Quality Over Quantity
In an era where people are spending hundreds of dollars every month on fast fashion that will fall apart after one wash, capsule wardrobes seem more sensible than ever. Building a capsule wardrobe is all about picking out pieces that are versatile and well-loved, pieces that can go the distance. Many capsule wardrobes focus on neutrals and business casual, but every wardrobe should be tailored to the personal style of the wearer, so make sure to have fun with it!
1. A White Tee
A simple white t-shirt is anything but basic. It goes with everything, can be styled in a variety of ways, and brightens up your face. Make sure you invest in a high-quality shirt that can handle weekly washing.
2. Straight-Leg Jeans
Denim styles come and go; one year they're ultra-skinny, the next they're super-baggy. However, straight-leg jeans are timelessly trendy. Go for a modest mid-rise rather than low- or high-waisted pants for maximum wear.
3. Minimalist Sneakers
When it comes to long-lasting sneakers, comfort will always trump style. A minimalist sneaker should be somewhere in between blindingly white tourist kicks and street-style sneaks. In that happy medium, you'll find a reliable shoe that will get you where you want to go.
4. A Sturdy Button-Down
If you want to easily transition from day to night, an oversized button-down is a must-buy. Button-downs work for all seasons and nearly all occasions. While white and blue may be the most popular picks, make sure to pick something that feels like you.
5. A Trench Coat
This noir staple will keep you looking sleek and stylish as the seasons change. A belted trench can add a touch of class to a simple tank top and jeans. Or, it can be belted and buttoned to the top when you pop down to the corner store in your laundry day fit and nobody will ever know.
6. A Crew-Neck Sweater
In a wardrobe based on neutrals, a comfy crew-neck sweater can add a much needed pop of color. For chilly offices, they can also cover those cold shoulders. Either a cardigan or a pullover will fit the bill.
7. A Leather Jacket
Much like a trench, a basic leather jacket can make a simple outfit runway-worthy. Leather jackets are great for those transition months when you aren't quite ready to break out the heavy-duty winter coat or breezy shorts. For this route, we recommend buying vintage for a higher-quality jacket.
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8. A Slip Dress
For those brunches when you just want to throw on a cute dress and be done with it, a slip dress will come in handy. Slip dresses are breezy and effortlessly chic, whether worn over a white tee, or under a striking coat. If monochrome is more your vibe, look for your perfect LBD.
9. A Blazer
Much like button-downs, blazers are going out of the office and onto the streets. A great blazer can be the jumping-off point for a sharp suit, or can dress up an unexpected dinner date. A relaxed or slightly oversized blazer will help you layer without making you look like you're playing dress-up in your mom's closet.
10. Black Leggings
For weekends when you can't be bothered to put together an outfit, black leggings will always be there for you. A lined pair will also provide some extra warmth for those cold commutes.
Now that we've gone over some of the basics that will help fill out your capsule wardrobe, let's get into some statement pieces! Remember that every wardrobe is unique, so feel free to swap out items on this list for things you'll actually wear
1. A Tweed Jacket
Academic tweed lends a hint of Parisian chic to any outfit. This timeless, preppy print is synonymous with class and refinement. The texture can also be used to make simple outfits more visually interesting.
2. A Bright Bodysuit
We very easily could have put a basic black bodysuit in the first half of this list, but, we figured that life is too short not to have fun with what you wear! A bright bodysuit adds a pop of color to otherwise demure ensembles, and can be a great way to transition an outfit from day to night.
3. A Matching Set
Matching sets aren't just for pastel athleisure. While styling a single statement piece can be overwhelming, a funky matching set makes things painless. Besides, even if you worry that a print or color is a little out there, at least you can find solace in the coordination.
4. An Evening Gown
Everyone needs an evening gown. We're not talking a slip dress that you wear with gold jewelry and your hair up, but an honest-to-god evening gown. A head-turning evening gown that will make your name the one on everyone's lips.
5. A Fun Hat
A fun hat is different for everyone. Maybe you want to rep your fave sports team. Maybe you picked up a super-cute crochet bucket hat at the farmer's market. Whatever it is, find a hat that feels like you.
6. Chunky Jewelry
Chunky jewelry is great for injecting a bit of personality into corporate chic. A simple gold chain may go the mile, but something that makes you feel confident in your own skin is even better.
7. A Maxi Skirt
You've probably heard the advice that if an outfit isn't interesting through color or pattern, then it should be interesting through texture or shape. With a statement maxi skirt, you can get two birds with one stone. Maxi skirts are great for comfy-casual hangouts or for looking put-together even when you aren't.
8. A Chunky Sweater
Let's make something clear: a capsule wardrobe doesn't mean boring, it means reliable! If that fluffy angora sweater or brightly-patterned cardigan is going to be a key part of your outfit rotation, then don't shy away from it. We said "chunky", but feel free to substitute a statement sweater of your choosing.
9. Tall Boots
A good mid-calf or knee-length boot is an excellent substitute for colder or more formal occasions where your trusty sneakers won't cut it. Pair a riding boot with a short skirt and looong jacket, and you have a recipe for success.
10. Drop Earrings
Accessories are one of the easiest avenues to show off your personality. Drop earrings can be elegant gemstones for nights out, or funky small-business pieces for drinks with friends. They're a great way to keep eyes on you.
