
Not so long ago, the fashion world was buzzing about the concept of a capsule wardrobe—the kind of compact closet that only held the minimum number of pieces that matched each other with great ease and that allowed for much time saved in the mornings. Perhaps because the economic downturn hit at the same time that a furious decade of fast fashion was taking a toll on our closets, the capsule wardrobe appeared to be the solution to everyone’s fashion woes.
Around that time in 2014, Caroline Rector, a Texan and fashion lover who’d had enough of the chaos, began to whittle down her closet to a mere 37 pieces, documenting the process on her brilliant website, Unfancy. And everyone paid attention to her method.

“I work from home, so I spend 70% to 80% of my time at home. But something in me decides that’s not cool enough, so sometimes, I trick myself into thinking that I spend 40% of my time at home. Since I’m not being honest with myself, I end up with fantasy-life clothes instead of real-life clothes.”
Ready to get your capsule collection together? Go through the gallery below to see the kind of classic pieces that will hold anyone’s closet together, and read more of Rector’s wise wardrobe advice on her site.
Shop a Capsule Wardrobe
1. A Forever Biker Jacket

Wear this with everything you own.

The cropped length of this jacket will look great with high-waist trousers and skirts.
2. Tailored Trousers

I love this entire ensemble.

These will go with so much in your wardrobe.
3. An Easy Sweatshirt

A chic but cool option.

Ideal for wearing with jeans.
4. A Smart Skirt

£109
Try one of these skirts to polish up your outfit.

This skirt will look so chic with camel knitwear.
5. A Laid-Back Jumper

Your off-duty wardrobe needs this.

Isn’t this colour just beautiful?
6. Black Ankle Boots

There’s nothing more versatile than a pair of black ankle boots.

These boots really stood out on the Bottega Veneta runway.
7. Relaxed True-Blue Jeans

These look authentically ‘90s.

If you don’t own a pair of relaxed jeans, try these easy-to-wear versions.
8. A Versatile Scarf

Tie it around your neck for an oversized-choker look, or use it to tie back your hair.

Such gorgeous colours.
9. A White Blouse

You will wear this forever.

A frugal option.
10. Fancy Flat Shoes

Worth the investment.

These are comfortable, too.
11. A Chic Wear-Everywhere Dress

The dress to wear when you’ve got “nothing to wear.”

Puff sleeves are still key for spring.
12. A Posh Carryall Bag

A great classic.

The bag every editor wants.
13. A Smart, Slick Coat

You’ll wear this over and over.

Navy makes for a chic alternative to black.
14. Midsized Heels

These are just high enough to be flattering, but they’re not so high that you’ll start falling over your feet.

The contrast sole feels very chic.
15. A Traditional Trouser Suit

We’ll always reach for a chic suit.

Such a flattering cut.
16. A Plain Crossbody

So versatile.

This bag looks so premium.
17. A Basic Belt

We don’t know where we’d be without our classic cinching belt.

If brown goes better with your palette.
Next up, these are the biggest spring/summer 2022 fashion trends to know.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Opening Image: @eniswardrobe
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