Mastering the art of building out a fool-proof capsule wardrobe is something I personally have yet to achieve. I am always getting distracted by the shiny new trends and must-have items to allow myself to really invest in the practical pieces that will truly shape my wardrobe for the season ahead. For that very reason, I reached out to five of my favorite fashion experts to get their guidance on the matter. I asked Tiffany Hsu, fashion buying director at MyTheresa, Natalie Kingham, global fashion officer at MatchesFashion, Libby Page, senior market editor at Net-a-Porter, Harriet Hawksworth, editor in chief at Farfetch, and Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop, to list the five items that they plan on investing in this year.
Considering the fact that these women play a very direct role in making sure your favorite shopping destinations are curated with the best of the best, it only makes sense that each of their selections is undeniably perfect. From the perfect black blazer to the accessories that are sure to elevate absolutely any outfit, it is my honor to present to you the dream 2021 capsule wardrobes of some of our industry’s favorite experts. If you’ve ever desired to know what industry insiders are actually buying, consider this your ultimate sneak peek.
"A relaxed suit is a wardrobe foundation. The pieces can be pulled as a pair or separates and styled in different ways. For work or the weekend, it’s my fail-safe for whenever I am stumbling over what to wear."
"A crisp shirt instantly lifts my mood and makes me feel ready to tackle the day. I love wearing mine open with the sleeves pushed up and layered with a turtleneck underneath. It is perfect with a good pair of denim or a tailored pair of trousers."
"If they weren’t already, sneakers are the new everyday shoe. My capsule wardrobe would involve an elevated pair that I could wear to the office and still feel polished. A sneaker by The Row doesn’t get any chicer."
"After living in sweatpants for almost an entire year, the legging has been one of my at-home favorites. I love the versatility of them, particularly these from Wardrobe.NYC. The fit is incredible, and they can be worn with a pair of heels and an oversize shirt for the evening or with a sweater and sneakers for the day."
"This polished crossbody bag goes with everything. It is big enough for the essentials but small enough to take out for the evening. The gold hardware makes it really elevated and special."
"I am obsessed with the Nylon Prada collection and this dress is one of many items that I love. I also have the shorts and the bowling shirt in Nylon. But this dress is my perfect version of a timeless and modern yet sexy party dress but also fine to wear just strolling in the sun."
"I am loving a good green, and this update of a cool and sexy sandal by Bottega Veneta will go with everything."
"This summer will be all about crop tops. I like how charming this one is and it’s so versatile at the same time. Jacquemus is one of my favorite brands and with this version you can’t go wrong. I currently have three of the same styles in my shopping bag.”
"An item you didn’t know you needed until you have it: the perfect cool blazer that elevates your simple looks immediately and this version from The Attico will be definitely one of my go-to pieces."
"Hot pants are totally on-trend this season, and this style from Saint Laurent is perfect to wear from day to night.”
"In reflection to the new way in which we are living our everyday uniform has evolved towards a more relaxed, modern way of dressing. With practicality and versatility in mind, we launched our Wardrobe Foundations edit to ensure that our customer could easily curate their own essential wardrobe. A personal favorite from the edit are the Raey Fold jeans, the relaxed fit and tapered waist mean that not only are they comfortable but are flattering too. They can be dressed up or down and are a great go-to when you are in a rush or not sure what to wear.”
"Lisa Yang sources the purest cashmere for their pieces, and I love the knit cashmere T-shirt, as it is so effortless and versatile. Also part of the Wardrobe Foundations edit, it is a perfect building block to base any outfit around whether pared with a statement piece of jewelry or worn with soft tailoring.”
"Investing in a great piece of outerwear is key and the trench is a foolproof shape that will never go out of style and work hard in your wardrobe. This trench by Jil Sander offers a contemporary spin on the classic cut with its balloon sleeves and oversize silhouette.”
"Special, heirloom jewelry that you can cherish forever and then pass down to a loved one is a great investment. I love the chunky Lauren Rubinski chains, something that before I may have saved for a special occasion I now wear to instantly elevate an everyday look such as a white shirt or cashmere jumper.”
"We were delighted to launch the iconic designs from the last 25 years of Raf Simons via the Archive Redux collection. It has been wonderful to rediscover these special pieces, the Joy Division denim jacket is such a versatile piece and a personal highlight.”
"This is probably the most reliable coat ever made. Would work forever, super comfortable, super cool, super low-key, yet also lockdown ‘just going to the park’ appropriate.”
"Two Chanel bags are always better than one. Love the pastels, and the tweed is quintessential Chanel.”
"This top is so elegant and beautiful. Twenty twenty-one is definitely going to be the year of the going-out top, as we’ve all become so accustomed to sitting comfortably in our sweats.”
"Another forever buy. My normal life doesn’t allow for such purchases but one can dream. If money were no object, I’d spend it on a pre-owned Cartier. I’ve been thinking about pieces that are forever buys and this watch would be a friend come rain or shine.”
"Ubiquitous but still astonishingly appealing, comfortable footwear has become cult this year.”
"You must always have an amazing white poplin blouse in your wardrobe! This one from Kika Vargas is such a beautiful update to the average white button-down. The peter pan collar with the puff detail is so elegant and makes for such a great transitional piece. I would style mine with elevated loungewear bottoms now and then denim shorts or a spring skirt later!”
"You can never go wrong with the perfect pair of denim and these Khaite Layla Jeans are a dream! I am really into cropped flare styles lately and these have everything I am looking for. From the high rise to the wash to the novelty patchwork style, these are definitely a staple in my closet!”
"I am always shopping for boots, boots and more boots! Monse does an incredible job of designing pieces that are both statement and wearable and I absolutely love these lace-up boots! Between the chunky platform and the beautiful cognac color, these make for an easy boot that everyone can pull off!”
"I am all about hands-free handbags! The black and white stripe Bassi market tote is everything that I want right now—a beautiful tote that is ethically handcrafted. The best part is that Goodee promotes such positive change and hope and that’s just what I want in my closet!”
"I am always looking for a chic cardigan/housecoat to have in my wardrobe. This seasonless lightweight brushed knit will be great over T-shirts, lightweight sweaters, and even over my pajamas!”
Next up, shop the five fine jewelry trends fashion girls will invest in this year.
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