Beyond the Capsule Wardrobe: What to Shop When Already You Have the Basics

I understand the need for a capsule wardrobe—I, too, have invested in timeless pieces that serve as reliable basics. They come in handy when I’m looking for something to layer with trickier pieces like a suede blazer or sheer skirt. But after meticulously building the perfect capsule wardrobe, I recently stood in front of my closet dumbfounded: I had nothing to wear. Nothing that revealed anything about my personality, at least.

I once firmly believed having the perfect capsule wardrobe meant I’d never struggle getting dressed in the morning again, and yet I found I still rummaged through my hangers and drawers, unable to piece together a single outfit that excited me. I realized it was time to pump some personality back into my wardrobe.

I don’t want to say that the capsule wardrobe took the fun out of getting dressed, but I do fear the popularity of curating our closets has made everyone look more or less the same. Fashion is supposed to be expressive and singular. If a beige trench coat doesn’t excite you, then go ahead and get the croc-embossed leather coat. If everyone is saying straight-leg jeans are great, it shouldn’t dissuade you from getting the bell-bottom jeans that feel more you.

“When it comes to finding your personal style, it’s important to follow your intuition,” says Tchesmeni Leonard, Glamour’s global fashion director. “If you see something you like and want to wear it, go for it! Trust yourself and your sense of style, and don’t worry about what the latest trend is, what other people are wearing, or what people will think of you. Confidence is key.”

So today I want to talk about everything but the capsule wardrobe. This is for the people who already own the loafers and the white T-shirts and are looking to upgrade their personal style. Here are the pieces to buy once you feel comfortable with your staples and are looking to breathe fresh life into your looks.

Personality pants

The brand to know and love right now is Chan Luu. Recommended by both taste-maker Sasha Mei and our own Leonard, these Techno Taffeta Barrel Pants are what all the fashion insiders are raving about. Unique in color, fit, and texture, yet neutral enough to seamlessly integrate into your wardrobe, they’re the pants to own if you’re style-curious and risk-averse at the same time. But if these don’t speak to you, there are other ways to incorporate personality pants into your wardrobe. Venture into unknown territory by diving head-first into bold prints, or try new silhouettes in familiar colors instead—they’ll both go with your perfect white tee. The same rules apply to skirts.

Big, bold blouses

If a white button-down is what you grab when you want to blend in, then consider the following bold blouses as items to wear when you want to stand out. Notice how plenty of them lean minimalist—you don’t have to go crazy with prints and patterns just to end up with items you don’t know how to style. Mei recommends thinking about wearability while shopping. When admiring a stand-out piece, consider, “What already exists in my closet that I can match this with? Is it adding anything special to those pieces?” A scarf top works with jeans, a poet blouse tucks into a pencil skirt, and both deliver a greater wow factor than a simple button-down.

Shoes for strutting

Beautiful shoes will take you to beautiful places, so invest wisely. There will always be a time and a place for white sneakers, but it’s the two-toned satin wedges or Bambi-print mules that’ll leave an impression. You don’t necessarily need to opt for heels, either. Mei recommends the Reformation Inez flat mule as an easy (and comfortable) way to add a little color to your ensemble. “I look for interesting textures because they make a piece distinct and can elevate simple trousers and tops,” she says. If the piece feels a little bit louder, she also recommends toning down the rest of your outfit for an everyday appeal.

Beyond a boring basic

We love our reliable basics, yes, but what if we gave them a little extra flair? Leonard recommends the Tory Burch tank top, which has all the qualities of a great tank but with a removable floral pin. It’s been an editor favorite since it came out and styles beautifully underneath a sharp blazer with blue jeans. We’ve also seen a rise in interest in Issey Miyake’s pleated tanks, whose mock neck and sleeveless silhouette make it easy to integrate into any closet. The key to finding a nonboring basic is to search for your favorite styles, like a simple T-shirt, but with a fun detail like the waist tie.

Accessories that excite

More often than not, the accessory makes or breaks the outfit. This is your chance to really show off your creative style, so don’t shy away from investing in accessories that excite. Mei points to the Valesque velvet tote as an example. It’s unique, minimal, and practical all at once, thereby earning her stamp of approval. The Eliou Trout Comb necklace is a quirky yet elegant conversation starter, as is the Henna brooch from By Malene Birger, both recommended by Tschesmeni. These are low-risk pieces to ease your way into a more expressive wardrobe.