Finance expert Canna Campbell – who saved $26,000 in 12 months – has revealed the 10 must-have staples every woman should have in a capsule wardrobe.
The mother, from Sydney, teamed up with style blogger Jamie Lee for a YouTube video to share tips on building a timeless collection focused on quality over quantity.
Key pieces included a Breton stripe shirt, black leather jacket, white embroidered blouse and second-hand designer flats, all of which help to get optimum mileage from both your clothing and bank balance.
Financial expert and social media star Canna Campbell (pictured) shared tips on creating the perfect capsule wardrobe for spring
1. THE BRETON STRIPED SHIRT
First up, Jamie displayed a Parisian-inspired Breton stripe shirt from Grana which she said she can wear with almost everything in her wardrobe.
‘This is actually from the men’s section,’ she admitted.
‘It’s so timeless and one of those key wardrobe pieces you’re going to get wear out of time and again.’
Jamie recommended pairing the versatile top with white jeans for a fresh evening look or beige shorts for daytime wear.
Jamie (pictured left) loves a Parisian-inspired Breton stripe shirt for casual daytime wear
2. THE BEIGE TRENCH COAT
Next, Jamie showcased a classic beige trench coat from Marks and Spencer.
Canna Campbell (pictured) teamed up with fashion blogger Jamie Lee to reveal their favourite staples for a spring capsule wardrobe
‘I don’t think you need to spend thousands of dollars on a trench coat.
‘This one from M&S is really good quality! I think it’s about carefully looking at the details and tailoring, so you can spend your money wisely – a trench is a great transitional piece,’ she said.
Canna pointed out that the coat could also be worn as a dress, giving even better value for money.
3. THE SILK MIDI-SKIRT
Third, Jamie revealed her go-to skirt all year round.
‘I love a nice printed midi-skirt, they give you a really sexy silhouette the way they skim over your curves,’ she said.
‘They’re so easy to wear and look great with flats and heels!’
Midi-skirts can be styled with chunky knits for the early spring season, and during warmer months look equally chic paired with a slinky camisole or white t-shirt knotted at the waist.
4. OVER-SIZED CASHMERE CARDIGAN
In terms of outerwear, Jamie said she loves cosy cardigans in easy-to-wear shades like grey or charcoal.
‘This is sort of an all year round piece for me. I can wear lighter layers underneath in the warmer months, but I also it in winter with heavier layers.
‘I love how big and over-sized it is. It gives me a cool Scandinavian vibe!’
Lightweight cropped cardigans are set to surge back onto the scene this summer Down Under, with searches for the classic garment up a massive 112 percent, the 2019 Real Real Luxury Resale Report revealed.
Jamie’s chosen jacket is a grey, cashmere cardigan (pictured) which she layers in different ways according to the season
5. BLACK BLOCK-HEEL SANDALS
For footwear, Jamie recommended investing in a timeless pair of shoes that are as stylish as they are comfortable.
‘I love these classic, black sandals – they go with everything, and they’re also comfortable with the block heel.
‘Perfect to take me into summer,’ she said.
6. DESIGNER FLATS
When it comes to Canna’s capsule collection, she prefers to invest in excellent quality, ‘pre-loved’ clothes.
‘I buy a lot of high-end stuff from Facebook [market], and it means I’ve got money left over for saving or investing,’ she explained.
Her signature shoes are Chanel ballet flats, which she buys second hand, and Valentino Rockstud pumps, which she buys new.
‘They really glam up an outfit. I think they look fantastic when you wear all black – they’re like jewellery for your feet!
‘They’re a great statement piece.’
Canna loves to hunt for ‘pre-loved’ designer pieces, and often buys her signature Chanel ballet pumps second hand. Her other favourite day-to-day shoe are Valentino Rockstud flats (pictured) which she describes as jewellery for the feet
7. NEUTRAL MINI-SKIRT
For her chosen skirt, Canna selected a straight-cut beige mini-skirt gifted to her by a friend.
‘This is a really comfortable, beige linen skirt that goes with anything – white, black, navy blue, grey and pastel, whatever you like,’ Canna said.
‘It literally works with everything, so versatile!
‘It sits really nicely on the hips and it’s so flattering.’
Canna’s go-to skirt was a straight cut beige mini which she said works with every colour from white to pastel blue
8. WHITE EMBROIDERED BLOUSE
Next, Canna discussed her favourite short-sleeved white blouse from Vanessa Bruno.
‘This is a basic, cotton lace top which works with so many items in my wardrobe. I love where it stops on the arm – it’s slimming, pretty and feminine,’ she said.
While significantly more expensive than other items in her capsule collection, Canna said she wears the blouse so often, she feels she has gotten value for her money.
9. FAUX LEATHER JACKET
In terms of outerwear, Canna opted for a cool faux leather jacket from chain retailer Zara.
‘This is so comfortable, so timeless. I bought it about eight years ago and I still get so many comments on it!’ she said.
Canna wears the faux leather jacket with everything from jeans and black tracksuit pants to cocktail dresses.
For outerwear, Canna never passes up her faux leather jacket from Zara (pictured) which she bought eight years ago and is still complimented on
10. DENIM JEANS
Canna’s favourite and arguably most versatile capsule piece were her low-rise blue denim jeans from upscale label Frame, which she called her ‘all-time favourite’ trousers.
‘I live in these. I’ve had them in black, white, light blue and this darker blue colour, and I find this shade is the most versatile,’ she said.
‘I can wear black with it and it looks chic, or put a white shirt with it for a fun, fresher look.
‘They grab me in all the right places and help mask the parts of my body that I’m not so keen on! My all-time favourite jeans.’