By now, if you know me, you’re familiar with my small extreme addiction to shopping. If I’m being honest, it has always been the one thing in my life I’m positive I’m good at. But in our world of shoppable social media, a continuous stream of ads, and retail stores for days, even I get a little overwhelmed by the options.
Enter my husband and style crush Ryan, who keeps a list of five brands that he loves and shops exclusively. It takes all the guesswork out of where to start when he needs something new. And it means that typically, more things go together. (We have two tiny closets; focus is everything!) We’re into quality over quantity and wear our favorite pieces repeatedly during a season. Exhibit A, B, C, D.
To help my friends who feel clueless when it comes to a “capsule” style aesthetic, I’ve done it for you! I’m sharing five brands that work for four distinct styles. And I left out the obvious choices of J.Crew and Anthropologie, because it’s nice outside of the obvious choices, pinky swear. I even curated Pinterest boards with a style icon for each vibe to help you stay inspired as you build out a thoughtful wardrobe, click on those to shop items that fit within each aesthetic. Use my picks to inspire your own “Top Five” list and challenge yourself to go to those brands first when you need something new.
THE FRENCH CAPSULE
Style Icon: Camille Rowe – Effortless sexiness in a killer pair of jeans
Brands To Start With: APC, ALC, L’Agence, Levi’s, COS
For the girl who loves J.Crew, but really wants to branch out. Keep it simple and no fuss. Look for high-waist, vintage denim, stripes, stripes, stripes, sexy silks, and a tailored jacket or blazer. Shoes are loafers, pointy-toed heels, or plain sneakers. Bonjour, chicness!
THE FEMME CAPSULE
Style Icon: Taylor Swift – America’s sweetheart with an unabashed love of all things girly
Brands To Start With: Club Monaco, Ganni, & Other Stories, Aritzia, Banana Republic
I basically built this for my friend Jenna, using Taylor Swift as inspiration. Need I say more? No, but I will. You love frills, florals, and Anthropologie. The wild card here was Banana Republic, who has been turning out some exceptional pieces lately. Look for pleats, ruffles, and prints that make you sigh with happiness.
THE STREET CAPSULE
Style Icon: Any Editor at Vogue 😉 – No-one does it like a Vogue girl with a love of crazy layers and anything different
Brands To Start With: Adidas Originals, Acne Studios, Rag & Bone, Zara, Opening Ceremony
This is for the girl who longs to get her photo snapped coming out of a fashion show. Pair sporty pants with structured button downs. Go for oversized pieces and t-shirts that make you say “Is this cool or ugly?” Honestly, it may be both. Stan Smiths are the go-to shoe, and a street style star’s best friend!
THE PATTERN CAPSULE
Style Icon: Miroslava Duma – This former editor of Vogue Russia slays all day in checks, stripes, and cheetah—sometimes all at once
Brands To Start With: Sandro, Kurt & Lyle, Être Cécile, Equipment, MINKPINK
For my ladies who love Lilly P, but maybe want to elevate a little. You’ve never met a colorful dress you didn’t like and the thought of #allblackeverything makes you very sad inside. Look for high-impact tops and pair them with a “neutral” print bottom like small polka-dots, hounds tooth, or stripes. Don’t sleep on Kurt & Lyle, a Brooklyn-based brand with killer outerwear.
Can’t narrow down to five brands? That’s fine! But take note of the pieces in your closet that you feel amazing in (yoga pants don’t count, y’all) and shop those brands first when you want something new. Tip #2 – make a list on your phone of what you actually need so you don’t come home from the mall with 7 items that look like that top you already have in your closet. Smarter shopping = less days where you say, “I have nothing to wear.” I promise.
Happy Shopping!
xx – hh
