Every woman needs these 12 capsule wardrobe essentials in her closet
12 Capsule wardrobe essentials for effortless style
Lists. I love lists. L-O-V-E. When I was as young as 6th grade, as soon as it was time to start back-to-school shopping, I remember sitting down and looking at my favorite wardrobe items, and making a list of what I had, what I needed, and what I wanted for my closet. Then I scoured the ads in the paper to see what was out there.
When I set out to start building my own capsule wardrobe from scratch, I had a hard time knowing exactly where to start, and to be honest, the first version wasn’t great, but it was better than where I had started. Though I definitely had a decent grasp on what sort of pieces I did and didn’t like, I wish I’d had this list of capsule wardrobe essentials to get me started! It’s nearly half of what most people consider a start for a capsule closet.
The thought of trimming down my wardrobe to a select number of items seemed a little daunting. So what did I do? I pulled out what I had in my closet that truly suited me: color, fit, pattern, and body type. Then I made a list of the things I needed and wanted to fill the gaps in my wardrobe.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY CAPSULE WARDROBE ESSENTIALS IN ACTION
1: Great pair of jeans, button up, structured jacket, statement shoes, fabulous bag. 2. Basic tee, simple sweater, jeans, statement shoes, bag. 3. Go-to dress, statement shoes, signature piece of jewelry. 4. Striped top, jeans, statement shoes.
Which capsule wardrobe essentials are perfect for you?
Since starting out four years ago, I’ve realized that capsule wardrobes don’t need to all look the same. Each one of us has our own unique style, lifestyle, interests, coloring, and tastes. Figuring out how to build a capsule wardrobe that looks like you can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Successful capsule wardrobes are full of pieces you love in a color palette, fit, and style that make you look your best.
However, there are definitely a few capsule wardrobe essentials, foundational pieces that will always be useful to anyone when putting together a capsule wardrobe. With a limited number of items, you want to make sure that a lot of your pieces really do go with everything. You want pieces that are easy to match, endlessly versatile, and completely timeless.
You probably have a lot of these pieces already, and I’d recommend shopping your closet before hitting the mall. But if there’s anything from this list that you’re missing and it suits your personal style, check out my Capsule Wardrobe Guides to figure out how to best fill in those gaps based on your Classic Style Twist! Not sure what your Twist is? Take the quiz below and find out!
A Great Fitting Pair of Jeans
A “perfect” pair of jeans is a must in any capsule wardrobe. They go with just about everything, they’re comfortable, they’re flattering, and they can be dressed up or down. Depending on your body type and personal style, your “perfect” pair of jeans could look totally different from someone else’s.
Maybe you love how skinny jeans accentuate your curves, or how polished a straight-leg cut looks on you. Do you prefer a light wash to a dark wash? Go with what you love! Another perk of having jeans in your capsule wardrobe? You can wear them multiple times between washes!
My very favorites, as I’ve said over and over are these. I have multiples of each of the dark wash, the black and the white in various lengths. They also come in skinny.
A Lightweight sweater
No matter the season, a lightweight sweater is always useful. It’s cozy, versatile, and ideal for layering. Choose a solid-colored sweater that goes with your color palette. To keep it looking classic and timeless from year to year, look for sweaters that hit at the hip and skim your shape. It could be a crewneck, v-neck, turtleneck, cardigan, or duster. That really depends on your preferences.
The one below is the perfect duster. I wear it all the time (seen in the picture above). The picture does it no justice. Fingers crossed it comes out in navy.
A button-up shirt
Wait! Don’t skip this one. I know many women hate button-ups as much as I love them, but they don’t have to be the standard prep school version you are thinking of. What about a knit version, or a Henley tee (which is basically a collarless, t-shirt version of a button up), or one with a zip front? It could be long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless, or have roll-tab sleeves.
My very favorite one is this one because of the spread neckline, the relaxed fit, the lower neckline cut, and the roll-tab sleeves. It’s not restrictive, the buttons don’t pull across my bust, it doesn’t close up my neckline, and it showcases my jewelry perfectly. I have it in 12 colors (I know! Excessive, but they are so good. I’m wearing it in turquoise above).
