Investing in a capsule wardrobe: best clothing brands?

[Lagirl20]

Hi everyone,

I've had enough of wasting money on fast fashion, never having anything decent to wear, panic-buying items of clothing before events/holidays, and having a wardrobe stuffed full of low-quality, mismatched, trend-driven shite.

I've saved up some money, really thought about and analysed what suits me (they joys of lockdown!) and would now love to know what brands you think I should invest in.

will mainly be buying a small amount of jeans, trousers, t-shirts, shirts, cardigans/jumpers, shorts, etc. and some basic but good underwear (which I think I will go to M&S for). Along with brogues, boots, sandals, and a bag (I really want a timeless canvas Longchamp bag).

Brands on my radar are: Boden, the White Company, Jigsaw, Cos, Stalf, Whistles, Office, Russell and Bromley - what do you think and would you recommend any others?

Thanks!

Bookmarking for I've saved up enough to start buying a new capsule wardrobe.

I would also add that I think the main thing that marks out the higher quality brands is consistency. I still believe there are good individual items to be found at the cheaper end of the high street, provided you have the time to rummage and can get to real shops.... Yes I know, pandemic and, even before then many local high streets were turning to shit, and besides who has that kind of time? I used to be a huge H&M fan but in the end I just lost patience. But just putting it out there.

This is going to be one of my next projects, sorting out my wardrobe, where did you begin op ?

Agree with @percheron67 about TK Maxx.

Found some great things there such as lovely cashmere, silk Valentino scarf, Moschino jeans for £15.

I always compare going there with treasure hunting, love TK Maxx

Depending on your style I like Seasalt some of it is very baggy and unflattering, but their more fitted stuff is lovely and really good quality. I also like lucy and yak, but their planner, less mental styles .

*plainer

Any of you using an app for this ?

A lot of brands make things especially for TK Max, so just be aware.

I use the Stylebook app, mainly to keep track of what’s in my wardrobe and not being worn.

Honeybee. Great minds! I found a Moschino bag and a John Galliano silk scarf.

MoltoAgitato. Didn't know about TK having things made...…. Hadn't heard of Stylebook so shall investigate. Thank you.

Jospeh tends to be my go-to, the knitwear is absolutely amazing. It's expensive but they do have good sales. I've also got a fair bit from Maxmara.

@percheron67

Great minds indeed .

Enjoy your finds

Arket
Some of M&S Autograph
My COS clothes last really well.

Thank you, everyone!

@Lardlizard Check out Jessica Rose Williams, she's a minimal lifestyle blogger, she inspired me to create a capsule wardrobe. She has seasonal capsules which I think will work well and a capsule wardrobe guidebook which I've not read but it looks good.

I've just been using old-fashioned pen and paper to track what I wear most, asking my husband what suits me best, and I also pulled my most-worn items out and laid them out on my bed in order of colour, which was SO useful because it was immediately clear that I like to wear a lot of navy/white stripes, powder blue, and neutral colours like light grey and beige, so this is what I'll be basing new purchases on.

ilikeyourhairyhands ah, Joseph! I used to buy their stuff in Liberty when I lived in London. You've tempted me to online bride now.

I wonder if Agnes B is still going? Loved that style.

I always recommend Gant. Everything I've bought has been well made though sizes are only up to a 16/18.

The Anna Edit has done some great capsule wardrobe videos.

Baukjen quality is amazing. My one Breton top from there just lasts and lasts and looks amazing.
Have a look at Equipment and Sezane too

Agree Hobbs, Jigsaw.
JL own ranges are very good.
Don't discount Jaeger etc, quality is very good, bags are lovely and my favourite summer top is from there, and it's not frumpy.

Joules Bretons are amazing quality.

Agnes B are still going Boogle, I used to get loads from there, but haven't for an age, it popped into my head to have a look a few weeks ago, it's a fairly limited selection but the selvedge jeans look good.

Yes, definitely Equipment for shirts, Buffalo, I've got a few of their silk shirts and they hang beautifully.

Have a look at Aeyde for shoes and boots OP, really lovely quality and great styles.

Hawes and Curtis for shirts
Coach for bags and purses
Baukjen, uniqlo, banana republic, jigsaw and Hobbs

The John Lewis brand Kin might be worth looking at. It reminds me a bit of Toast, but not nearly as expensive.

Me to trying to buy less but better, with cashmere I have a m& s one which is around 4 years old, it's just starting to bobble, I only buy them in the sale, the last 3 I bought from there around one to two years ago seem as if the quality isn't as good they're bobbled badly, also I got two from pure, and they both bobbled after a few wears, not sure where to buy from now,

Watching for inspiration