BILLY FARRELL/BFA.COM
I pride myself on how quickly I can get ready. Just between us, I sometimes intentionally wait until the last minute to get ready because I love the adrenaline rush of going from a hot mess to put-together in 30 minutes flat.
Dont tell ANYONE I admitted to that.
If Im ever late for an engagement, which is rare (seriously, I wouldnt lie to you)I just tell my friends Im trying to find parking. The parking sucks in Kansas City so its always a valid excuse. Now, I know what youre thinking and, yes, the 30 minutes I spend getting ready include shower time and makeup. I dont mess around.
I remember when I realized getting dressed quickly was a skill. I was late for a date because I couldnt find my wallet (NOT because I waited too long to get ready), and my Uber driver told me to relax because sometimes women need a little more time to get dressed. Sitting in the backseat of her super spacious SUV, I crossed my legs like Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct and responded, oh no, not me.
It was only until recently that I discovered the secret to my success. Its that even though my closet is overflowing at this point, ( I need to do something about that) I have a keen awareness of my time capsule pieces.
A time capsule piece is an evergreen item thats basically trend proof. No matter what the flavor of the year of season is, a time capsule piece is always relevant and always there for you. Capsule clothes are basically the superfoods of fashion - except much tastier. These hardworking clothing items have your back, front, and sides.
If you dont have time capsule items right now, you should really make it a priority. And, if you do, make sure you always know their whereabouts. You never know when youll need to throw your go-to blazer over a dress for a quick business casual ensemble. Youre important and youre a busy woman. You never know when Oprah will just up and request a sit down meeting with you.
Examining my own closet, my time capsule pieces are typically my midi dresses, midi skirts, jackets, blazers, heels, and accessories that I can rely on for a quick pop of color. These pieces pair well together and are the keys to achieving an effortlessly chic look.
If indecision plagues you, or if your closet needs an overhaul, embrace these key time capsule pieces. Youre too blessed to be stressed over your outfit choices.But, no need to take my word for it. I gathered some cute time capsule outfits courtesy of notably trendy celebs so that you can see just how hard these pieces will work for you.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #1: The Blazer
JAMES GOURLEY/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
Designer Alexa Chung would naturally be a source for some of the most awe-inspiring street style looks. She wore this black velvet blazer to the Emilia Wickstead Fashion Show and its proof that a blazer is a quick way to make any outfit look polished. This is especially true if you include a flower pin for a little extra magic.
MANGO
What to Buy: Velvet Blazer
$100 at time of publication
Buy At Shop.Mango.ComYour go-to blazer neednt be velvet, but its such a decadent material that it easily amplifies any look. Mango carries a similar velvet blazer to Alexas.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #2: The Essential Tee
EVERLANE
What to Buy: The Cotton Crew
$18 at time of publication
Buy At Everlane.comI vote we boycott the phrase basic tee, at least until I use it again. Seriously, a crisp white tee is anything but basic in this era of minimal-chic fashion, its often a core pillar. Keep multiple light weight yet high-quality tees handy for layering with cardigans and jackets. Theyre great ways to finish an outfit while allowing other pieces to make their statement.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #3: The Midi Skirt
GETTY
Behold, the power of the midi skirt. Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted out and about in New York wearing this full-blown time capsule ensemble that featured a pleated midi skirt.
& OTHER STORIES
What to Buy: Bias Cut Satin Midi Skirt
$89 at time of publication
Buy At Stories.comA black flowy midi skirt will never go out of style.Every closet needs a pretty midi skirt. Get bonus glam points if its made of a flowy material. And, this is a topic for another discussion, but monochromatic outfits are the lazy fashion girls secret weapon.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #4: The Black Boot
ASOS
What to Buy: Charisma Leather Smart Riding Boot
$95 at time of publication
Buy At Asos.ComWhether mid-calf or knee height a pair of black leather boots will always be one of the most versatile items in your closet.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #5: The Mom Jean
GETTY IMAGES
I remember when mom jeans were a fashion faux pas and then one day they were just EVERY WHERE. For every significant event in the past, someone looks back and says where were you when XYZ happened. So now I ask you, where were you when mom jeans happened?
