11 Capsule Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Needs, According To A marie claire Editor

If you were to hand out popularity awards to the items in my closet, my blazers would win. While 80% of my wardrobe hangs there unworn (that’s a universal problem, by the way, almost all of us don’t wear much of what hangs in our closet), my blazers go on outings regularly. Seriously, they have all the fun. For work, it’s always a blazer. And I’m embarrassed to admit, I recently wore a blazer to a festival. Yes, I stood out for all the wrong reasons. This classic black COS one is on high rotation at the moment. Pair with jeans and flats.

What would we do without the hoop earring? It’s the classic jewellery essential that can do no wrong. These Jennifer Fisher earrings are my current favourite – made from gold-plated brass, they’re perfect for daily wear and believe me when I say, every capsule wardrobe needs a pair.

I’m super fussy with jeans, because I find so many cuts are horribly unflattering and frankly, nothing is more depressing than wearing a pair of jeans, which don’t fit properly. I discovered Agolde a few years ago and it was love at first fit. Now, they’re the only jeans I wear. The price tag is a little higher for some styles, but I’d prefer to spend a little more, than waste money on a badly cut pair which doesn’t get worn. These 90s style jeans are my current favourites – they’re faded and lightly distressed at the pockets and made from organic cotton-denim.

My close friends know that come winter, I rarely get out of a knit. I like to stay very snug at all times, which is why I love Uniqlo. As a jumper-addict, it’s my idea of heaven on earth. My first port of call is always the crew neck cashmere styles (this grey one above is a firm favourite). It’s 100% cashmere and currently on sale. Layer a shirt underneath, and team it with your most-loved jeans. Don’t walk, run, because cashmere is never this affordable.

For the winter season, everyone needs a great pair of flat boots. Everlane is one of my favourite places to shop for capsule wardrobe essentials that last, and always do great boots. I especially love how the chunky sole gives off a punk vibe.

A timeless maxi and midi dress in a neutral colourway is essential for throwing on when you don’t have time to coordinate a look, on hot summer days or for a night out. Dress it down with a sandal, up with a heel or layer in winter with a blazer.

As someone who rarely wears heels (correction: never wears heels), I’m loving the return of the Mary-Jane ballerina shoe. These super soft sheep leather COS ones are a great price point, and super comfy.

I want to be the kind of person who doesn’t have a bag full of random things. I really do. But you get to a point in life where you just need to be honest with yourself. In my case, it was admitting that yes, I’m the kind of woman who will never have a tidy handbag (or car, but that’s another story). I’d like to blame my kids, but I don’t think my bag has ever been organised. My tendency to collect various bits and pieces throughout the day means I need a roomy bag. I love this Everlane one not only because it’s super chic and minimal, but because it’s made with a Bio-Alloy™ and Bio-PU leather alternative from plant-based proteins and an FSC-certified Lenzing™ viscose backing, which is crafted to feel like “leather”, but with a lower environmental footprint. Stylish and sustainable? Gets my vote.

This go-anywhere, wear-with-anything trench coat is something every closet needs. This chic double-breasted style from Mango ticks all the boxes. Add some shape by cinching the belt tightly with a double knot.

Whoever made sneakers a fashion statement, thank you. These days, if I’m not in ballet flats, or boots, you’ll find me in sneakers. Actually, if I’m being entirely truthful, my kids bought me a pair of Crocs for Christmas and I wear them around the garden. But back to sneakers. My adidas Gazelle sneakers have been replaced with these New Balance sneakers. LOVE the splash burgundy.

Ok, so I’ve saved the best for last. Yes, I’m painfully aware that these are expensive. Hear me out. Sunglasses finish off an outfit. They can take a pair of jeans and a white tee from plain and simple, to fabulous and fashion-forward. LOEWE’s sunglasses are my all-time favourite. I love this style, designed with oversized cat-eye frames. Yes, you’ll need to save up for them, but look after them and you’ll be wearing these sunglasses for years to come.