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The Art of Investment Dressing | How To Create A Timeless Capsule Wardrobe

The 12 Pieces You Need To Create A Timeless Capsule Wardrobe

Embody effortless style, season after season.

Arguably the pinnacle of investment dressing, there is something to be said about the powerful simplicity of a capsule wardrobe.

 

Long espoused by leading tastemakers and style editors as the key to effortless style season after season, curating your own set of everyday outfit essentials actually comes with an array of meaningful benefits — both for ourselves and the environment.


Intrigued? Keep reading for the Aje guide to creating your own capsule wardrobe, from why you should to the 12 investment pieces you need.

Talisa Sutton wears an Aje white mini dress in the garden.

Why Create a Capsule Wardrobe?

While there are many reasons to create a capsule wardrobe, its ability to simplify your daily dressing routine is chief among them. Curated to make getting ready a breezy affair, building a collection of reliable foundations is designed to save you both time and energy, so you can go comfortably go about your day.

 

A considered capsule wardrobe also enables you to define your personal aesthetic. By pulling together a considered trousseau of wear-forever staples alongside your existing favourites, not only will getting dressed become relaxing and more enjoyable, but your signature style will naturally come to the fore.

 

Lastly, favouring a ‘less is more’ mantra and veering away from transient trends, the capsule wardrobe offers a more sustainable approach to fashion. Edited around well-made pieces with classic qualities, it minimises waste by ensuring you only purchase pieces you intend to keep, subsequently having a more positive impact on the environment.

 

Looking to curate your own set of effortless essentials? Keep reading for Aje’s ultimate capsule wardrobe checklist.


The Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

1. The Blue Jeans

A foundational piece in any capsule wardrobe, the enduring power of a pair of jeans cannot be overstated. To enhance its wear-forever qualities, refrain from overly directional styles and colours, leaning instead towards straight-leg denim and relaxed boyfriend silhouettes in classic blue hues.


2. The Neutral Knit

A wardrobe icon with eternal appeal, the neutral knit is the very embodiment of investment dressing. Traditionally rendered in the timeless tones of black, ivory, grey and beige, it's a classic accompaniment to the usual rotation of denim and leather, complementing with its laid-back aura.


3. The Little Black Dress

Beloved by many for good reason, a little black dress is much like a bottle of fine wine: choose wisely, and it only improves with time. Moreover, contrary to its moniker, the dress need not be relegated to the realm of mid-thigh hemlines alone, with both mini and midi dresses equally up to par.


4. The Timeless Tee

When it comes to seasonless style, the timeless tee takes pride of place. For an off duty rotation that delivers on versatility, be sure to select pieces with relaxed silhouettes and clean logo accents in classic colourways.


5. The Understated Blazer

There is perhaps no investment piece that encapsulates day-to-night dressing more than the understated blazer. Whether you opt for an oversized or a more tailored silhouette, keep the colour palette neutral, and its effortless appeal will only grow with time.


6. The Sleek Sneaker

A mainstay in the modern woman’s capsule wardrobe, the sleek white sneaker has long moved beyond the confines of its sporting origins. Imbued with staple status, a streamlined trainer offers the ultimate opportunity to play with high-low style. Pair with dresses for a sense of tough femininity, or team with tailored trousers and a blazer for a polished look with an athleisure flair.


7. The Staple Sunglasses

Good sunglasses are much more than a vacation outfit must-have, offering a je ne sais quoi to even the most laid-back looks. For a set of shades that will never date, choose from timeless hues like black and tortoiseshell, allowing the silhouette — oversized, cat eye or square — to take centre stage.


8. The White Shirt

There is perhaps no piece more classic than the humble white shirt. A veritable ‘blank canvas’, the white shirt’s cult-status stems from its eternal versatility. Whether you pare it back with jeans and sneakers, or team it with tailored trousers and heels for an after-five soirée, it’s a staple piece well worth the investment.


9. The Carry-All Tote Bag

No capsule wardrobe is complete without a carry-all tote bag that offers room for all your essentials. To ensure longevity in your daily trousseau, turn to traditional designs with a modern twist, such as a neutral market tote with an exaggerated weave, or a spacious basket bag boasting luxurious leather accents and a summer-ready flair.


10. The Everyday Adornment

Whether a pair of gold hoops or a chunky chain necklace, a subtle piece of jewelery will elevate even the most understated of ensembles. The key to selecting your everyday adornments? Simplicity. Consider pared-back pieces that transcend trends, focusing on fine chains, slim yet statement bangles and elegant pearls for a curated collection you will keep for years to come.

11. The Little White Dress

Like its beloved noir counterpart, the little white dress belongs in every capsule wardrobe. Versatile and well-suited to daily dressing, special occasions and vacation wardrobes, ensure effortless wear by opting for flattering fit-and-flare silhouettes, voluminous sleeves and subtle detailing.

12. The Classic Crossbody

While the carry-all tote may be necessary for the day-to-day, in certain moments, nothing surpasses the functional simplicity of a classic crossbody bag. Offering just enough from for your small personals, a compact number with hands-free strap ensures your on-the-go ensembles are underscored with ease. To keep it timeless, veer towards neutral tones, subtle logo accents and hardware detailing that draws the eye in.

 

 

Aje Crossbody Bag in black with a contrasting cream stripe featuring repeat logo detailing.

Shop the best of Aje capsule wardrobe essentials today.