LEIGH'S LIST: 'Can you help me put together a capsule wardrobe?'

Welcome to Leigh's List. A weekly column, a bit like an agony aunt, but for your shopping woes. A self-confessed shopping addict, Leigh Campbell enjoys nothing more than hunting down the *thing* you've been searching for but haven't been able to find.

Casey asked:

Hi Leigh,

Hoping you can help me put together a little capsule wardrobe? I am drawn to statement pieces, but I feel like I don't have the classic pieces to pull it all together. What are the staples I need?

Thanks!

Watch: Mamamia reviews the latex bodysuit. Post continues after video.

Leigh answered:

I could not love this mission more. 

I, too, used to have a wardrobe full of statement items like loud shirts and printed dresses and while I loved them on their own, I had no idea how to get decent wear out for them.

That’s when I started to accumulate some good quality classics, and have since fallen in love with more timeless items that I can keep and wear for years. 

So, let’s find you some of those.

A Blazer

A beautiful black blazer is a no-brainer. I also have a mid-grey and beige on high rotation, too, so the exact colour you go for will come down to the other hues you’re most drawn to and have in your wardrobe. But, you can’t go wrong with black.

A good blazer dresses up a t-shirt and pants, takes a summer dress into autumn, and even looks cool over activewear. I tend to go for a little oversize as it takes it from strictly corporate and makes it a bit more ‘fashion’, which is more versatile with your whole wardrobe. 

Check out:

Seed Heritage Boyfriend Blazer, $199.95.

Image: Myer/Seed Heritage.

Cotton On Curve Oversize Blazer, $89.99.

Image: The Iconic/Cotton On.

Oxford Lola Cuplo Blazer, $349.

Image: Myer/Oxford.

Preview Relaxed Blazer, $70.

Image: Target.

Atmos&Here Bella Blazer, $99.99.

Image: The Iconic/Atmos&Here.

A Trench

A classic trench coat is probably something I'd save in a house fire. I first fell in love with trenches when I was struggling with my new postpartum body, and have worn one in rotation weekly ever since.

Again, they go over absolutely everything - any and all dresses, leggings and jeans, but also look cool paired with a jumper and a miniskirt or denim shorts.

I’d go for a classic tan or beige to begin with, because there’s nothing that will clash colour wise.

Check out:

Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Stormwear Longline Trenchcoat, $165.

Image: Marks & Spencer.

Belle and Bloom Trench Coat, $249.95.

Image: Myer/Belle & Bloom.

Kmart Lightweight Trench Coat, $49.

Image: Kmart.

Atmos&Here Curvey Eleanor Trench, $159.99.

Image: The Iconic/Atmos&Here.

Dissh Foster Stone Trench Coat, $249.99.

Image: Dissh.

White shirts

A good quality white button-up shirt and a classic white tee will change your life. Well, your wardrobe anyway. 

I wear my white button-up shirts over my swimmers in summer and under jumpers and knits with the collar out in winter. They’re one of the hardest working clothing items you can buy.

The same goes for a great white tee. Pop it on with bright pants, leather leggings, jeans and under your slip dresses. They also come in really handy for under any ‘itchy’ winter jumpers. 

Check out:

Miss Shop Organic Shirt, $59.95.

Image: Myer/Miss Shop.

Witchery Modern Cotton Modern Cotton Shirt, $129.95.

Image: Myer/Witchery.

Preview Perfect Cotton Shirt, $40.

Image: Target.

Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-shirt, $19.90.

Image: Uniqlo.

Country Road Cotton Short Sleeve T-shirt, $49.95.

Image: The Iconic/Country Road.

A slip skirt

Speaking of slip dresses, while I find they’re a fantastic staple too, even more so is a classic slip skirt.

Great with trainers, boots, sandals or heels, you can wear any top (from a singlet to a tee or shirt, right through chunky knits) and jacket combo and you’ll always look pulled together. 

Check out:

Tokito Recycled Blend Satin Midi Skirt, $79.95.

Image: Myer/Tokito.

Seed Heritage Satin Slip Midi Skirt, $129.95.

Image: Myer/Seed Heritage.

Chancery Merrie Slip Skirt, $99.95.

Image: The Iconic/Chancery.

Sussan Winter Satin Slip Skirt, $89.95.

Image: Sussan.

Zara Satin Midi Skirt, $75.95.

Image: Zara.

Good Jeans

I saved the best for last. I’d be half naked without my trusty jeans – I have three favourites on rotation.

Again, for the versatility – with a cami and heels for an evening out, with a chic silk shirt when you want to feel professional, and with your classic t-shirt when you’re running around but still want to look pulled-together.

My favourite style is always high waisted – it flatters almost all body shapes and ‘tucks in’ the parts of my body I’m most self-conscious about. Then, it’s just a matter of finding the leg style that suits you. Skinny will always have a place, while baggy is ‘in’ this season. I often revert to a classic straight leg because I find it the most timeless of all the silhouettes.

Check out:

Kmart Mum Jeans, $25.

Image: Kmart.

Levi’s Ribcage Straight Leg Jeans, $159.95.

Image: Myer/Levi's.

Nobody Denim Frankie Ankle Stretch High Rise Jeans, $249.

Image: The Iconic/Nobody.

Levi’s Curve Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, $149.95.

Image: The Iconic/Levi's.

Uniqlo U Rounded Jeans, $59.90.

Image: Uniqlo.

Want more fashion advice? Listen to What Are You Wearing?, the podcast for your wardrobe.

Interested in Leigh doing some personal shopping for you? Let us know in the comments what fashion mission you'd like to send her on.

Feature Image: Instagram @leighacampbell/Seed Heritage/Levi's/Atmos&Here/Mamamia.