fact that women are redefining the parameters of femininity and modernising traditional suiting with their personal style tweaks. Whether you’re deconstructing a suit, or incorporating your tailored pieces into your off-duty outfits, the world is your oyster which makes it a no-brainer to skip these pieces in any wardrobe purge. One of my wardrobe essentials (and a surefire way to build an epic classic wardrobe) is a well-fitted blazer. A neutral coloured blazer, such as black or ivory, can be styled in so many different ways, and for me, is a piece that is worthwhile making that extra investment in, as a good one will serve you for many years.
#2 – Black pumps
Totême Houndstooth Annecy Coat (sz XS), Everlane cashmere knit* (sz XS), Everlane jeans*, Gucci belt (review here), Sarah Flint pumps* (review and discount code here), Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Ray Ban sunglasses
I mean, when have black pumps ever been a fashion faux pas? There’s the tried and true classic nappa leather version, or the dramatic effect of a velvet pump. Personally, I love me a pointed suede black pump for that little bit of extra glam. I’ve tried and tested my fair share of black pumps over the years from Christian Louboutin (one word: ouch) and Gianvito Rossi to Jimmy Choo and Sarah Flint. My favourite of the lot? Without a doubt, Sarah Flint – and you can read why in my review here.
#3 – Turtleneck knits
Country Road knit (sz XS), Frankie Shop trousers (sz S), Gucci belt (review here), Sarah Flint pumps* (review and discount code here), Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses
I dedicate a decent chunk of this blog to talking about the hardworking basics in my wardrobe. Turtlenecks are always a must-have that I’ll recommend. I love their versatility – dress them up, dress them down, wear to work, wear on weekends. I love a good black turtleneck, and for good reason. Wear them with tailored trousers and a blazer, or underneath a dress. This is something that I tend to throw on when I don’t really want to think too hard about what to wear.
#4 – Classic go-with-anything handbags
I love finishing off my look with one of my handbags – and there’s a reason why I always stick with “boring” black ones – they’re classic and versatile (hence providing me with ideal cost-per-wear value!). While the bulk lot of my handbags have hardly got the use they deserve this year, I’m still happy to hang onto them as I know they’ll serve me for many years to come once we’re free to roam out and about again in a post-pandemic world.
As always, thanks for stopping by and I hope you’re all keeping healthy.
P.S. The 5 best handbag styles for work and my 2021 favourites so far!
