I like clearlyclaire's point about cobbling together something rather than saving up the perfect thing. That would of course be for more infrequent events in one's life, as opposed to, opera capsule for regular attendance, or several formal gowns for one who attends gala fundraisers several times a year each year. I, too, have had the experience of keeping something on hand and then finding a year or so later it does not seem right after all. Perhaps that is due to not having the right items in the first place--not classic enough? But I'm not sure that's so.
It's almost coming full circle to saying that having things that are nearly right enough, that look great and work great in your current life, gets you farther along than having what seemed like a perfect outfit that you can't wear unless it's just the right occasion. That is kind of a new thought for me!
It might also mean pushing the envelope on some capsules--getting a few slightly more formal things for work, or slightly more dressy things for MOTG or smart casual, but wearing them regularly and then, voila, morph that into something more special.
And vice versa, using a fine black merino wool top in place of black velvet, and maybe a more relaxed (mentally, not sloppy dress) approach than, oh, I don't have the perfect thing to wear.