I remember the first time I flew to Milan for a casting — suitcase bursting, barely zipped. My outfit? All trend, zero timelessness. I felt like I was trying to look expensive. But that’s the thing — true luxury whispers. It doesn’t shout. It took me a few fashion weeks, a few tears in backstage bathrooms, and finally, a Paris roommate who owned only 15 clothing items (and always looked like a Vogue editorial) — to learn that less can be stunningly more.
Let me walk you through how I created a capsule wardrobe that made me look and feel expensive without needing to max out my card. This isn’t about deprivation. This is about style liberation.
Step 1: The Mindset Shift — You Don’t Need More, You Need Better
I used to chase trends like they owed me something. Sequins one season, cottagecore the next. But I was always broke and overwhelmed.
What changed? I stopped buying what was new, and started choosing what felt true.
Ask yourself:
“If I were on the cover of a coffee table book about my life… what would I be wearing?”
My answer? A cream oversized blazer, tailored trousers, a white tee that isn’t see-through, and vintage loafers.
I want you to choose pieces that feel like home — not a costume.
Step 2: Curate Neutrals That Hug Your Skin Tone
Neutrals aren’t boring. They’re powerful. They’re the language of rich girl restraint.
Here’s what works in my capsule:
- Warm ivory over stark white (less harsh, more glow)
- Oatmeal and camel for warmth
- Stone and taupe for cool depth
- Charcoal instead of black (less funeral, more French chic)
When I’m on set, makeup artists often compliment how my clothes “lift” my skin tone. That’s not accidental. I learned how to create harmony between what I wear and what I am.
Tip: Stand in daylight and hold fabrics up to your face. If your eyes pop and you look fresh, it’s your shade. If you look tired? Leave it.
Step 3: Fabric First, Always
The most expensive-looking wardrobe I ever saw? Belonged to a model who bought 90% of her stuff at thrift shops. Her secret? She only wore good fabrics.
Here’s what I swear by:
- Wool & cashmere – Tailored coats that last winters and smell like sophistication.
- Linen – Especially in warm tones. Yes, it wrinkles. But so does every Amalfi Coast dream.
- Silk – A slip dress in real silk can outshine any designer logo.
- Cotton poplin – Crisp white shirts are heaven.
- High-quality knits – Heavier, structured, less “fast fashion clingy.”
If the fabric feels rich to the touch, chances are it reads rich too.
Step 4: My Go-To Capsule Pieces (and How I Style Them)
I have about 28 items total. That’s it. But the combos? Endless. Here’s my actual model wardrobe:
- 2 Blazers – 1 camel, 1 charcoal. Both oversized.
- 3 Button-down Shirts – White poplin, striped blue, silk blush.
- 2 Knit Tops – Cream ribbed long sleeve, black turtleneck.
- 2 Basic Tees – White & gray (good cut, thick cotton).
- 2 Trousers – Tailored wide-leg in beige and black.
- 1 Pair Jeans – Straight-leg, slightly cropped.
- 1 Silk Slip Dress – Blush-toned. Layers under coats or over tees.
- 1 Wool Coat – Oversized camel. It’s my armor.
- 1 Leather Jacket – Vintage. Slightly worn, eternally cool.
- 1 Trench Coat – Stone color, rainy Parisian mood.
- 2 Skirts – One midi in linen, one bias-cut satin.
- 1 Knit Dress – Midi length, hugs the right places.
- 2 Pairs Loafers – One black, one oxblood.
- 1 Pair Boots – Chunky but minimal.
- 1 Pair White Sneakers – Clean lines. No logos.
- 1 Crossbody Bag – Structured, no branding.
- 1 Evening Clutch – Vintage, gold clasp.
- 2 Belts – Black & brown. Real leather, good buckle.
That’s it. And I can dress for castings, airports, dinner with editors, or a wine night with girlfriends — all from those pieces.
Step 5: Invest Slowly, Not Emotionally
I didn’t buy all this overnight. And I don’t shop when I’m sad anymore. You know what I do instead?
I save screenshots of looks I love. Then, once a season, I review:
“Do I still love this? Would I wear this 30 times?”
If yes, it goes on the list.
Then I hunt smart. I stalk second-hand platforms. I wait for sales. I swap with friends. I’ve bought The Row pants for $80 and a cashmere Max Mara coat for $110. You just need patience and a bit of thrill-of-the-hunt energy.
Step 6: Get It Tailored
Even expensive pieces look cheap if they don’t fit. And basic pieces? They look couture when they fit like they were made for you.
I once tailored a $12 thrifted blazer and wore it to a meeting with a luxury campaign team. The creative director whispered, “Is that Celine?” — I just smiled.
Don’t be afraid to:
- Shorten sleeves
- Take in waists
- Slim pant legs
- Crop hems
A good tailor is the true luxury here.
Step 7: Minimalism is Power, Not Sacrifice
People often assume capsule wardrobes are limiting. But honestly? It gave me back my mental bandwidth.
I no longer stress about what to wear on a 6am call time or what to pack for a trip. I open my closet and I know it all works. It all feels good. No guilt. No clutter. Just ease.
And let’s talk emotions — when I wear my neutral linen trousers and a tucked silk shirt, I feel like the best version of me. Not trendy. Not overdressed. Just expensive in my own skin.
Final Styling Tips From the Runway (and My Life)
- Steam, don’t iron. It’s gentler on fabrics and feels like a facial for your clothes.
- Monochrome always wins. An all-tan or all-black look? Undeniably chic.
- Gold jewelry > trendy accessories. Think dainty, not flashy.
- Perfume is part of the outfit. Mine smells like cedar and warm cashmere.
- Clean shoes, always. Even my sneakers get weekly wipes.
In Closing — It’s Not About Fashion, It’s About Identity
This journey isn’t just about clothes. It’s about self-worth. About showing up as the person I know I am, not the one marketing tells me to be.
A minimalist wardrobe with expensive energy isn’t about money. It’s about intention. Fabric that loves your skin. Cuts that honor your body. Colors that soothe your mind.
And you — walking out the door like you just stepped off a set, no stylist needed.
a Models Secrets 