Quality Closet Essentials That Build My Trademark Capsules — Not Shopper’s Remorse
A high–low mix of brands builds my trademark Capsule Wardrobes.
Quality closet essentials are part of that mix, and when I find pieces that feel this good at this price point, they make the cut.
The right essentials mix, layer, repeat, and scale. They anchor designer pieces, support affordable ones, and quietly do the heavy lifting.
This post is an overview of my favorite pieces from Quince. Some live inside my trademark capsules. Some are viral and recently restocked. Several are designer-inspired.
Organic cotton. Linen. Grade A cashmere. Italian leather. Fabrics I’ve handled for decades in Nordstrom dressing rooms, just without the name-brand markup.
Although a few pieces were gifted, this post isn’t sponsored. I buy, test, and return constantly. These are the pieces that I’m actually wearing and building my trademark capsule wardrobes around.
Now that everyone knows Quince is the best, pieces sell out quicker than before. This video is an unboxing of my most recent haul and the pieces you’ll see me styling over and over.
Capsule Architects
These are some of the pieces I reach for the most when I’m building outfits, packing for travel, or shaping a capsule. Some are quiet essentials. Some are viral standouts. All of them integrate seamlessly into a high–low wardrobe. If it can’t build at least two outfits, it’s out.
$50 Jeans
Better Than Basic
Viral Pick Restocked Recently
You’ve requested the link to this Veronica Beard look for less more than 50,0000 times, and it keeps selling out. It’s in stock again here.
I found the $175 Veronica Beard version of this gray fleece hood o for $30. All the Quince collars I found are interchangeable with any of the Veronica Beard blazers too!
This unstructured blazer makes an amazing suit with any of the matching European separates, but best of all, this relaxed silhouette adds style to a casual outfit; that’s why I have it in two colors.
These are my favorite black pants. The ultra-high waist, thick, stretchy fabric, and forgiving silhouette are so flattering. Finally, all of the crop tops I’ve been wanting to wear have met their match. Literally!
These slim black pants are a classic wardrobe essential. These pants are part of 49 outfits in my Carry-on Capsule Wardrobe and are identical to this $295 style from Vince, but are under $50. I recently used them to recreate a Chloe runway look I’m loving.
These are my favorite sweatpants. The look and feel so luxe. This winter, I’ve been wearing them as part of my casual capsule wardrobe, paired with the matching quarter-zip pullover.
I love an oversized borrowed-from-the-boys leather jacket. Every cool girl is wearing one. This one works over sweaters or a basic tee.
I donated three sweatshirts because I’m wearing this oversized cozy cashmere sweater instead. #carpoolcouture
A slip skirt is one of 14 ageless closet essentials on my New Wardrobe Checklist and a repeat hero piece in some of my most popular capsule wardrobes.
If I were to add one more item to my New Wardrobe Checklist, it would be a black leather motorcycle jacket. I’ve been wearing mine with lace-trim camisole tops and long jeans. This one looks just like the All Saint’s Balfren, but it’s under $100!
This cashmere tee is the smartest staple I own. I grab her anytime I want a softer color alternative to a bright white tee. She’s also a great substitute for a classic button-up, but without all the ironing.
Everyone should have this cardigan in their closet. Its the most versatile soft layering piece on the planet.
Why own one beautiful cashmere pullover when you can have 4 for the same price!? I have this sweater in ivory, teak, grey, and faded denim. I wear them all regularly, but right now I love the faded denim color with my baby blue jeans.
This designer-inspired structured cardigan is so cool. It’s conservative enough to wear to work, but I love wearing mine barely buttoned, with a lace bra under it, and styled like a top.
I included a trench coat in the checklist for my European Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Fall. This one is lightweight and the perfect length for dresses or jeans. I took this warmer style with me to Paris during shoulder season last year and wore it every day!
Two dresses you will find in my rotation every summer are a little black dress and a little white one. This 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Dress with sleeves looks good on everyone and has almost 4,0000 five star reviews. I lived in this LBD smocked maxi dress last summer when I broke my pelvis, and brought it with me for two weeks in Italy this year. It is so comfortable and works without a bra if you’re not busty.
Neutral Prints
In The Bag
I wish all my handbags were designer brands, but surprisingly some of my most used are not. They just look like it. Here are my five favorite quality genuine leather bags from Quince I wear the most.
Quince Cashmere Sweaters
After reading this, the only excuse for an ugly sweater is a themed Christmas party.
These are my five favorite cashmere sweaters from Quince — and yes, you can shop them side by side with their much more expensive name-brand counterparts.
My Favorite Cardigan Sweater
Here are 11 ways to style my favorite cardigan.
All of these cashmere sweaters brought their A game. Made from responsibly sourced and produced Grade A cashmere that isn’t itchy.
Spring 2026 Quince Haul
New Wardrobe Checklist
This Instagram post last year got a lot of attention. I shared a Quince edit of my New Wardrobe Checklist. Some of the styles are sold out, but you can shop for what isn’t HERE alongside the original checklist.
Quince’s wrinkle-free cotton gauze dress and skirt, along with my favorite red cashmere cardigan, were the heroes in my European Summer Carryon Capsule Wardrobe that made over 100 outfits with just 13 pieces.