From the ground up: How to build a capsule wardrobe that screams personal style
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DR. MARTENS
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I truly believe the key to having good staple pieces in your wardrobe is the ability to dress them up and down with a few key accessories.”
As a maximalist, whittling your wardrobe pieces down to the essentials might seem like an impossible feat. A quick Google would have you believe that building a capsule wardrobe (a limited edit of versatile pieces you can mix and match together) is only possible if you favour the quintessential classics – a white T-shirt, a khaki trench coat, and a pair of tailored black pants. So what happens when your ‘staple’ pieces look more like statements?
For Melbourne-based stylist and self-proclaimed maximalist Maddie Assi, it was a process of trial and error. “I’ve put a lot of effort over the past few years in investing in staple pieces that balance versatility with a little joie de vivre,” she explains. Her capsule wardrobe is less refined neutrals, more bold colours and playful texture – but the concept of foundational classics remains the same.
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“I’m a sucker for a great pair of chunky leather shoes,” Maddie says, listing her Dr. Martens as a long-standing essential. “I’ve learnt that what’s important to me is how the clothes I wear make me feel… that my staples are super comfortable, made from high-quality materials and fit me well,” she tells me. “Once you’ve established what’s important to you, you can start to have fun with it!”
A stylist’s wardrobe staples
In Maddie’s capsule wardrobe, keeping it interesting means playing with proportions, silhouettes and textures. “I have these vintage Roberto Cavalli jeans that never fail me… they’ve got the most perfect loose fit and sit just on my waist,” Maddie says. “I can wear them with a cotton tank and sneakers during the day or dress them up with a pair of Dr. Martens Mattison Sandals and a leather jacket for a night out.
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“Another staple is a pair of black capri pants that seem to work no matter what the occasion is! They look great with any basic top, shirt or big jacket. I also have this really good vintage leather jacket that I swear goes with everything,” she explains.
For Maddie, accessories and shoes are arguably the most important part of a well-rounded closet. “I truly believe the key to having good staple pieces in your wardrobe is the ability to dress them up and down with a few key accessories like… a big statement bag and a great pair of sunglasses,” she says. “Any of the Dr. Martens boots styled with a little vintage dress and some big sunglasses would be my go-to look for a day out with my friends.”
How to avoid wardrobe fatigue
The most important element of a capsule wardrobe? Longevity. It’s all about minimising your spending and maximising what you already have without getting bored. “For some people, this could be through playing with colours and prints,” Maddie says.
“I love to clash textures throughout an outfit and keep it interesting by mixing soft and hard elements together… like leather, denim, something tactile like fur or cosy knits, lace, sheer fabrics and something metallic or shiny.
“Experimenting with shapes and dimensions is also a chic way to utilise your everyday essentials,” Maddie continues. “Think oversized pants with tight tops, mini skirts with oversized knits or a really big billowing trench coat with a chunky shoe like the Dr. Martens Buzz.”
The art of outfit repeating
“I know it’s historically a fashion faux pas, but I’m a big believer in outfit repeating – or at least repeating pieces in your collection that evoke a sense of confidence,” Maddie says. Her biggest tip would be to shop with your whole wardrobe in mind, instead of looking for individual pieces. “For example, when I’m shopping for something new to add to my wardrobe, I’m always thinking about how it would work back with my tried-and-true staple pieces. This keeps your staples relevant and means you’ll keep reaching for them to wear in new ways.”
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“Another simple way to inject a sense of newness to your essential outfits is to incorporate fun coloured or textured accessories. This could be a studded bag, an oversized belt, a shiny bangle stack or a fluffy hat,” Maddie tells me. “Experimenting with accessories can completely transform your staple pieces into new exciting outfits!”
“I [also] think the Dr. Martens Loafers and Mary-Jane Elphie Shoes are so versatile. I would style them with loose tailored pants, soft knits and a big bag… or if you wanted to show a little skin you could do a stocking sock and a pair of micro shorts with a statement jacket.”
Explore styles for your own maximalist wardrobe here.
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