I'm 54 and Work in Fashion—This Is My 2021 Capsule Wardrobe
We routinely turn to women over 50 for top-notch style inspiration. Age is clearly just a number, and you should wear whatever you love regardless of the year you were born, but it’s this set’s more experienced sartorial POV that’s unique given the style trial and error over the years. So when it comes to building a fresh capsule wardrobe, we thought it could be intriguing to learn what a 50-something woman is gravitating towards. And yep, we again turned to one of our favorite fashion follows, Renia Jaz, to learn more.
The 54-year-old UK-based influencer and fashion consultant’s feed, @venswifestyle, is filled with chic outfit ideas. So naturally, her idea of a 2021 capsule wardrobe just seems so appealing. With that in mind, we asked her to share a list of 17 pieces she plans on going for this year that can mix and match with other items to create solid outfits.
Keep scrolling for a capsule wardrobe idea, complete with eight outfit ideas (although more could certainly be created) and shopping inspiration.
Turtleneck + Sweater-Vest + Jeans + Boots + Bag
Embrace the layered look with a trendy sweater vest over a turtleneck, complete with jeans and of-the-moment accessories.
Blouse + Blazer + Trousers + Heels
You can’t go wrong with sharp tailoring for an elevated silhouette.
Sweater + Skirt + Puffer + Boots
The puffer brings an unexpected element to this pretty sweater and skirt vibe.
Knit Dress + Turtleneck + Trousers + Trench + Flats
Un-button a knit dress or opt for a single button to bring extra dimension on top of a turtleneck and trousers. A trench on top and cute flats completes the look.
Blazer + Turtleneck + Jumpsuit + Heels
Toss a blazer over a jumpsuit for an easy yet sleek ensemble.
Chunky Knit + Puffer + Jeans + Boots
This is such a chic winter look with the chunky knit and puffer.
Knit Dress + Blazer + Bag + Heels
Go for the polished look with a blazer on top of your trusty knit dress.
Blouse + Vest + Skirt + Trench + Flats
You can basically toss a vest over anything—including a blouse—for a current silhouette.
Next, check out comfortable wardrobe staples.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
-
I'm Ready to Embrace a Capsule Wardrobe—29 Madewell Items I'm Starting With
It has nonbasic basics on lock.
By Lauren Adhav
-
It's Only February, But Parisians Have Already Chosen Their 5 Go-To Wardrobe Staples of 2025
Chic on repeat.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Sorry, White Tops—Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber Are Making a Case for This Elegant Alt
It girl approved.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
The Only 38 Classic Fashion Pieces That Matter Now
And forever.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Jasmine Tookes Shares Her Favorite Styling Tricks in Banana Republic's New Campaign
This off-duty style is on point.
By Drew Elovitz
-
So You Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe? Start With These 7 Elegant Foundational Pieces
They don't have to cost the Earth.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Live in Brooklyn and Am Sure This Is the Only Coat Trend New Yorkers Will Wear Until Spring
I see it everywhere I go.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I've Done the Research: Stylish Celebrities Wore These 8 Wardrobe Basics the Most in 2024
They'll be making up my wardrobe this year.
By Nikki Chwatt