For the past few months I have been gathering a lot of inspiration from fashion stylist Allison Bornstein. She talks about closet purging and creating a capsule wardrobe. This year one of my resolutions is to make purchases with more intention. Buy more classic, timeless items versus cheap trends to build my capsule wardrobe.

I highly recommend you follow her and read about her styling tips.Allison Bornstein

I also really like this blog by Natalie Borton showing examples of a capsule collection.

And last but not least Fashion Jackson for additonal inspiration.

That being said, below are some of the items I am using to create my capsule wardrobe. If I want to dress anything up, I can wear a piece of my jewelry to make more of an impact. Investing in fun accessories can be more cost effective too and easy to switch up the look with.

Trousers/Dress Pants

A great trouser is a classic staple in any gals wardrobe. Here are some of my picks.

Zara Belted Tapered Trousers $69.90

These are incredible. Nice highter waist and come with the belt. I love them.

 Dynamite Pleated Dress Pants $69.95 CDN

 Aritzia Effortless Pants $168 CDN

I own these in several coulours. They come in a regular length or a cropped version. Great quality and classic. I love them!

 Halara High Waisted Wide Leg Pants $41 CDN

I kept seeing these pants pop up on my IG feeds. The reviews were amazing and I watched a few YouTube reviews. They seem very versatile and comfortable due to the fabric and can be dressed up or worn with sneakers for a more casual look. I will let you know how they work out after I receive them. Update: They are fabulous. Fit really nice and are comfortable.

Tops

I have been wearing turtlenecks, button up shirts and classic tees on repeat. Adding a 'French' inspired Breton style shirt is also great addition to any capsule wardrobe.

H&M Black Turtleneck Sweater $19.99 CDN

A sleek black turtleneck is my #1 basic. A basic turtleneck will never go out of style. You can pair it up with dress pants or jeans for a classic look. Add a bold pair of earrings for a more stylish formal look. I love the ones from H&M and at the $19.99 price point, I own them in every colour.The dark grey and camel are also incredible.

These ones from Zara ($45.90 CDN) are also really beautiful with buttons on the sleeves.  I have a few of these too.

Think Victoria Beckham for turtleneck style inspiration

Aritzia Utility Shirt/Blouse $88 CDN (some are on sale now for $35!!)

This is the best classic button up shirt of all time. The white is my favoutire but I own it in about 4 different colours. Run, don't walk and grab one of these shirts. Quality is amazing and you can never go wrong with this shirt. Pairs well with anything. You can wear it with dress pants, jeans or leggings. Love it with the Aritzia Daria leggings I mention below.

A denim/chambray button up shirt is also a very classic wardrobe staple. I have this one from Zara and it's on sale for $19.99 CDN. Wear it tucked into the black dress pants with a cool statement necklace or loose with the Daria leather leggings I mention further below.

Old Navy Basic Tshirts $15.00 CDN (and additonal 30% off)

I have owned higher end Tshirts and I have to say these cheap ones from Old Navy have been the best for a classic perfect fitting tee. I have the black and white ones. You can't beat the price. Quality is decent too, no different then my $60 tees.

The stripe sweater ( aka The Breton shirt) ! A true French girl classic chic top. You can find some decent ones at Zara and H&M. I have this one.

Zara Striped Knit Sweater $65 CDN

Another affordable win from Old Navy. These soft classic crew neck sweaters come in a variety of colours and they fit amazing! I have 4 of them! Wear them with trousers, sweats or jeans.

Old Navy Women's Soft Crew Neck Sweater $24 CDN

Blazers

Adding a classic black blazer to your capsule is timeless. You can find them in most stores and I have several from Aritzia, Zara and H&M, but this one has been my fave. I love the button details and prefer something that covers the bum so I can wear the leather leggings with it. No one wants to see my bum bum. A camel coloured one is very versatile too.

Zara Tailored Blazer $99 CDN

Leggings

Aritzia Daria Faux Leather Leggings $138 CDN (on sale now for $59.99)

These are a classic vegan leather legging that looks great under the Utility Shirt above or an oversized sweater. You can even wear it under a blazer for a more sophisticated look. They can be worn casually with a Tshirt and sneakers or dressed up. I often pair mine with the black turtleneck and a blazer for a night out. The faux leather is not cheap looking, they are high quality and I love the high waist. For a more casual athletic legging, I swear by the Lululemon Align ($98 CDN) ones.

Boots/Shoes

Mango Black Leather Ankle Boots $129.99 CDN

I will be wearing these non stop this season. A basic black leather ankle boot is an essential in ones wardrobe. This is the pair I have, but you can find similar styles just about anywhere. It works with anything and will never go out of style.

Every woman needs a classic black pair of high heels. These ones from Nine West are my fave. You can find something similar at various price points in most shoe stores.

Nine West Leather Heels $105 CDN

A cheaper version of black classic heels can be found here for $19.99, yes at that Ardene store! And here too.

These stylish black leather loafers are a great Gucci knockoff. I have these ones and they work with everything and are very comfortable.

Steve Madden Carrine Loafers $135 CDN or on Amazon for $94 CDN

Accessories/Jewelry

Aritzia Diamond Mosaic Scarf $68 CDN

This wool scarf is incredible. It's a must have!  You can use it as a shawl on those chilly days. I own it in several colours, the black and grey being my favourite. I pair it with jeans, black turtleneck, ankle boots and this scarf to complete the look.

The best purse find I have found is the Marc Jacob Classic Q Hillier bag ($498 CDN). It's an older style but I have been using mine daily for about 10 years now and it's still in excellent condition. I had bought it at Aritzia back in the day. I love the pebbled leather and gold details on it. You can find them much cheaper and used on Poshmark.ca

I also picked up this great little black quilted fanny/crossbody bag from Amazon for days I don't want to carry a larger purse.

Amazon Crossbody Quilted Fanny Bag $35 CDN

And of course adding some unique statement jewelry elevates any outfit. Below are ones from my own collection. Other Canadian brands I purchase from for rings and necklaces are Jenny Bird, Dean Davidson and Strut.

Jeans

These have been my go-to jeans over the past couple years. Are skinny jeans out? Although wide leg or Mom jeans have made a comeback, I still feel a good pair of black or dark blue skinnies have a place in the wardrobe.

Levi's Straight Ribcage Ankle Jeans $118 CDN

I picked these ones up too from Zara and they are fabulous with a great fit.

Zara High Rise Cropped Jeans $29.99 CDN on sale now

Citizen of Humanity Rocket High Rise Skinny Jeans $298 ( sold out most places, you can find them cheap for about $40 (used) on Poshmark.ca

I also own these more affordable ones from Old Navy for $40 and they are a good alternative.

Coats/Parka

I love a classic wool long coat, this one is my favourite and excellent quality. Will last years and is timeless. The black or camel are beautiful. You can find similar styles for cheaper at Zara or H&M. Pair it up with the Aritzia Diamond Mosaic scarf above!

Aritzia The Constant Wool Coat $405 CDN

For Parka style, the Summit Parka from Aritzia  ($248 CDN) is a great option. It's so cozy for our Canadian winters. I love mine and will never go out of style

What is your take on a capsule collection? What would you include?