Fewer, Bigger, Better. It’s a very European mentality and one that more and more women are buying into (literally). The concept of a capsule wardrobe means investing in fewer high-quality, versatile pieces that you can mix and match into your wardrobe to create a variety of different looks. Gone are the days of filling your closet with a myriad of trendy, lower-priced pieces. But just because you are pairing down your wardrobe, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style. Some of our favorite brands are building capsule collections around high-quality pieces that are not only timeless, but super stylish as well. Here are 10 of the BEST CAPSULE CLOTHING BRANDS with curated collections we think you are bound to love:
1. COS
Cos’s motto is “Buy Better, Keep Forever”. So it’s no surprise that since their inception they have been creating wardrobe pieces that stand the test of time. Their main focus is on craftsmanship and designing the essentials you need for your modern wardrobe. They also focus on sustainable fabrics and practices so you can feel good about investing in pieces from the brand. They are one of the best capsule clothing brands at affordable price points in the market today.
Cos has always had a more minimalist approach to design and you can find really great long-lasting essentials like organic cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jeans from their core collection. They have also launched a more elevated take on a capsule wardrobe collection called Cos Atelier. It was founded on the principles of luxury and exceptional design and takes a bit of a dressed up approach when compared to their classic offering. Their satin cut-out slip dress, leather bermudas, and deconstructed linen suit are a few standout pieces from their latest collection.
2. FRANKIE SHOP
Frankie shop describes their brand as “modern and timeless, cosmopolitan and universal, done and undone, masculin-féminin.” They are made for everyone, channeling a sense of individuality and personal style. (The even launched a unisex collection.) Their clothes are as hip as they are evergreen. And that is no easy feat. Since they opened their doors in 2014, Frankie Shop has been synonymous with the effortless, cool staples that city girls everywhere from New York to Paris to Los Angeles want to be wearing. Perhaps best known for their oversized suiting, Frankie Shop always brings an edginess to their pieces that have a mass street-style appeal.
3. JENNI KAYNE
Jenni Kayne is a California based lifestyle brand that creates wardrobe essentials with an effortless Cali style. Known for her chic basics like luxurious cashmere sweaters, breezy cotton tops, and strappy leather sandals, it’s easy to create a timeless capsule wardrobe of her pieces. Employing mainly gorgeous neutral colors and a comfortable, stylish aesthetic you can wear these pieces all year round. She’s one of the best capsule clothing brands you truly want to live your daily life in.
4. REFORMATION
Reformation is a sustainable fashion brand that makes fashion-forward essentials, great for building a timeless capsule wardrobe. While they are predominantly known for their feminine dresses, they have built out their collection to include chic, timeless items that includes denim, sweaters, and jackets. And while their clothes are super covetable, their ethical and sustainable practices are admirable as well. They put their people first, focusing on fair trade, recycled materials, and ethical production practices. (read more about them here.) If you buy into Ref, you can feel good about your personal style as well as your carbon footprint!
5. WARDROBE.NYC
This collection was founded on the principles of high quality, timeless essentials designed for a modern urban life. Produced in limited edition runs, their ‘essentials collection’ features denim, outerwear, shirts and dresses with a cool take on a timeless wardrobe. You can find true investment pieces like a trench coat or a black blazer that you can and will wear for years to come.
6. NILI LOTAN
Nili Lotan’s luxurious collection is as timeless as it is fashionable. Just take a look at her classic offering (there is a specific classics tab on her main menu) and you will see styles that have been perennial favorites year after year. All of Nili’s classic pieces use high-quality materials in mainly neutral color palettes that will mix beautifully in your closet for the long run. Not only are her fabrics top-notch, but the fit and proportion of her pieces are on par with those of the world’s best luxury brands. Whether you choose Nili’s casual collection or dressier pieces, you will always look polished and sophisticated. You’ll see why she’s listed as one of the best capsule clothing brands in our book.
7. CLOSED
Closed is one of our favorite brands for fashion forward essentials. Originally known as a denim brand founded in 1978, they have expanded to include an entire clothing and accessories collection. Some of our favorite essentials from Closed include their jeans, outerwear, sweaters and leather pieces. Their accessories are also uber chic, versatile and timeless. We recommend springing for their covetable bags, belts and boots.
8. & OTHER STORIES
One of the more affordable brands for building a great capsule wardrobe is & Other Stories. Their offering includes amazing timeless pieces that are easy on the wallet. From prices starting at $29, you can find organic basics like their perfectly proportioned cotton t-shirt in twelve different colors and a fitted ribbed tee great for layering under blazers and cardigans. Other stand out pieces are their cropped alpaca sweaters and light-wash straight leg jeans in organic and recycled cotton.
9. AYR
AYR stands for “All Year Round” and they make timeless, ageless high-quality essentials like Breton striped tees and perfectly washed jeans. If your goal is casual comfort with style, this is a great brand for you. They also produce in small batches to ensure less waste and use recycled materials in many of their designs. We love brands that have amazing style plus make a positive impact on our planet.
10. ZARA
Zara is known for their fast fashion, but they are also one of the best places to find great capsule wardrobe pieces. They are a reliable source for really stylish essentials like denim jackets, slip dresses, button-down shirts, jeans and tees at very reasonable prices. You can incorporate them easily into your wardrobe and style them in many different ways season after season.
