The Modern Woman's Timeless Wardrobe

Everyone needs a capsule wardrobe, even those of us who prefer an eclectic chaos of print and colour when they open their closet doors. Whether you’re a wannabe minimalist or simply need to refresh your basics, having a collection of simple staples in your wardrobe can make getting dressed in the morning that little bit easier.

Think of a capsule wardrobe as a curation of contemporary classics that you can mix and match to create numerous different looks, rather than a monotonous monochrome wardrobe that you may tire of. It’s up to you whether you strip things back to just the basics or if you pad out your staples with an explosion of printed and colourful statement finds.

Look to Instagram for inspiration, where a whole new tribe of women are championing well-crafted contemporary classics over blink-and-you’ll-miss-it trends. Leading this group of modern women, you’ll find Brittany Bathgate and Charlie May who invest in well-cut, often oversized garments that breathe a new lease of life into modern minimalism.

So what are these magical wardrobe essentials that will instantly create a wardrobe filled with opportunities? Some may tell you to invest in an LBD and a crisp white shirt, but we’re thinking a little more outside the box. Here are our twelve contemporary wardrobe staples that will help you to achieve a modern timeless style.

INTERVIEW Emma Lavelle

ILLUSTRATIONS Scott W Mason

A perfectly fitted pair of jeans

Every girl needs a pair of jeans in her life, regardless of her personal style. Perfect for those days when you just need to pull on something comfortable or when you want to cover up your legs, a pair of well-fitted jeans that compliment your body shape will instantly make you feel great. If you’re a dedicated advocate of a skinny fit then by all means go for it, but we are rejoicing over the return of a more relaxed silhouette. Cropped wide-legs, up-and-down straight legs and billowing flares have all made a resurgence recently, and are incredibly flattering fits. Your staple pair of jeans should fit well around the waist, regardless of what you eat for dinner, and should be purchased in a wash that you can wear on a day to day basis. Consider longevity and invest in a quality brand. Leave the bleached ripped variety on the sale rack.

A Striped Breton T-Shirt

The striped Breton t-shirt has never really waned in popularity; enjoying a spike in trends in the Sixties, becoming ever present in the subsequent decades, and nowadays being an item that almost everyone you know owns. The beauty of this garment is its versatility. Go casual by teaming it with a pair of jeans, or slip on a pinafore dress over it to transform into a completely different look. You can channel your favourite Sixties icon, whether you prefer gamine Jean Seberg or screen siren Brigitte Bardot, without a hint of pastiche. A good striped t-shirt is instantly distinguishable from a poor imitation, so it is worth going for quality over quantity and purchasing one well-crafted top rather than several cheaper options. Stick to navy or black with white or cream stripes for a style that will complement the rest of your wardrobe.

A Denim Shirt

You don’t need a white shirt, unless your office requires it. These days, a well-fitted denim chambray shirt will get much more usage. We love pairing denim with denim in contrasting washes and teaming your denim shirt with your jeans, but a stylish shirt will look just as great worn with a pair of tailored culottes or a pair of A-line shorts in summer. The key here is to not look like you’re in a Western film. Avoid any gimmicky details such as studs, rivets, frills or patches and opt for a clean-cut style that skims your figure without hugging it too tightly or billowing oversized. Don’t be scared of dressing up a denim shirt; with the right minimal jewellery and a pair of simple heels you could even wear it to work.

A Pair Of Black Ankle Boots

How does anyone survive the winter months without a pair of classic black ankle boots? Besides keeping your feet warm and dry, they are a stylish staple that you can wear day or night, and can even look great with bare legs. The style that you choose is up to you - Chelsea boots or lace-up’s, flats or heels - but opt for a style that you can dress up or down and get the most wear out of. Boots that are cut lower on your ankle work just as well with trousers as skirts, instantly doubling their wearability.