As classic as classic gets, I bet there is a version out there for you. A button-up can be dressed up or down. It goes with just about anything — wear it alone or under a blazer; pair it with slacks, jeans, or a pencil skirt.
Whether you keep it minimal in bright white, go for a bold color or a great pattern, a button-up blouse will make a great addition to your capsule wardrobe. This one is perfect for summer. The light weight, the open neckline and the interesting layered sleeves make it beyond basic.
a structured jacket
Think cool, yet professional. A structured jacket is so versatile — you can layer it over a basic tee for a stylish, casual look, or over your button-up blouse for a polished, professional look. I don’t wear blazers, but I do love moto jackets and trench coats! If you hate the restriction of a structured jacket, look for one in a heavy knit. It will hold its shape, but be stretchy and comfortable. What would your perfect jacket be?
A Great fitting skirt
One of the most common questions I get is, “How can I transition my capsule wardrobe from casual to professional with so few pieces?” My answer? Switch out the bottoms! A knee-length skirt or a pair of trousers instantly make just about any look business-appropriate. I also love skirts as an alternative to shorts in the summer. They are breezy, comfortable, easy to move in, and a nice alternative to a wardrobe that can get a little blah in the heat.
a striped top
“How many striped tops is too many? I’ll let you know when I find out,” I recently posted on Instagram. According to my daughter, stripes are my favorite color, and I definitely have a weakness for them. Classic stripes are so fresh and versatile, no capsule wardrobe essentials list is complete without one.
A timeless striped shirt makes the perfect base for layering and accessorizing, and they’ve been a chic choice ever since Coco Chanel first showcased them in her 1917 nautical collection. You can’t go wrong with black and white, or navy and white, but don’t be afraid to choose something a little colorful if that’s more your style. I have this top in several colors. It will never go out of style.
statement shoes
Who says capsule wardrobes have to be boring? Find a pair of statement heels, boots, sandals, sneakers or flats that you absolutely love to add a pop of personality and style to your wardrobe. The statement could be a bold color or a pattern, interesting straps or other details.
Definitely let your personal preference dictate this one — if walking in heels is miserable for you, forget them! A statement shoe is one of my favorite ways to bring color, pattern, and personality to an otherwise classic and/or neutral outfit.
a basic tee
I’m willing to bet that there’s almost nothing in your closet that wouldn’t go with a plain white tee. Basic tees are comfortable and so versatile. Wear it on the weekend with an easy skirt, pair it with jeans and a sweater for running errands, or layer a blazer over it with a statement necklace for work. You’ll probably want a few of these!
To keep it from being boring, choose one with an interesting design detail. If white is still too blah for you, then choose your favorite color. For me that would be blue.
a go-to dress
Not everyone loves dresses the way I do, but we all have occasions when a dress is necessary, so that is why it makes the capsule wardrobe essentials list. Is this an everyday must-have item? Maybe not, but having one that makes you feel amazing hanging in your closet at the ready will make your next event far less stressful. No panic-driven shopping trip that leaves you with an option you’d not normally choose at a price you’d not normally pay. I think we’ve all been there.
Everyone talks about the LBD (little black dress), also popularized by Coco Chanel, but it doesn’t have to be black, or little. What color do you glow in? Which one makes your heart skip a beat and bring in all the compliments?
Choose a style that flatters your body type AND is comfortable. That, combined with your best color, which could be black, I’m not saying it can’t be, is the formula for the perfect dress. If you look and feel your best and aren’t tugging at your dress all night, you will feel confident, be comfortable, and it will show.
Best color + figure flattering + comfortable = perfection
I have this dress in 2 colors: red and cobalt (I’m wearing the red one above). If I didn’t already have a similar dress in black, I’d get it in that color too!
a great coat
It doesn’t matter how fabulous your outfit is if it’s covered up by an ill-fitting, outdated, uninspired coat. Be on the lookout for a coat you really love, whether it’s a classic trench coat in a striking color, or a practical parka with chic details like shiny hardware.
