It’s time we admitted our vice – it’s seriously good clothes. And, with so many incredible daily sales at BrandAlley, it’s a testament to our willpower that we don’t bankrupt ourselves Literally. Every. Month.
Yet, lockdown has afforded us the time to truly reassess what hangs in our wardrobes (and it’s not just because not everything fits us anymore). Many of us have realised it’s quality, not quantity that matters, and that starts with a capsule wardrobe.
Wondering exactly what a capsule wardrobe is? Instead of formulating your repertoire of hundreds of different designs, you fill it with a carefully curated edit of investment pieces, staples that you can mix and match your ensembles around. These aren’t particularly trend-led styles, they’re timeless quality offerings that you can sport season upon season – and they’ll still guarantee a compliment each year.
What Investment Pieces Do I Need?
A Plain White T-shirt
A quality plain white T-shirt is a key effortless wardrobe piece that you can confidently turn to time and time again. Perfect in the summer to accompany your favourite casual ensemble and just as good under winter knits or a standout blazer, (more on that later) it really is the perfect sartorial gift that never stops giving.
Depending on how you want it to fit, you can stray up or down from your normal clothing size. Whilst it may feel tempting to buy and rebuy a cheaper piece, it’s much kinder to the environment (and ultimately, your purse) to spend more on one which will last much longer.
For BrandAlley’s best T-shirt brands, shop Levi’s, Laycuna London, Victoria, Victoria Beckham
The Perfect Pair of Jeans
Whatever your preferred style – skinny, straight, Boyfriend, bootcut or flared, spend your money wisely on the perfect pair of designer jeans and you’ll be confident that they’ll last for years to come.
Rather than owning more pairs of jeans than you need (the average UK woman has seven), it’s better to simply stick to a carefully curated edit of just a few to wear on rotation that will best suit your style preferences.
For BrandAlley’s best denim brands, shop 7 For All Mankind, Replay, Levi’s
A Leather Jacket
A carefully selected leather jacket is sure to find its place in any wardrobe for now and years to come – it’s truly a transseasonal essential. Whilst there are many quality faux offerings out the right now, nothing quite replaces the quality of a staple leather piece.
Worn best with a T-shirt or jeans, or alongside a floral midi dress for a tough edge – pretty much anything in your wardrobe, really; choose one in classic black as a base piece, and don’t be afraid to spend a little more on ‘the one’.
For BrandAlley’s best leather jackets, shop Bolongaro Trevor, Maje
Cosy Cashmere Jumper
Provided you look after your cashmere with care and expertise, a cashmere jumper will last a lifetime. Choose a neutral colour such as grey, black or camel and you’ll reach for it every winter (and summer on cooler days).
The perfect knit has a lasting quality, style and elegance, as well as being comfortable to boot.
For BrandAlley’s best cashmere, shop Scott & Scott London, No. Eleven, Cocoa Cashmere
A Go-To Tote Handbag
Ideal for everyday errands or simply adding a considered finish to ensembles, a designer handbag is well worth spending a more on, and, unlike most clothing and accessories, can even increase in value.
A staple black style is sure to have a place in any wardrobe and is arguably the most popular, however discover other versatile shades such as navy, camel, brown or beige and you can switch things up seasonally.
For BrandAlley’s best designer bags, shop Givenchy, Prada, Gucci
Luxury Sweatpants
Sweatpants have cemented their place as a wardrobe saviour for us all. Prolific in their versatility, a luxe pair exude effortless elegance, and has a veritable array of uses when it comes to wardrobe options.
For BrandAlley’s best luxury sweatpants, shop No. Eleven, Scott & Scott London, Chinti & Parker
Black boots
Multifunctional and effortlessly chic, our black boot wardrobe is almost as vast as our clothing repertoire.
Evolving with the trends, they’ve been reborn as a chunky style, biker boot, over-the-knee shoe or sophisticated heeled pair. It may feel tempting to purchase a pair for every eventuality (guilty as charged), but as long as you have a quality flat, ankle and knee high pair, the foundations are covered.
For BrandAlley’s best black boots, shop Stuart Weitzman, Oliver Sweeney, Maje
White sneakers
Yin and yang, a classic white sneaker is also a must for all wardrobes. Complimentary to any outfit choice, they can be dressed up with a slip skirt or maxi dress or paired with your favourite cashmere tracksuit.
For BrandAlley’s best white trainers, shop Calvin Klein, Superga, New Balance
A Bold Blazer
A go-to piece for any modern wardrobe; a seriously smart blazer can be partnered with some denim jeans of an evening, alongside a dress for a refined edge, or of course, worn with some tailored trousers for a tuxedo effect. 80’s-inspired padded shoulders will always be in vogue, whilst an oversized cut is also trending in 2021.
For BrandAlley’s best blazers, shop Reiss, Whistles, Mango
