Woman in a brown wool coat wearing sunglasses, styled over a turtleneck.

Women’s Timeless Capsule Wardrobe: The Key Pieces

Fashion trends may come and go but style remains eternal. Build a timeless capsule wardrobe with staples that transcend fads, encourage sustainability, and are undeniably cost effective. Here, at Ralph Lauren, we know a thing or two about classic dressing. Below, we’ll show you how to assemble a swathe of versatile looks with a curated collection of key pieces while taking textures, colours, and cuts into consideration. A women's capsule wardrobe is yours to be had. It's the smartest sartorial investment you’ll make this year.

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Core Capsule Clothing

For over half a century, Ralph Lauren has proven to be a designer who favors flattering cuts and tasteful shades over avant-garde aesthetics. His eponymous brand has won fans the world over with its sophisticated apparel that melds American collegiate swag and moneyed equestrian tailoring with Scottish heritage flourishes—think polo shirts, essential knitwear, tartan trousers, and naval blazers. Now it’s time for you to build a wardrobe of capsule clothing that can be mixed and matched across the seasons. Ralph’s luxurious essentials are so versatile that they can easily transition between day and night and from casual to formal occasions.

Women seated in a black blazer and tie with leather trousers and black ballet flats.

Essential Wardrobe Pieces

Tailoring

Since 1971, Ralph Lauren has been leading the style pack with women’s suits and blazers that flatter the figure with their powerful yet feminine cuts and exquisite high-end fabrics. Harnessing manufacturing techniques first used for menswear, these sartorial essentials will easily whisk you from the boardroom to the banquet hall with minimal fuss.

To begin building your timeless capsule, opt for a suit blazer made from soft-to-the-touch wool, casual chambray, or easy-breezy linen. Team with a pair of matching trousers, or a sassy skirt, depending on the occasion.

Woman in blue suit and bow accessory, holding big tan bag.
Woman in tan blazer with striped shirt and dark trousers, holding olive bag with sunglasses and silk scarf.
Women in a linen white suit and turtleneck and sunglasses, holding a bag.
Women seated in a navy suit and pink dress shirt with navy tie.
Women standing in brown tweed blazer, collared shirt with tie and an oversized brown trench coat.
Women standing brown suit with blue collared shirt, holding a burgundy leather bag.
Women seated wearing a black buttoned long sleeve, white collared shirt and white trousers.

Classic Outerwear

By the late 70’s, Ralph Lauren had expanded his womenswear offerings to include classic trench coats, plush cashmere wraps, and other outerwear must-haves that surpassed flash in the pan trends “the way fine clothes have and always will.” This season, add to your timeless capsule with denim trucker jackets, butter-soft biker jackets, and woolen coats that skim the shins.

To add an eye-popping pattern to your wardrobe, select a bold tartan jacket (inspired by the mighty clans of the Scottish Highlands), or invest in a long animal print wrap coat complete with statement waist tie. RL outwear can be layered over all kinds of garments, whatever the weather, including our popular polo shirts and feminine dresses.

Woman in oversized beige coat and blue jeans, standing with sunglasses.
Woman wearing a distressed brown leather jacket over a blue shirt.

Essential Knitwear

From turtleneck sweaters and French terry cardigans to chunky cable-knit jumpers, Ralph Lauren’s essential knitwear collection teems with elevated basics that can be dressed up or down, in line with the changing seasons. In the warmer weather, elevate a pair of jeans with a flouncy tie-front cardigan and strappy stilettos, or slip a cosy dual-zip sweater over a fleece-lined hoodie when the cooler months creep in. Ralph’s roll neck jumpers are a versatile wardrobe must-buy thanks to their old-school intellectual vibe and tasteful earthen colour palette—think Camel Melange, Battalion Grey Heather, and fiery Autumn Red.
Woman seated in a cream cable-knit sweater and white trousers.
Woman wearing navy knitwear and white turtleneck, holding a black bag.

Foundational Pieces

When putting together a timeless capsule, begin with shirts and trousers. These adaptable staples offer a simple and neutral base from which entire outfits can be built. For a shirt that can go from the workplace to the weekend, shop Ralph’s Slim Fit collection. A crisp white classic goes with just about anything, whether that’s a smart office suit or an edgy leather biker jacket. Alternatively, an all-American denim blouse can be vamped up with glamorous jewellery like an exaggerated chain buckle necklace or jewel-encrusted chandelier earrings. Throw a fringed Western jacket over the top and you’ll look like a 21st century cowgirl in no time!

As for bottoms, peruse Ralph’s vast array of Polo jeans (slim or relaxed) and trousers that span tapered, straight leg, and wide cuts in fabrics like linen, satin, and cotton. Team with heels, loafers, or leather riding boots. The style options are endless.

Elevated Basics

Even RL polo shirts and tees can be styled in such a way that they transcend their “casual” fashion tag. Marry with a floor-sweeping satin slip dress or a tiered frilly boho skirt. Rules were made to be broken.
Woman wearing light blue sweater with a blue satin maxi skirt.

Elevated Basics

Even RL polo shirts and tees can be styled in such a way that they transcend their “casual” fashion tag. Marry with a floor-sweeping satin slip dress or a tiered frilly boho skirt. Rules were made to be broken.
Woman in white tiered maxi skirt and white t-shirt standing beside a wooden chair.

Types of Signature Accessories

A woman can never have enough designer accessories—they can transform a safe outfit into one that’s simply unforgettable. Peruse Ralph Lauren’s jewellery, bags, belts, and footwear to find your style additions. No timeless capsule is complete without them.
Close-up of woman in chunky gold necklace and cat-eye sunglasses.

Jewellery

Dress up casual attire with razzle-dazzle statement earrings, bring denim to life with an oversized orchid pin, or enhance a little black dress with a brilliant gold choker.
Close-up of woman in brown coat holding a tan leather handbag.

Handbags

Invest in bags that can transition seamlessly between work and weekend settings. Opt for easy-to-clean leathers or sumptuous, sophisticated suedes.
Close-up of brown belt with silver buckle over mustard shirt and trousers.

Belts

Cinch in dresses and double-breasted jackets, or elevate your trousers and shorts, with a standout RL belt. Use your imagination. Think outside the box.
Pair of gold high-heeled sandals with bow detail on wooden surface.

Evening Accessories

Post sundown, amplify your outfit with an elegant evening accessory. Think metallic kitten heels, a statement bow, a beaded flapper girl headdress, or slinky satin gloves.
Woman seated in a grey jacket and jumper, paired with trousers and brown boots and gloves.

Women’s Timeless Capsule Wardrobe

Start building your Ralph Lauren women’s capsule wardrobe today with elevated basics and designer accessories. Simple tees, tailored jeans, and classic blazers never go out of style, nor does our knitwear in neutral colours. Opt for functional garments that work in most settings, made from luxurious but durable fabrics. Shopping smarter has never been easier.