Before I had my babies I didn't have a capsule wardrobe, but I had some key items that would last forever & never date....
Black Trousers - Karen Millen or D&G do the nicest imo, they wash very well, no fading.
Jeans - Diesel are good as the girls who work there will fit the right jeans to your shape. (Nothing worse than a pair of ill fitting jeans)
Some stand out shoes - then if you do wear cheap at least your shoes will not make you look cheap!
Lots of accessories - A belt & a few beads can change a day outfit to a night outfit in an instant.... Love accessories & as I always wear black my "thing" at the minute is scarves.... Throw one over an outfit in a bright colour, transforms it.
Lastly Havaianas - These are flip flops & I carry a pair EVERYWHERE. They go with anything & if you've worn killer heels that are crippling you, a quick change into these is a must.... I have lots of pairs as they do so many diff styles & colours....
I love shopping so a capsule wardrobe is out of the question..... I'm obsessed with Primarni at the minute, the one in Manchester is something else!!