Past Fashion: The Luxury Micro Capsule

Embracing a “Past Fashion” approach to luxury shopping doesn’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul. Instead, hone your resale shopping skills on a select few luxury staples to cement your aesthetic. Surprisingly, you can pull off a million-dollar look with just three essential pieces: a signature jacket, a timeless handbag, and a killer pair of shoes. This micro capsule can effortlessly elevate any ensemble, whether you’re pairing it with jeans and a t-shirt or a little black dress. The best part? You’ll pay 90% less than retail with minimal impact on the planet.

Shop Like a Stylist

When shopping for your micro capsule, a practical guideline is to view each piece as cohesive elements of one outfit. Imagine your jacket, handbag, and shoes are all attending the same event, adhering to the same dress code. Make sure it’s an event in your actual life! Whether you’re dining out or dressing for work, an ideal micro capsule should layer as seamlessly over jeans and a blouse as it does neutral business staples. As you incorporate your micro capsule into your extended wardrobe, you’ll be able to mix and match each piece with different items for different looks. But to narrow your focus, shop like a stylist and make sure that your three key pieces can play harmoniously within the same outfit. In this vein, consider palette, aesthetic, and textures, and for the love of Anna Wintour - don’t buy it all in black.

From left: St. John jacket, Valentino Rockstud bag, Christian Dior booties

Your 3 Piece Luxury Micro Capsule

Luxury Capsule Piece 1: Signature Jacket

Jackets come in an array of styles and silhouettes, making them an ideal entry point into the world of resale fashion. Here’s why they’re a savvy choice:

  • Craftsmanship: Designer jackets are meticulously crafted from high-quality fabrics, often adorned with intriguing details. These pieces exude a level of artistry that sets them apart.

  • Signature Style: Designers use jackets as a canvas to express their unique aesthetic. Whether it’s the iconic Chanel bouclé or the timeless Burberry trench, a well-chosen jacket becomes a statement piece.

  • Longevity: Jackets sourced from resale platforms likely had few outings with their original owners (she has dozens, darling). As a result, they exhibit less wear and maintain their allure. Luxurious materials like wool, leather, cashmere, or silk, often embellished with textures, require specialized care. Consequently, they remain fresh and elegant over time, defying their age.

From left: Saint Laurent jacket, Chanel bag, Saint Laurent platform sandals

Luxury Capsule Piece 2: Iconic Handbag

Similar to a jacket, every great designer boasts an iconic handbag. However, unlike a jacket, which has a standard shape, handbags come in countless forms: clutch, tote, shoulder bag, satchel, top handle, crossbody, and more. When selecting an iconic handbag for your micro capsule, consider its suitability for everyday use—your everyday use. Remember to factor in your lifestyle when shopping.

Personal Style and Juxtaposition

An iconic handbag not only communicates your personal style but also allows for creative juxtaposition. Avoid the comfortable rut of sourcing your micro capsule from just one designer or aesthetic. The most stylish people are eclectic. For instance, it’s undeniably chic to pair a quilted Chanel flap bag with a bouclé blazer, but it’s especially cool to sling it over a studded leather moto.

ICONs only!

Classically Chic Handbags

*Click bag images to shop affiliates links

Edgy Handbags

Minimalist Handbags

Sporty Handbags

Luxury Capsule Piece 3: Killer Shoes

When I say “killer shoes,” I mean fierce, fantastic, fabulous—not death to your feet. If you enjoy the feel of a 4-inch stiletto after four hours, there are countless pairs of Christian Louboutin 120mm pumps on TheRealReal.

However, the rest of us have realized that the high isn’t worth the pain.

Shoes for Life

Similar to your signature jacket and iconic handbag, consider your lifestyle while shoe shopping. Your killer shoe is meant to be worn! An executive with a front-facing leadership role will likely pair a pump with her blazer and bag. If you’re aiming for height, consider a covered Christian Louboutin wedge, a Gucci block heel loafer, or a classic 3-inch Manolo Blahnik slingback.

Luxury Resale: A Footwear Destination

Now that I’ve lectured you about plantar fasciitis prevention, let me highlight the pros of luxury resale as a footwear destination. Among every designer category, you’ll find the most killer deals on killer shoes. Why? People tend to be wary of buying pre-owned shoes, which drives the resale value way down from the original price tag. But here’s an insider secret: There are endless pairs of designer shoes that are brand new, complete with dust bags and shoe boxes, and never worn out of the house. Simply filter your search for shoes in PRISTINE or EXCELLENT condition. Their $1250 impulse shoe shopping loss becomes your $295 gain.

Fashion Math

While luxury resale is significantly cheaper than buying new, it’s not cheap. Each element of your luxury micro capsule is an investment piece. Your signature jacket, iconic handbag, and killer shoes are intended to be worn often, for years to come. With that in mind, take your time. Finding your perfect match requires research.

Some tips:

  • Know your measurements and how to translate them into designer shoe and clothing sizes.

  • Visit designer boutiques to try on new versions of the classics you’ll be sourcing at resale.

  • Get familiar with return policies. Many luxury resale purchases are final sale.

If you purchase a less-than-perfect designer piece, don’t despair! You can consign it!

Jennifer Bressan