Don’t be afraid to splurge a little on this one — a quality, classic coat will last you years, even decades. I have a weakness for outerwear, because in the cold months (and those seem to go on forever here), it’s often the only part of my outfit other people see. I have this coat in (stops to count on my fingers) 6 colors. Outerwear is my weakness.
an incredible bag
Nothing will elevate your look like a great bag. I’m not saying you need to spend a mortgage payment to get a quality bag, but maybe it should cost more than a lunch date. If you want something luxurious but budget-conscious, look at the pre-loved market, and take your time.
I love to shop on Poshmark and eBay, and if you’re in the market for a luxury handbag, The Real Real is a wonderful place to look. They authenticate all the bags before you buy.
I’ve bought many of my bags this way, snagging them for an amazing deal. Sometimes new with tags for less than half the price! Look for leather (unless you have moral objections to that), structure, and this is one place I would absolutely, positively incorporate your Classic Style Twist.
Bring in that special detail that tells your story. I do like to bring color to an otherwise neutral outfit with a bag, but if I had to choose one bag, it would be black. Sounds so cliche, but for me it’s true. What is your go-to neutral? Choose that.
This bag does cost a mortgage payment, but it goes with E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G, and is as classic as they come. If I had to choose one bag for the rest of my life, it would be this one. It ticks all the boxes for me. Structured, shiny, black, silver hardware, elegant, timeless.
a signature piece of jewelry
That pair of earrings that goes with everything. The sentimental necklace that you received on a special occasion. The one that perfectly represents your style, and you can throw it on with just about any outfit and feel complete. That’s the one you need.
It could be a statement piece or a dainty piece, but it definitely feels like you. If you are super minimal with jewelry and want something you can wear with anything, anywhere and even sleep in, a pair of hoops are the way to go. They come in every size from huggie to Jenny from the Block.
The Keys to Success for capsule wardrobe essentials
Find the special. The key to success with all of these items is to find the special. What makes these basics special? It could be fit. Jeans that fit you like a glove (and that could require a trip to the tailor) are special. It could be an incredible color. Or an interesting detail like beautiful buttons or a neckline design. Maybe a luxurious fabric, like cashmere for your sweater. Look for something that elevates that basic, essential item.
Make sure there is a little color and pattern in there, mixed with some neutral basics. So if I had one pair of amazing jeans, they would be dark wash barely bootcut because that is the color that goes with my wardrobe and the cut that flatters me most.
They wouldn’t be red, because that’s not basic enough for that one pair. I usually prefer to add color and pattern in my accessories: jackets, shoes, and bags, but below are some of my favorite wardrobe staples in color or pattern.
Know thyself. Is this a definitive list? Not at all. These are RECOMMENDATIONS. Suggestions. Ideas. Starters. Remember: you know your style best. You, and you alone, know what pieces bring you joy and what styles you feel best in. You know what types of pieces will get worn over and over (my moto jacket), as well as which will ultimately just end up abandoned in your closet (for me that is a blazer).
So when considering what sort of pieces you really need in your list of capsule wardrobe essentials, take some time to reflect and analyze your favorite clothing items first. Which ones do you reach for repeatedly, and which do you immediately take off? My mom and sister would rather die of hypothermia than wear a coat. It’s ok to say, “That just isn’t for me.” Because when it comes to knowing what you love, you’re definitely the expert.
Looking for help to build your capsule wardrobe from the ground up? My detailed seasonal Wardrobe Guides feature a curated capsule collection of 30+ pieces (with shopping links!) catered to your Classic Style Twist, along with outfit ideas for every single day of the week. Starting a capsule wardrobe has never been so easy!
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If you’ve been nodding along with this article, you’re a woman with classic style. Check out these posts to find more style inspiration. Or take our Classic Style Twist quiz here, and then read about the different Twists here to learn how to bring your own personality type through while still embracing classic style.
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