We go in search of the most reliable workhorse items of your wardrobe that you’ll be reaching for time and time again
Capsule x The Warehouse
We’ve been harping on about value a lot lately because in a cost of living crisis, every purchase you make needs to be considered – and if you can find one that ticks all your ‘need’ boxes AND comes in at a tasty price point then my dudes, we are WINNING. With that in mind, and in need of a bit of a wardrobe basics overhaul, I toddled off to The Warehouse to check out some of their magic monochrome apparel pieces that would 1), work in with my current wardrobe pieces, 2), have multi-outfit potential and 3), come in at a price that won’t scare off the person who looks through my bank account when deciding whether or not to give me a mortgage.
Here are my perfect picks to give your own wardrobe a bit of a zoush with timeless pieces you can rely on to do the job (and, of course, look super-cute!)
There’s a few reasons why we think this sweatshirt and sweatpants combination is the absolute best – the fit is properly true-to-size; they’re fluffy and warm on the inside; they look chic (try the set paired with the puffer vest below for a true ‘I’m an Aucklander who’s just stepped out for a soy flat white vibe) and the entire thing – yes, pants and top – is $30.
2. The puffer vest you didn’t know you needed
There’s a reason why there’s a song called Four Seasons in One Day and I’m pretty sure it was because Crowded House didn’t have enough layers to cope with a Kiwi winter’s day (technically I think they were describing Melbourne in the song but hey, close enough) – a puffer vest gives you all the warmth you need while allowing you to regulate your temperature when it inevitably gets hot ‘when the sun comes out’. This one is a ridiculous $25 but keeps you super-toasty (tested during a 7am walk this week) and even has the good drop hem that covers your bum (IYKYK) and two front pockets.
3. The do-it-all dress that works with everything
When I saw this dress on the hanger I knew instantly that it was coming home with me because it would be the perfect base for, like 20 different outfits I’ve been wanting to put together. Then, two days later, I spotted my friend wearing the exact same one, and she dutifully informed me that she’d been wearing it non-stop for weeks and was about to go in to buy another. At $14.98, she’ll probably buy two. This dress really is an amazing foundation – in winter it’ll be paired with stockings and boots and a trench coat, and in warmer times on its own with sandals, perhaps with a linen shirt thrown over the top. My pal is a true size 8 and it looks fabulous on her, and me, a size 12, sized up to a 14 because I wanted it a little looser of my tummy and it worked a treat.
4. The dainty fluffy cardigan because you’re trying to be a little bit trendy (but not TOO trendy)
I see you, trendy young people, with your almost ballet-inspired fluffy knits and my God, it’s cute – so as soon as I saw this bad boy I knew I had to give it a go with my very millennial body and vibe. When you’re working in monochrome texture is a huge thing – that’s where a lot of the interest comes from – and this works beautifully with a plain T underneath and a simple pair of jeans. $35 well spent, methinks. (It also comes in black).
5. The big fluffy knit you’ll wrap yourself in when you need a hug
Let’s be honest this is where my REAL comfort zone is because who doesn’t want to wear a jacket that could be a blanket?! From the sports field sidelines to mooching around at home to brunch with the girls, this is my find of jumper. I found one in a creamy brown (ok fine technically not monochrome but it was so cute) but it also comes in black and purple, if you’re looking for a bit of colour.
6. The leggings we just won’t stop going on about (nor will we apologise for doing so)
We caused something of a stir with our leggings story when we dubbed them the perfect pair, and we stand by that call because it’s been months now and these bad boys are on the highest rotation possible in the Capsule team and even though it’s not ‘cool’ to wear them as outerwear anymore (see below for a solution on that one if you so desire) we will never part with them. They’re among the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe and I’m even using them as extra insulation under dresses on chilly Auckland days (don’t roll your eyes at me if you live somewhere that’s actually cold, I know – but we do have, like, three days a year where it’s nippy!).
7. The long-sleeve activewear top that doubles up as everyday wear
I’m not a big ‘tight top for exercise’ gal because honestly I don’t want to get discouraged before I even begin, plus I like the versatility of a long-sleeved top. This one is actually from the men’s section because I didn’t even think to look but I love the fit (it’s a lot longer) and I’m even wearing it under my chunky knits for just another layer of warmth, and in summer it’ll be a perfect sun-smart choice. They have black and green too, so I’ll be going back to stock up on all three at $14.98!
8. The high-neck top that screams *class* but also, *I love a warm neck*
My Capsule colleague Emma Clifton is a particular fan of a high-necked number (specifically when paired with a hoop earring because she reckons it’s both edgy and intellectual) and yeah, she’s so right! This roll neck top is soooooft, man – I couldn’t stop stroking it which is weird enough when you’re at home by yourself – and it’s a true-to-size fit.
I’ll say this at the outset of this point – nothing will prise my leggings out of my millennial hands because you tell me one other garment that sucks your tummy in like a good pair of leggings and I will still be running out to both brunch AND the supermarket in them. BUT when the moment calls for an equally good pair of jeans that you can pair with pretty much any top in your wardrobe, then a well-cut black mid-rise straight pair will always be your best friend. They’ll be your BFF when they’re $28, too.