I accidentally made a capsule wardrobe
Blame it on the carry-on. My unintended need for efficiency led me to this edit.
Fashion has always been one of my first loves, and if there’s an adjacent skill I’ve mastered, it’s the art of the hunt. Even when I’m not buying, I’m constantly curating—scouring resale sites (The RealReal is one of my most used apps at this point), seeking out hidden gems in person, or strategically waiting for a wish-listed piece to go on sale. Personal style isn’t just about what you wear; it’s a reflection of identity, evolution, and the quiet storytelling of self-expression.
That said, it’s easy to fall into the trap of over-consuming, so over the years, I’ve created my own checks and balances to make sure I’m bringing things into my wardrobe with intention. My golden rules:
Give it time. If I’m still thinking about an item weeks (or years) later, that’s a good sign. My 2016 Balenciaga denim jacket? A decade-long love affair. For everything else, I keep a running list in my project management tool, Asana, and let myself sit with it before hitting buy.
Does it align with my three words? After a big closet edit last year (plus styling sessions with Alison Bornstein—more on that and a deep dive on my three words soon), I honed in on my personal style: whimsical, classic(al), minimal. If it doesn’t fit within that framework, it’s a no for now.
But no matter how much I edit or refine my wardrobe, there’s always a core group of pieces I reach for again and again. As someone who spends nearly 50% of my time traveling, I’ve come to really see what my wardrobe MVPs are—the things that make it into my suitcase every single time I travel for work and I also wear on repeat at home.
Let’s get into it.
Black Silk Pants: I thought silk pants would be an occasional wear, but now they’re a weekly staple. This Attersee pair is a heavier weight silk and comes with pockets (we love), while the LESET version is lighter and pocket-free— both equally versatile. The black silk pant has become a foundation piece, effortlessly balancing comfort and elegance for any occasion (I’ve worn them to a formal events, a movie, and even the LESET pair to a sunrise DJ Set…). They can do it all. Shoutout to Allie on my team in Miami for insisting I get them—she was right.
(left) Leset Barb Pant, (right) Attersee’s Relaxed Silk Pant Tailored Trousers: I started my trouser journey a few years ago with Aritzia’s Effortless Pant and Djerf Avenue’s Favorite Pant, but once I knew trousers were a wardrobe staple, I upgraded to the Attersee Tailored Trousers—and they more than deliver. Especially for those with curves, their fit is unmatched. While I own pleated styles from Toteme and Khaite, nothing flatters or feels as effortless as Attersee, so I’ve collected multiple colors over time. They’re the definition of a worthwhile investment.
White Shirts / Tees: After years of trying different styles, these are the tees I return to (and reorder): LESET for a casual, streamlined fit, Uniqlo for structure, Eterne for an effortless drape, and Reformation for a versatile staple that, as more of knit top, is adjacent to the tee category but get just as much wear.
(left to right) Leset Kelly Crop, Leset Kelly Long Fit Tee, Uniqlo Mini Shot Sleeve T-Shirt, Eterne Short Sleeve Baby Tee, Reformation Dusk Knit Top. Denim Jackets: The best denim jackets should feel like a second skin. While I have a few vintage favorites, the standout is my 2016 Balenciaga swing jacket, which I tracked down in both black and classic denim on The RealReal. If I were searching for a new one today, these RE/DONE, AGOLDE, and Khaite would be on my list.
(left to right) Balenciaga, RE/DONE, Agolde, and Khaite Cashmere Sweaters: Life is just a little more fabulous when you have a cashmere sweater within reach — whether draped over your shoulders, tucked into a bag, or layered when the season calls for it. This black Banana Republic oversized sweater was gifted at a chilly Art Basel event and has hilariously been in the rotation ever since. I’ve also sourced incredible secondhand Kirkland cashmere (yes, as in Costo Kirkland— they made really great sweaters in the 2010s), and for consistently well-made staples in a range of styles, Jenni Kayne remains a go-to (currently wearing this as I type to you, Dear Reader).