An Everyday Cosy Jumper

Knitwear doesn’t have to be a boring jumper that you pull on when the temperature plummets, ruining your outfit. There are plenty of knitwear brands out there that offer simple and stylish designs in high quality soft wools that you’ll want to wear every day. Choose the colour that suits you best and invest in a well-crafted (preferably hand-knitted) jumper that makes you feel just as stylish as it does cosy. Opt for slightly slouchy fits that look just as good layered over a dress or skirt as they do when worn with jeans.

A Linen/Cotton Dress That Can Be Dressed Up Or Down

Natural materials are key to our entire list - you’ll find no polyester here - and linen and cotton rank highly as two fabrics to invest in. Rather than purchasing a traditional little black dress, consider what you are likely to want to wear in any season and for any occasion. A simple yet stylish linen or cotton dress in a neutral hue will prove to be your saviour on those days when you don’t know what to wear. Throw it on, add a couple of interchangeable accessories and see how you can style it for winter, summer, work or play. Opt for a style that flatters you and feels comfortable, such as a shirt dress, shift dress or long-sleeved design.

A Pair Of Comfortable Trainers

Trainers no longer reside in the realm of sportswear. You can wear a simple pair (no neon pink Nikes for us, thanks!) to dress down an everyday dress or a pair of tailored culottes. Ever since trainers were spotted on the feet of everyone in the FROW at fashion week, they’ve become perfectly acceptable for everyday wear. Dress down a pair of tailored trousers with trainers and a simple white t-shirt, or add an edge to your favourite dress by teaming it with a pair of classic runners. Steer clear of pairing your trainers with anything that looks like actual sportswear and use them to challenge the rules of what you can and can’t wear together.

A Pinafore Dress

The pinafore shows no sign of going anywhere, which is great for those of us that have embraced this versatile wardrobe staple. Combining the ease of a dress with the versatility of being able to style with an infinite amount of tops, a classic linen or denim pinafore dress will become one of your most beloved garments. Wear with bare legs and t-shirts in summer, then layer over woollen tights and thin roll-neck knits when the temperatures drop. We especially love the look of a slightly oversized dress that skims your figure, allowing for a flattering silhouette.

A Classic White T-Shirt

You can’t go wrong with a simple white t-shirt, as long as you take care to invest in a high quality design in a natural fabric. Choosing the cut, colour and material is key, as it is important to opt for a style that is easy to wear and will stand up to repeated washes. Purchase from a quality brand and look for a style that sits just above your hips, avoiding cropped or baggy designs that may date. Thicker natural materials are best for longevity, as synthetic materials tend to bobble, fade or come apart at the seams over time. The perfect white t-shirt can be worn with a pair of jeans, culottes, A-line skirts or beneath a pinafore dress, making it one of the most versatile garments in your capsule wardrobe.

A Silk Shirt

Whether you need to instantly dress up an outfit or float around cool and serenely in summer, an ethereal silk shirt is an essential item for the modern woman’s timeless wardrobe. Add a punch of colour here, if you like, opting for a hue that you’ll get repeated wear out of and that will complement the rest of your wardrobe. Alternatively, choose a neutral shade that can form the basis of any outfit. Stay clear of synthetic fabrics and buy the real deal for a lightweight silky shirt that will keep you cool in summer.

A Pair Of Tailored Trousers Or Culottes

You can’t go wrong with an easy-to-wear pair of tailored trousers or culottes that can be dressed up or down dependent on the occasion. Culottes are great for exposing a bit of skin in warmer temperatures and look great worn with sandals, heels or streamlined trainers. If you’d rather wear a longer style, pegleg trousers or loosely-tailored silhouettes are both extremely flattering. You may think that you won’t get that much wear out of a pair of trousers, but you’ll be surprised at the options of styling them for work, play or weekend wear.

A Pair Of Birkenstocks / Similar Style Sandals

Trends may come and go, but the humble Birkenstock looks set to stick around as a modern style classic for a while longer. The beauty in these sandals is in their simplicity; there are no gimmicks that you may become bored of. On warm summer days or holidays, they are so easy to slip on and their super comfortable soles ensure that your feet stay happy even if you’re walking around for long periods of time.