Selena Gomez may not recall where she was, but shes totally a mom jeans girl. If youre worried about the longevity of the particular style shes wearing, grab a hemmed pair rather than raw hemmed.
LEVIs
What to Buy: Wedgie Fit Women's Jeans
$98 at time of publication
Buy At Levi.comLevis Wedgie Fit denim jeans are tapered in the waist, shape the butt, and fit through the leg.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #6: Classic Jewelry
MEJURI
What to Buy: Star Signet
$60 at time of publication
Buy At Mejuri.comSilver jewelry was in during the 90s, but its been golds heyday for a good decade and I dont see the momentum stopping. Whether your outfit calls for subtle jewelry or over-the-top stacked pieces, keep some simple rings, bracelets, and necklaces ready for layering.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #7: The White Button Down
NEIL MOCKFORD/ALEX HUCKLE/GETTY
White button down shirts dont get enough respect. Theyre quite uniformly so its easier to understand the hesitation to wear them. That and eating food is awesome, and they dont generally do well near good.
But, this is one piece that has low-key always been a time capsule clothing item. The white button down is making a resurgence and the fashion community is taking notice. If the idea of wearing and caring for a white button down is particularly stressful, let Elizabeth Olsen and her balloon-sleeved tie-detailed button down from Moda Operandi be your inspiration.
ELOQUII
What to Buy: Poet Sleeve Blouse
$80 at time of publication
Buy at Eloquii.comAny white button down shirt style is timeless, just keep a Tide bleach pin handy.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #8: Mule Slides
What to Buy: The Boss Mule
$84 at time of publication
Buy At Everlane.comMule slides are a bit of an acquired taste and I get it. Covered toes and bare heels can feel unnatural. In my experience, though, once someone gives the mule slide a real chance theyre forever hooked. You cant not love the mullet of the shoe world.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #9: Black Trousers
Farrell/BFA/REX/Shutterstock
This time capsule item is pretty straight forward. Your streamlined wardrobe absolutely must have a pair of tailored black trousers on standby. Feel free to play with the style. Cropped, tapered or a flared leg like the pair Laura Herrier wore to the Calvin Klein fall/winter fashion are all equally timeless.
MANGO
What to Buy: Slit Hem Pants
$50 at time of publication
Buy At Shop.Mango.ComThis pair of skinny black trousers from Mango adds a little more personality thanks to their curve-hugging silhouette and bedeviling slits.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #10: The Tote Bag
MANGO
What to Buy: Croc-effect bag
$40 at time of publication
Buy At Shop.Mango.ComA medium sized bag will always be on trend. The same goes for a structured tote. Combine the two traits and you have yourself a time capsule bag.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #11: The Leather Jacket
SPLASH NEWS
Ashley Graham kept it casual when she stepped out in New York wearing an all black edgy outfit. A leather jacket is the ultimate layering piece and it adds a certain cool-girl aesthetic to any ensemble.
MANGO
What to Buy: Black Faux Leather Biker Jacket
$95 at time of publication
Buy At Topshop.comTopshop is a go-to destination for vegan leather. They carry every option from moto to faux fur trimmed.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #12: The Jumpsuit
SAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE
If anyone knows how to work a time capsule wardrobe its Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Time capsule pieces are perfect for streamlining your wardrobe and making quick outfit decisions. But, theyre also a go-to if you spend a good deal of time being on. The Duchess wore this black Everlane jumpsuit with her black Manolo Blahnik pumps - a chic outfit that couldnt have taken more than 10-minutes to put together.
