How I built a capsule wardrobe inspired by my favourite It Girls

From top to well-dressed toe.

Ever wondered what it is about an internet crush whose outfits consistently read as cool and sleek? Maybe it’s the delivery of their content – it seems to be almost accidental, it’s so candid – or perhaps it’s the seamless coordination of all the pieces in their every outfit. So, what’s the secret sauce? 

While building an effortless wardrobe might seem like an intuitive skill some girls are simply gifted with, it’s often the result of years of exploration and experimenting with personal style. It’s also, often, the result of mirroring others. I’ve no doubt that at some point, these influencers all took stylistic cues from someone else whose style they admire. That is how trends are born, after all.

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It sounds counterintuitive, but using someone’s wardrobe as a sartorial template can be a shortcut to developing your personal style. There’s much less room for error (and regret) as you can simply cherry-pick the styles that feel most like you, instead of working to balance silhouettes, proportions, textures and colours from scratch.  

It can also help you pinpoint the pieces that might be missing from your wardrobe. If you consistently find yourself drawn to Jane Birkin’s style, for example, you might seek out a well-cut white shirt or a perfectly fitting pair of worn-in, vintage jeans. If you’ve crafted a Pinterest board of oversized silhouettes, you’ll know to look for more voluminous pieces. If you spot a pair of sneakers that strike just the right balance of versatility and freshness that you’ve been looking for, like the recently relaunched New Balance RC42, you’ll know it’s the right time to jump and purchase. 

So how do we translate all that inspiration into a functional wardrobe that feels genuinely ‘us’ and doesn’t, like so many capsule wardrobes, resemble a beige wasteland? I spent some time to see if I could crack the formula and build a wardrobe inspired by my favourite It Girls. 

From the ground up

Refining your wardrobe into a capsule selection can feel overwhelming, so it’s best to start small. I began with shoes. The right footwear can orchestrate your capsule into a cohesive whole, so it’s important to find a few pairs that are versatile, comfortable and highly wearable. 

When it comes to my own aesthetic, I’d be lying if I said it’s entirely unique. I’d describe it as bold, yet minimal, and mostly subtle but sharp. I’m influenced by It Girls like Alexa Demie and Gabriette, and I definitely take vision from many of their monochromatic looks. 

Among my own collection of minimalist leather boots, heels and ballet flats, I lean heavily on sneakers to enhance my outfits, given their versatility. I’m always seeking out a pair that is elevated but also feels somewhat striking. Lately, I’ve been sporting a new pair that’s quietly become a key player, New Balance’s RC42 in black and white.

The design was originally introduced by Japanese designer Junya Watanabe, a protégé of Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo. His work is clean yet avant-garde, evident in the RC42’s ability to define any outfit as fresh, without necessarily trying too hard. 

List it out

Fashion’s favourite literary It Girl, Joan Didion, mastered a simple packing list that’s well-known for good reason. It includes two skirts, one sweater, a mohair throw and other pieces she deemed essential for a trip. While assumedly its purpose was to reduce decision fatigue, writing a similar-style list helped me identify what I favour fashion-wise. Inspired by Joan, this became the bones of my capsule wardrobe. 

I imagined I was forced to survive on wearing only two outfits for the rest of time. I asked myself ‘What would I feel best in?’, then worked my way up from there, taking time to observe what items in my wardrobe I’m particularly drawn to.   

I found I definitely feel most comfortable wearing black, so having these well-fitting staples was key for me. While in the past I tried to experiment with vibrant colours, I noticed they didn’t quite gel with my overall style aesthetic, and acknowledging that helped keep my new capsule wardrobe cohesive. This also tied nicely with my admiration of both Alexa Demie and Gabriette’s styles, mostly because they tend to wear a lot of black.

Both Alexa and Gabriette like to play heavily with fabric and texture, so I spent some time doing the same, prioritising looser-fitting silhouettes that feel more like me. 

My favourite looks

Building a capsule wardrobe meant spending some time trying out different outfit combinations, just to make sure all the pieces I’d shortlisted would work well with one another. Versatility, as we know, is key to a functional capsule wardrobe. 

First came an outfit that proved to be one of my favourites and will be on heavy rotation moving forward: a pair of black tailored trousers, with my grey corduroy jacket and the RC42s. I’d wear this almost anywhere that doesn’t call for anything too formal. Here I added some chunky silver jewellery – although my outfits lean on the plainer side, I’ll always try to accessorise with something a little bold. 

Another silhouette I borrowed from my favourite It Girls was the combination of a maxi A-line skirt with a sweater, and a leather blazer or some sort of collared jacket. My RC42s paired really well with this ’fit, making it slightly more casual but still refined. All the garments in this outfit are interchangeable with most of my capsule closet, so I know it will be super easy to play around over time.

Another outfit saw me pair an oversized plain black tee, my Helmut Lang scarf, a layered black skirt and my RC42s. I accessorised here with some chunky silver bracelets, a ring and this vintage Oroton bag I thrifted. I definitely could (and will) dress this one up from time to time, but I think it’s cool to mix dressier elements with more casual pieces.

What surprised me most was how much I was drawn to the New Balance RC42 over any other shoe. Where I thought my capsule outfits might call more frequently upon my boots and flats, more often than not I found myself reaching for the sneakers. It’s a testament to their versatility, wearability and design, each time elevating my outfit to It Girl status. At least I think so. 

Shop New Balance’s RC42 collection here.