Guardian Insider

Whether you’re building a capsule collection or revamping your entire wardrobe, choosing the right pieces can make all the difference. Ssense, known for its curated selection of high-fashion, streetwear, and avant-garde labels, is a treasure trove for discovering items that effortlessly blend style, substance, and seasonal relevance. From elevated basics to statement outerwear, here’s how to level up your wardrobe with timeless yet bold essentials.

1. Invest in Elevated Basics

Let’s start with the foundation: elevated basics. Think of them as the blank canvas for your personal style. While they may seem understated, the right fit, fabric, and cut can transform a basic tee or pair of trousers into a statement in simplicity.

Key Picks from Ssense:

  • Maison Margiela Cotton Jersey T-Shirt: With its clean lines and subtle four-stitch logo at the back, this shirt adds polish without trying too hard.
  • The Row “Fara” Tank: Luxe yet minimal, this is the kind of piece you can wear alone or layered—perfect for both everyday wear and elevated looks.

Style Tip: Choose neutral shades like black, white, grey, and beige to create a versatile palette that works across seasons.

2. Statement Outerwear is Non-Negotiable

Your outerwear is often the first thing people notice. Whether it’s a leather trench, oversized blazer, or a puffed-up bomber, investing in a standout jacket can instantly uplift the most basic outfits.

Key Picks:

  • Acne Studios Oversized Wool Coat: Tailored yet relaxed, it works equally well over jeans and sneakers or a dress and boots.
  • Rick Owens “Gethsemane” Puffer Jacket: This futuristic take on winter wear blends form and function with Rick’s signature dystopian edge.

Style Tip: Layer over monochrome outfits to let your outerwear shine. Let the coat do the talking.

3. Play with Proportions

Modern fashion is about silhouettes as much as it is about the garments themselves. Oversized tailoring, boxy shoulders, wide-leg trousers—playing with proportion adds dimension and makes your outfit more visually dynamic.

Key Picks:

  • Balenciaga Oversized Shirt: Whether paired with biker shorts or skinny jeans, this piece offers instant edge.
  • Jil Sander Wide-Leg Trousers: Flowing, sculptural, and incredibly flattering, these trousers are a lesson in less-is-more.

Style Tip: If you’re wearing something oversized on top, keep the bottom streamlined—and vice versa. Balance is key.

4. Elevate with Luxe Footwear

Footwear isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the finishing touch that can define the entire vibe of your outfit. From sculptural heels to futuristic sneakers, Ssense stocks shoes that pack a punch.

Key Picks:

  • Bottega Veneta “Lug” Boots: Chunky, bold, and weather-ready—these boots make any outfit look instantly cooler.
  • Salomon XT-6 Sneakers: A high-performance trail shoe turned streetwear staple, perfect for normcore enthusiasts.

Style Tip: Choose footwear that reflects your personality. If you’re more into clean minimalism, go with sleek loafers or mules. If bold’s your vibe, opt for contrasting colors or textures.

5. Experiment with Texture

Texture adds visual interest to any outfit. Mixing materials like silk, leather, wool, or mesh introduces depth and a touch of the unexpected. Ssense’s variety of designers makes it easy to mix and match within a cohesive aesthetic.

Key Picks:

  • Marine Serre Moon Top with Mesh Inserts: Futuristic and form-fitting, it adds dimension with minimal effort.
  • Isabel Marant Étoile Corduroy Blazer: Retro yet contemporary, this piece delivers a tactile appeal.

Style Tip: Combine contrasting textures—like pairing a chunky knit sweater with a sleek leather skirt—to create a balanced yet eye-catching ensemble.

6. Accessorize with Intention

Accessories are the easiest way to switch up your look without buying a whole new wardrobe. A bold bag or sculptural earring can shift the tone of an outfit from casual to editorial in seconds.

Key Picks:

  • Jacquemus “Le Chiquito” Bag: Tiny but mighty. It’s a conversation piece that adds a pop of color or shape.
  • Sophie Buhai Silver Hoop Earrings: Understated but elegant—timeless enough to wear every day.

Style Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix metals, layer chains, or add a statement hat. The more intentional your accessory game, the stronger your overall look.