eVERLANE
What to Buy: The Japanese GoWeave Essential Jumpsuit
$120 at time of publication
Buy At Everlane.comEverlane has stolen the heart of Meghan Markle, and shes stolen mine. High-key, and Im not exaggerating (Ill provide photo evidence if enough of you ask), but shes my sisters doppelgnger.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #13: The Cardigan
& OTHER STORIES
What to Buy: Cropped Cardigan
$99 at time of publication
Buy At Stories.comYou always need a cute cardigan for transitional outfits. Ill use science to make my case. Fall/Winter and Winter/Spring transitions are confusing times weather-wise. And, if you dont live on the either coast, those transitions total about half of the year. A cardigan is practical, and thats why it makes our list of time capsule pieces. Not only that, but the fashion industry is obsessed with cardigans right now, and for good reason. A cardigan is a wardrobe staple that works in a plethora of settings and can be styled so many ways. Layer it with one of your lightweight tees, wear it on its own, or go full-blown Katie Holmes, button only one button, and pair it with an essentials bra.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #14: The Pantsuit
BILLY FARRELL/BFA.COM
Your capsule wardrobe is incomplete without a pantsuit, end of story. Emily Ratajkowski arrived at a Tiffany & Co Party in New York wearing this brown pantsuit that she teamed with a tan mockneck turtleneck and red crossbody bag. I cant decide if we love the outfit more with or without the jacket, but thats the beauty of a good pantsuit, the versatility. A key takeaway here is that no matter your pantsuits color, a contrasting crossbody bag can instantly make your look more sporty.
TOPSHOP
What to Buy: Camel Double Breasted Blazer
$95 at time of publication
Camel Suit Pants
$58 at time of publication
Buy At Topshop.comWe found this affordable pantsuit option at Topshop, right now, the blazer and suit pants together are sub $150, which is a steal for a cute pantsuit.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #15: The Bootie
ASOS
What to Buy: Relay Heeled Ankle Boots
$56 at time of publication
Buy At Asos.ComAnkle boots arent going anywhere, this shoe is perfect for whatever inventive outfit you can think of. Seriously, I can think of few if any outfits where you cant make an ankle boot work, and that my friends is why your time capsule wardrobe should have a pair.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #16: The Wool Coat
MARC PIASECKI/GC IMAGES
Singer and model Ciara was out on the town sporting a neutral outfit of a white blouse, distressed denim jeans, white pumps, and a camel wool coat. Wool coats make any outfit look instantly more expensive, and a coat is one of those items that is usually an investment piece.
MANGO
What to Buy: Wide Lapel Coat
$130 at time of publication
Buy At Shop.Mango.ComFinding a mid-tier priced wool coat was no easy feat. Typically, the cost of wool clothing becomes more expensive the higher the wool content.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #17: The Tailored Midi Dress
JO ROBINS/SHUTTERSTOCK
Allow Amal Clooney, the Human Rights Barrister to offer you unlimited her seemingly unlimited business casual style inspiration. She wore this white tailored midi dress, with an optional matching jacket, skin-toned pumps, and a camel tote.
EXPReSS
What to Buy: Houndstooth Belted Sheath Dress
$80 at time of publication
Buy at Express.comNo matter what your everyday style preferences, there will always be an occasion to whip out your reliable tailored midi dress.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #18: White Sneakers
SHOPBOP
What to Buy: Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers
$60 at time of publication
Buy At Shopbop.comI may have made this declaration before, but this time I really mean it. White sneakers are, in fact, the ultimate time capsule wardrobe item.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #19: Skin Tone Pumps
NORDSTROM
What to Buy: Vince Camuto Retsie Pump
$100 at time of publication
Buy At Nordstrom.ComSkin tone pumps work with every single outfit that your amazing mind could dream up. They lengthen the leg and support statement pieces. You cant go wrong.
Time Capsule Wardrobe Piece #20: Sunglasses
SHOPBOP
What to Buy: Dirty Habit Sunglasses
$36 at time of publication
Buy At Shopbop.comThe secret to never losing your sunglasses is to stop buying designer sunglasses. I have nothing against designer sunglasses. Theyre often beautiful, but they want a level of freedom that means always leaving me. Thats right, I didnt lose my shades, they left me.