Building BLOCKS

Why not get your classic staples from local brands? A stylist’s top white shirt, blazer, loafers — you know, the basics

During the transitional months when the weather wavers between bitter chill and glorious warmth, we turn to our closets to provide a sense of balance. Establishing a capsule wardrobe of versatile staples is essential to your success here because layering allows you to add or remove items as the temperature fluctu- ates. These purchases lay the foundation for your entire wardrobe, and when they’re treated with care, they will last in your closet for years.

Before you begin making your purchases, start by narrowing down what items you really need. For me, this includes a white shirt, a trench coat, denim, a blazer, a pair of loafers, T-shirts, trousers, a dress, a skirt and a sweater — these offer endless mix-and-match possibilities. Establishing a colour palette within these items also helps to increase the number of outfit combinations you can make. I like to pair neutrals with a pop of one or two colours and a pattern or texture. This helps to keep my closet wearable while still infusing it with personality.

I love to turn to some of my favourite Canadian brands to curate my capsule wardrobe, because I know that I’ll receive a quality product from people who care. A few I frequent include Ellie Mae, Poppy Barley, T. Line, KOTN, Hilary MacMillan, Judith & Charles and Biko. Canadian fashion has come a long way, with many designers making sustainability and quality a priority. Celebrities and duchesses are wearing Sental- er coats; Smythe suits can be spotted in the latest season of Netflix’s “Ginny and Georgia.” These brands — and many more — are showing the world the unique designs that Canada has to offer. So this spring, when curating your closet staples, make it a priority to browse what Canadian brands have to offer.