Creating a capsule wardrobe full of pieces you’ll wear repeatedly tends to take time and money. But that doesn’t have to be the case. We’ve rounded up all the wardrobe essentials for under $400 that you can shop right away below.
The easy-to-wear dress
If the thought of winter layering puts your head into a spin, it’s about time you invest in an easy-to-wear dress and discover how fuss-free dressing for blustery weather can be. Just add your go-to pair of boots or sneakers, a colourful knit, a handful of accessories, throw on your trusty trench coat, and you’ll be all set.
The bold and bright knit
Cheerful splashes of rainbow-bright colour are too often confined to spring and summer wardrobes. But dopamine dressing should never be restricted to specific seasons; in fact, winter is when we all need a little pop of colour to uplift the mood.
If you’re having trouble shaking your predilection for inky hues of navy, grey and black, vibrant knitwear is the quickest way to work colour into your winter get-up. Whether you opt for sherbet pastel tones or electric shades, nothing promises to put a little spring in your step and banish those winter blues like bold and bright knits will.
The statement jeans
We know we weren’t the only ones celebrating as the fashion world finally bid adieu to skinny-leg jeans. After a good decade or so, the often ill-fitting, terribly uncomfortable, and unforgiving silhouette is well and truly on its way out. We couldn’t be more pleased – and ready – to welcome its successors into our wardrobes with open arms.
While the daring might indulge in the low-rise trend – à la Y2K fashion – this season, there’s an abundance of figure-flattering cuts and shapes to suit all. We know we will opt for super high-waist, wide-leg numbers just made for sashaying from A to B.
Clockwise from top left: Kowtow ‘Sailor’ jeans, $289. Alice McCall ‘Poolside’ pants, $387. Ruby ‘Suzie’ jeans, $239. R.M. Williams ‘Kiama’ trouser, $259.
The trusty blazer
Over the years, the trusty blazer has claimed a prime spot in our wardrobes. And it’s not hard to understand why: a perfectly tailored blazer has the power to transform most outfits. Throw one over top of your favourite easy-to-wear dress, or reinvent your denim in a matter of moments. Whatever look you’re hoping to achieve, sometimes it’s as simple as adding a blazer to your ensemble.
Clockwise from top left: Witchery check single-breasted blazer, $349.90. Liam ‘Curtis’ blazer, $299. St Agni double-breasted blazer, $359 from Sisters & Co. Zara ‘Flowing’ blazer, $179. Ruby ‘Felix’ blazer, $329.
The can't-live-without shirt
As much fun as diving into your wardrobe and spending serious time deciding what outfit to put on can be, it’s equally satisfying to know you’ve got a handful of pieces you can throw on in under a minute. You’ll never regret having a well-cut shirt with a flattering silhouette on hand when you’re unsure what to wear.
The sneakers that combine style and comfort
Much to our delight, long gone are the days when forgetting to slip out of your trainers after a brisk walk to the office was the ultimate fashion sin. Thanks to the plethora of fashion-forward sneakers that fuse style with comfort, it’s now totally acceptable to wear your chosen pair to work, dinner, and everywhere in between.