7. Monochrome Done Right

There’s something undeniably chic about a monochromatic outfit. It elongates your figure, adds cohesion, and screams effortlessness. Ssense’s extensive color-filtered shopping options make pulling together a one-tone look easy and inspiring.

Key Picks:

  • Fear of God Essentials Hoodie + Jogger Set (in beige): Luxe loungewear that still looks put-together.
  • Totême Black Knit Dress: Effortless for both day and night wear.

Style Tip: When going monochrome, play with different textures and shades of the same color to avoid looking flat.

8. Capsule Wardrobe Staples from Cult Labels

Building a wardrobe that stands the test of time doesn’t mean sticking to traditional pieces. Instead, seek out elevated staples from fashion-forward yet enduring brands.

Key Picks:

  • Lemaire Croissant Bag: Sculptural and subtle—it’s the kind of accessory that doesn’t scream for attention but still turns heads.
  • Our Legacy Shirt Jackets: Ideal for transitional weather, these are the elevated version of your everyday button-down.

Style Tip: Keep an eye on brands that blend practicality with experimental design—these tend to have better longevity in your closet and your personal style evolution.

9. Incorporate Genderless Fashion

The lines between men’s and women’s fashion continue to blur, and Ssense is one of the best platforms to explore unisex and gender-fluid styles. Shopping across categories opens up endless possibilities.

Key Picks:

  • Comme des Garçons Homme Plus Blazers: Strong silhouettes and abstract detailing make these standouts.
  • Y/Project Unisex Denim: Known for inventive cuts, these jeans are wearable art.

Style Tip: Try shopping in the “Men” or “Unisex” sections for fresh silhouettes you might not find in traditional womenswear or vice versa.

10. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Great Bag

A high-quality bag is not only functional—it’s a cornerstone piece that often anchors your look. Whether oversized or compact, playful or minimalist, your choice of bag reflects your style ethos.

Key Picks:

  • Loewe Puzzle Bag: As versatile as it is architectural, this bag works with everything from tailored blazers to laid-back denim.
  • Coperni Swipe Bag: With its futuristic silhouette, it’s a nod to both tech and trend.

Style Tip: Let your bag contrast the rest of your outfit. If you’re in head-to-toe black, go with a bag in an unexpected color or material.

11. Seasonal Trends Worth Adopting

While your wardrobe should be built on timeless pieces, there’s no harm in indulging in a few seasonal trends—especially when filtered through Ssense’s curated, fashion-forward lens.

Spring/Summer 2025 Highlights:

  • Metallics: Silver pants and shiny textures are in full swing.
  • 90s Minimalism: Think tube dresses, square-toe sandals, and spaghetti straps.
  • Deconstruction: Torn hems, exposed seams, and asymmetry rule.

Style Tip: Pick one trend at a time and incorporate it into your existing wardrobe to avoid feeling like a fashion victim.

12. Sustainable and Ethical Shopping

Ssense has been expanding its selection of sustainable designers and ethical brands, allowing you to shop with both style and conscience. Look for brands that use recycled materials, eco-friendly dyes, and fair labor practices.

Key Picks:

  • Stella McCartney Knitwear: Pioneers in sustainable luxury.
  • Ganni Recycled Nylon Pieces: Chic and cheerful, these pieces are easy on the planet and your style.

Style Tip: Read the brand’s sustainability profile on Ssense to understand the impact of your purchase.

13. Tailor Your Look—Literally

Even the most expensive designer pieces won’t do much for your look if the fit is off. Tailoring is the secret weapon of every well-dressed person. Buy for the biggest part of your body and alter the rest to fit like a glove.

Style Tip: Invest in tailoring especially for trousers, blazers, and shirts. A small adjustment can make a mass-produced piece look custom-made.

Final Thoughts: Fashion as a Form of Expression

Elevating your wardrobe isn’t about chasing trends or owning expensive clothes—it’s about choosing pieces that reflect your identity and help you express who you are. With its thoughtfully curated selection, Ssense empowers you to build a wardrobe that’s both stylish and personal. Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist, or somewhere in between, Ssense has the right key pieces to help you craft your signature look.