Tired of being told the ‘classic wardrobe’ is all beige and navy? This season the capsule wardrobe is brimming with newfound personality.

There are fewer things more timeless or stylish than a good capsule wardrobe. For those unfamiliar with the phrase, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile pieces that can be endlessly mixed and matched together, giving you maximum mileage on your fashion investments. Often these pieces are timeless silhouettes and styles, tied around a simple colour palette: think trench coats, white t-shirts, perfectly tailored trousers, and more.

But here’s the thing, the capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be – in fact, shouldn’t be – pure minimalism. Because let’s face it, strict minimalism can get a little boring. The perfect capsule wardrobe is the one that speaks to you and your personal style sensibility. Our ethos at Chadstone this season is ‘Find Your Light’, embracing a joyful, individual approach to getting dressed. To us, the Capsule Wardrobe 2.0 is the one which places personality over practicality. Don’t want to wear a palette of strict beiges, navys, and whites? Don’t! Invest in a sundress in a joy-making print, an oversized handbag, or a pair of sunglasses that make you smile.

Here, we break down the six new ‘capsule wardrobe’ essentials, with styles that suit everyone, from the pared-back minimalist to the unapologetic maximalist.

A lightweight cardigan is the ultimate in clever shopping. After getting serious traction out of yours during the cooler months, throw it over your shoulders with a simple slip dress and strappy leather sandals for the ultimate spring ensemble. Plus, it’ll come in handy during summer for those unexpectedly cool nights by the ocean. Did someone say ‘cost per wear’?

This ‘90s favourite has made a serious comeback in the last 12 months – but the truth is, the trusted denim skirt never truly went out of style. In summer, a mid-length style looks effortlessly cool with a bikini top and lightweight button down, while the classic mini can be dressed up with a statement blouse and wrap-around high-heeled sandals.

The perfect wear-all-summer dress is a matter of personal taste. Love a bold, unapologetic print? There are plenty of options from your favourite brands, and they all look great with understated accessories like simple black leather sandals and a crossbody bag. Prefer something more minimal? Dress it up with layers of jewellery or a great evening clutch. 

No spring or summer outfit is truly complete without a great pair of shades. This season, we’re leaning towards classic styles with a modern twist. Think: the classic cat-eye in a pop of strawberry pink, tortoiseshell frames in a fresh oval silhouette, or Camilla & Marc’s Y2K-style iteration in classic black.

The ballet flat is a perennial classic for a reason, loved by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Hailey Bieber. This season, we're drawn to an unexpected update on the traditional favourite. Embrace fresh colour palettes, like vibrant white or ruby red, or surprise details like a Mary-Jane style strap, or mesh finish.

When it comes to accessories, we’re abiding by the maxim ‘go big, or go home’ this season. After all, if you’re going to be breezing from A to B with a beach towel, a great book, and a makeup bag in tow, it better look good, right? From straw wicker totes, inspired by Saint Tropez, to chic black shoppers, more is more for SS ‘24.

No capsule wardrobe is complete without a makeup bag filled with hardworking essentials. Here is our curated edit of the best makeup classics, from the perfect nude lipstick shade to the cult-favourite mascara (at a refreshingly accessible price point).