I Own a Handbag Brand—This Is My Timeless Capsule Wardrobe

“Busy” is an understatement for Monica Upton. The Australia-based entrepreneur and beauty PR veteran balances her role as the founder of luxury leather label Vestirsi with the demands of raising her three children, who are all under 5. Yes, she’s busy. As a result, a versatile closet is essential. She relies on a curated capsule wardrobe that transitions seamlessly throughout her day, and she loves to stock her closet with Australian labels.

“While I’ve always loved international brands, there’s an incredible wave of fashion coming out of Australia right now. The level of design and quality is stronger than ever, and we’re truly spoiled for choice. From Venroy to Camilla and Marc to Scanlan Theodore, there’s a real depth of talent. I also understand how challenging it is to take an Australian brand global, so it’s especially meaningful to support and champion fellow Australian designers,” Upton shared.

Below is Upton’s timeless eight-piece capsule wardrobe, featuring everything from her must-have bag from her label to the jacket she styles with many outfits to the flat-shoe silhouette she can’t live without. Upton also shared styling notes on how she wears the pieces in question. Keep scrolling for more, including Upton’s specific picks and other shopping inspiration.

The Timeless Capsule Wardrobe

White Button-Down Shirt

“I reach for a crisp white button-down constantly. Tucked into trousers for a school run that runs into a meeting or left open over a tank at the weekend, it genuinely does everything.”

Styling note: “Tucked into tailored trousers or half-tucked into a silk slip skirt.”

Black Blazer

“A well-cut black blazer is nonnegotiable in my wardrobe. I wear it over everything from a white tee to a slip dress, and it instantly makes me look like I have it together, even on the most chaotic days.”

Styling note: “Over a white tee and straight-leg jeans or layered over a slip dress for evenings.”

Black Bag

“I build my looks around my bag, as it’s the one thing that makes even my most casual outfit feel intentional. As a busy founder and mum of three under 5, my bag has to work just as hard as I do while also looking great! This is my design philosophy for all Vestirsi bags, and we’ve brought this to life this season in the Vera Bowler.”

Styling note: “With everything, tailored trousers for meetings through to denim on the school run.”

Ballet Flats

“A great ballet flat is something I wear every single day. It is comfortable and clean and takes you effortlessly from the school run to a dinner without missing a beat.”

Styling note: “With jeans and a blazer or the slip skirt on lower-key days.”

Silk Slip Dress

“A silk slip dress is my go-to for effortless dressing. I style mine with a cashmere knit and my Vestirsi bag for an elevated everyday look that feels put-together without being overdressed.”

Styling note: “With a fitted knit or oversize button-down and ballet flats.”

Straight-Leg Jeans

“Good denim is a foundation piece for me. I look for a clean, straight leg that sits well and pairs back with everything from heels to ballet flats depending on where the day takes me.”

Styling note: “With a blazer and pointed-toe flats or dressed up with heels for dinner.”

Cashmere Sweater

“A good cashmere sweater is something I reach for constantly. It looks effortlessly polished whether I wear it tucked in or relaxed, and it layers beautifully across every season.”

Styling note: “Tucked into tailored trousers or worn loosely over a slip dress with ballet flats.”

Tailored Trousers

“A slim tailored trouser in a neutral is one of those pieces that quietly works with everything in your wardrobe. I always have at least one pair on rotation.”

Styling note: “With the button-down for the office or with a knit for a more relaxed, polished look.”