I reside in Australia and run a handbag brand—here is my classic capsule wardrobe that never fails.

      "Busy" hardly describes Monica Upton's life. The entrepreneur and beauty PR expert, based in Australia, juggles her role as the founder of the luxury leather brand VESTIRSI with the demands of parenting her three children, all aged under five. Hence, being busy is an understatement. This makes having a versatile wardrobe crucial for her. She maintains a carefully curated capsule wardrobe that easily adapts to her daily activities. She also enjoys filling her closet with Australian brands. "While I’ve always appreciated international brands, there’s a fantastic surge of fashion emerging from Australia at the moment. The design and quality are at an all-time high, and we truly have abundant options. From Venroy to Camilla and Marc to Scanlan & Theodore, there is a remarkable depth of talent. I recognize the complexities of taking an Australian brand global, making it all the more significant to support and advocate for local designers," Upton expressed. Below is Upton's classic 8-piece capsule wardrobe, including her essential bag from VESTIRSI, the jacket she styles with numerous outfits, and the flat shoes she cannot live without. Upton also provided styling tips on how she utilizes these items. Continue reading for more details, including her specific selections and additional shopping inspiration.

      White Button-Up Shirt

      "I constantly opt for a crisp white button-down. It works when tucked into trousers for the school run and transitions seamlessly into a meeting, or I can leave it open over a tank for the weekend—it's truly versatile."

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

      Camilla and Marc

      Denis Long Sleeve Shirt

      Topshop

      Darted Cuff Oversize Button-Up Shirt

      Dries Van Noten

      Cho Button-Up Shirt

      Black Blazer

      "A well-tailored black blazer is essential in my wardrobe. I wear it over everything from a white tee to a slip dress; it instantly gives me a put-together look, even on the most hectic days."

      Styling note: "Over a white tee with straight-leg jeans or layered over a slip dress for the evenings."

      Karen Millen

      Tailored Double Breasted Blazer

      Black Bag

      "I design my looks around my bag because it brings a sense of purpose to even my most casual outfits. As a busy founder and mother of three young children, my bag needs to be as functional as I am (while also looking stylish!). This is my design philosophy for all VESTIRSI bags, which we’ve realized this season with the Vera Bowler."

      Styling note: "With everything, from tailored trousers for meetings to denim for the school run."

      VESTIRSI

      Vera Black Large Bowler Bag

      VESTIRSI

      Margot XL Black Woven Tote

      VESTIRSI

      Serena Black Leather Hobo Bag

      Ballet Flats

      "I rely on a good pair of ballet flats daily. They are comfortable and refined, allowing for a smooth transition from the school run to dinner."

      Styling note: "With jeans and a blazer or paired with a slip skirt on more casual days."

      LE MONDE BERYL

      Luna Suede Ballet Flats

      Silk Slip Dress

      "A silk slip dress is my top choice for effortless dressing. I pair mine with a cashmere knit and my VESTIRSI bag for an elevated yet casual look that feels put-together without being overly formal."

      Styling note: "With a fitted knit or an oversized button-down and ballet flats."

      BONDI BORN

      Kobe Maxi Column Dress - Platinum

      Reformation

      Jillian Silk Dress

      Straight-Leg Jeans

      "Quality denim is a staple for me. I prefer a clean straight leg that fits well and works with everything, whether it’s heels or ballet flats, depending on my schedule."

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

      AG

      Sydney High Waist Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans

      AGOLDE

      Harper Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans

      Cashmere Sweater

      "I frequently reach for a quality cashmere sweater. It looks effortlessly chic whether tucked in or worn loosely. It layers beautifully across the seasons."

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

      venroy

      Oversized Wool Cashmere Sweater

      Reformation

      Tess Cashmere Sweater

      Tailored Trousers

      "A fitted tailored trouser in a neutral tone is a versatile piece that pairs well with everything in my wardrobe. I always have at least one pair in rotation."

      Styling note: "With a button-down for the office or paired with a knit for a more relaxed yet polished look."

      Scanlan Theodore

      Wool Silk Tailored Trouser

      ZARA

      Zw Collection Cropped Pants