For instance, a 1950s Vogue American Designers Claire McCardell pattern for a dress with sleeves sold for just under $400. Vogue Paris Originals were all the rage in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

Building an excellent capsule wardrobe takes time and patience. Looking at what you already have – and what you might be missing – is a good place to start (refer to Vogue’s step-by-step wardrobe ...