(left to right) Banana Republic, my favorite Kirkland Cashmere Polo, Jenni Kayne Bags: The Celine Mini 16 has unexpectedly become my most-worn bag—elegantly understated yet highly functional. Its structured top handle, crossbody versatility, spacious interior, and satinated-finish calfskin make it both practical and durable. Another enduring favorite? My Hermès Picotin, a RealReal Soho find in 2018.
Shoes: Since investing in my first pair a few years ago, Chanel flats have been in constant rotation—timeless, versatile, and suited for any occasion. When I’m not in a ballet flat, the Emme Parsons Susan Slide is IT. It’s the most flattering and comfortable sandal I’ve ever worn. When I was working with Allison on styling, this was the sandal we kept coming back to to give balance to my looks.
Blazers — The magic of a blazer is that it can make any casual look a little more dressed up, instantly. I love it a slightly oversized so it easily hangs over the shoulders in a meeting— bonus if you style it with your hair tucked in, a la Phoebe. I’ve been mixing up these two from Toteme— a straight style, and a collarless style with a button at the top, and I still reach for a double-breasted Theory blazer I bought as a college freshman—proof that a well-cut blazer is timeless. This, this, this blazer look like interesting options too.
(left) Toteme straight, slightly oversized blazer (right) a Toteme collarless a fitted style Jewelry: Jade Trau is one of my all-time favorite jewelry designers—she created my engagement and wedding rings, along with this diamond necklace I rarely take off. Her designs strike the perfect balance between vintage and contemporary, refined yet effortless. You wear them, not the other way around. Whether styled with a vintage tee or an evening gown, they just work. For everyday earrings, I reach for Kimai, and my go-to statement piece is a sculptural comb necklace by Abel Objects—Kelsey, the founder, crafts stunning, wearable art.
When I reflect on this list, my biggest takeaway is that none of these items sparked a major dopamine hit when I welcomed them into my closet (unlike these heels or this bag I hunted down for years— what a high). This list is filled with things that reveal themselves to be reliable, trip after trip, dinner after dinner, day after day. They don’t scream, but they show up, and when your days are filled with a lot of decisions and variety, sometimes a reliable closet gives you a subtle confidence that you need to move through the world that day. I love fashion, and I may love whimsy even more, but some days, I think that Steve Jobs may have been on to something when it came to style.
Take care, and take your time, always,
Dianna
And now… Three Things I Love and A Haircare Tip:
The Guide to Becoming Alive — My sister always gifts me the most beautiful books, and this one was an instant favorite. I read every word, soaked in every image, and fell deeper into the magic of Flamingo Estate. Having visited the property year and a half ago, it was fascinating to see its evolution from discovery to what it is today—I can’t wait to return this year.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones For someone who travels often, you’d think I’d have my headphone game dialed—but I’ve been using the same random, gifted pair for the past decade. It was time for an upgrade, and these deliver on both noise cancellation and comfort at the highest level.
The Towel, in Black— She launched yesterday, and she’s already a favorite. For anyone who dyes their hair or deals with makeup stains on their towels—she’s made for you, and she’s selling fast.
A Haircare Tip: The Basics of Growing Out Your Hair
Growing out your hair takes patience, but small, mindful habits make all the difference. Start with scalp massages—a few minutes daily stimulates circulation and encourages growth. Use a microfiber towel to reduce breakage, and swap tight hairstyles for looser alternatives to prevent tension.
Hydration is key for growth overtime, so nourish your strands with a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner and prioritize a diet rich in protein and healthy fats (this is KEY). Most importantly, trim strategically—regular dusting prevents split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, helping you retain length over time. Growth takes time, but with care, your hair will thrive.
brilliant article, always here for your tips! xx leset tees are truly the best :)
Love this and resonate with so many points here! The Leset Barb pants have truly been one of my hard-working wardrobe staples!