9 OUTERWEAR ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR CAPSULE CLOSET

The coats and jackets every woman should own.

Who could forget Audrey Hepburn standing in the rain in Breakfast at Tiffany’s in her belted trench coat, ready to run into the arms of Paul Varjak? Or Kim Basinger sporting that sultry black and white cape and those crimson lips in the noir classic L.A. Confidential? Or how about when Sandy finally put on that leather jacket for Danny in Grease…

If fashion is fantasy then outwear is the magic that can transform any women from a wicked temptress to an all-American girl in just a matter of moments. And according to Nina Garcia, author of the book The One Hundred (my capsule wardrobe bible!) there are nine weapons of outerwear that belong in every women’s fashion arsenal, and here’s what they are:

A cape.

You don’t need to be a super hero to wear a cape. Au contraire. A cape can give you an air of mystery on a stormy night or make you appear well-bred enough to belong to the British aristocracy. Better yet, a cape can hide a multitude of sins and can be thrown on at a moment’s notice, particularly when the weather does not cooperate with your fashions plans. The only rule is this: Keep the outfit under your magic cape fitted or you might find yourself looking better suited for flight than a day out.

Safari jacket.

The safari jacket first rose to fame in 1968, when Yves Saint Laurent first debuted his Saharienne collection. Since then, it’s made an appearance every summer across the catwalks. After all, what’s not to love about this utilitarian jacket. Not only does it conjure up images of wilful Victorian women exploring Africa, but it can thrown over just about any daytime outfit to give it a little more polish.

Brands to shop:

Michael Kors // Banana Republic

A blazer.

When it comes to crafting capsule wardrobes, this item is the cornerstone of 90% of the collections you’ll see out there. Why? Because, quite simply, it’s one of the versatile pieces you can own. It can be dressed up or down, and it can give you un petite peu of that Parisienne style that every woman wants right now. To ensure it fits “just so” make sure the sleeve of the blazer meets the heel of your hands and bottom of the blazer your hip. It shouldn’t pucker at your shoulders or bunch up when you pull your arms forward. The jacket should move with you.

A peacoat.

Brought into existence by the British and Dutch navy, over 300 hundred years ago, there’s a reason why this coat is still around. Not only is it incredibly warm, but it also adds an element of structure or polish to even the most just-sort-of-thrown-together outfit. When choosing your own, stick to classic colours like black, grey, navy or loden green (they’ll last for more than just one season) and don’t buy a coat that’s too tailored, this is meant to be looser fit.

Brands to shop:

The Army and Navy Surplus Store

Motorcycle jacket.

Another wardrobe staple, a leather jacket can be worn over an sequinned evening dress as easily a pair of baggy jeans. This the perfect addition, when you just want to let loose your inner rebel. It and can take even the saintliest summer dress to siren status in a matter of moments. Just don’t go for the double-breasted or crossover version. Pick one that’s either slightly small or oversized and most importantly – stay away from shiny leather!

Brands to shop:

Inexpensive: H&M // Topshop // Forever 21
Investment: Alexander McQueen // Gucci // Balenciaga

Trench coat.

Hands down, the trench coat is my single, favourite outerwear item. There’s just something so classic but also sensual about a women in a trench coat and high heels. If I had to surrender every other coat I would still cling to my trench for dear life. It really does goes with anything, but it also gives you that film noir, femme fatale, might-be-a-private-detective sort of feel (and come on – who doesn’t want that?!). When tying your trench coat (and tying a trench coat is an art not to be dismissed lightly) I prefer to either knot it loosely at the front or tie it in a bow at the back. But you’ll find your own favourite way and that’s half the magic of owning a trench coat.

Brands to shop:

Inexpensive: Zara // Mango // Gap
Investment: Burberry (of course!) and Stella McCartney

Tuxedo jacket.

Is there anything more alluring than a woman in a tuxedo jacket with nothing underneath? It’s a kind of Chanel-like rebellion against gender-norms and what it means to sexy at a black-tie event, which just inadvertently makes it all the more sexy. Viva la garçonne!

Brands to shop:

Yves Saint Laurent

Denim jacket.

A classic that’s been worn religiously from the 50s right through to the 90s (albeit in very different ways), this “all-American” wardrobe staple is still hanging in closets around the world. When hunting down your own perfect denim jacket, choose one that’s either very dark or very faded and always go for a more tailored fit.

Brands to shop:

Levis // Diesel // Marc by Marc Jacobs

A camel coat.

This coat brings an air of sophistication to just about any outfit. It’s the ultimate “uptown” accessory and a great alternative to a standard, black winter coat. Loose and belted or neatly tailored, either way it works beautifully over jeans and a tee or a slinky black dress for a night out on the town.

Brands to shop:

Max Mara