Build the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe with These 12 Essentials

When it comes to your wardrobe, sometimes less is more. Fast fashion and trying to keep up with every new trend is so last season.

Selecting a few high-quality pieces to create a capsule wardrobe can save you time and money. A closet filled with statement pieces and ultra-trendy items can make picking out an outfit frustrating. Instead, opt for pieces that are timeless and chic and can be mixed and matched to create various outfits.

While 12 items might not be enough to build an entire capsule wardrobe, these are the pieces we think are great building blocks for starting one. In true capsule wardrobe fashion, you can rotate them for different seasons and occasions.

White Button-Down

Perhaps the backbone of a capsule wardrobe is the white button-down. You can use it as a layering piece in the spring or wear it under a wool sweater in the winter. The white button-down is comfortable, stylish and versatile.

However, not all button-downs are created equal. You’ll want to find something that isn’t too thin and see-through and is also made of good-quality fabric. Ideally, linen or cotton.

Little Black Dress

Coco Chanel unveiled the little black dress (LBD) in 1926. Since then, it's been an essential piece in many women’s wardrobe. It can be dressed up or dressed down, paired with tights and boots in the fall or heels in the summer, and worn to a party or the office.

Pick an LBD made of high-quality fabric, like silk or cotton, so that it lasts for many occasions. This iconic piece is a great gateway for your capsule wardrobe.

Black Heels

Similar to the LBD, a good pair of black heels is essential for your capsule wardrobe. Having a pair of comfortable, neutral shoes is a great way to save yourself frustration and time when trying to match your shoes to your outfits.

If black isn’t your favorite color, then other neutral colors like nude, gray, or white are great options as well. The important thing is that the heels are comfortable, versatile, and not too trendy, making them look out of style when you try to wear them in a few months.

White T-shirt

Believe it or not, a basic white T-shirt in a high-quality fabric can elevate your outfit and make you look more put together. T-shirts can also be great for layering under sweaters or cardigans.

White is a great place to start. But as you build your capsule wardrobe, you can also add neutral colors and a few statement colors that work for you. Make sure the shirt has a flattering cut and neckline.

Tailored Jeans

If you opt for timeless cuts that are flattering, jeans can be elevated. You can go with a lighter wash of denim if you want something more casual or a darker wash for something a little more dressy.

Similar to white button-downs and T-shirts, jeans are an item you can build your wardrobe around. A fun denim can also add a pop to a neutral outfit or make you look a little trendier.

Cashmere Sweater

Sweaters and jackets are those items that, in my opinion, are worth the investment. By investing in a sweater that’s made from high-quality materials, you’ll find yourself reaching for the comfy, cozy piece in your closet all the time.

Ideally, you’ll want a thinner sweater for the warmer seasons and a thicker sweater for when it gets chilly. I say to opt for neutral colors here, too, since you’ll use these as layering pieces.

Neutral Trench Coat

A trench coat can add polish to even the most basic outfit. It can make a little black dress for date night or a pair of tailored jeans and a T-shirt in the park look like an Instagram-worthy trend.

A camel trench coat looks great in the fall and spring, while moodier tones like black and gray look great in the winter. Trench coats can be pricey but worth the investment.

Blazer

The blazer is like the trench coat’s more casual cousin, for it's cool enough to go from the office to drinks with friends.

I like a slightly oversized blazer in a neutral gray or brown tone where I can roll up the sleeves and give a sort of relaxed look. So many options exist when it comes to the structure of a blazer, so you can lean into your personal style here.

Tank Top

A tank top is a great layering piece for the winter or fall. In the spring and summer, it’s also a great way to stay cool and look put together without trying too hard.

You’ll want to make sure your tank top is high-quality and made of fabrics that will last through washes and wears. I think a white tank top is the best place to start, as it works year-round.

Tailored Trousers

Tailored trousers have made their way out of the office and into the real world. You can wear trousers to date nights, at bars and concerts paired with a cute crop top or well-fitting t-shirt.

Trousers should fit well to your body and complement your shape. You’ll also want to make sure they aren’t too long; sloppy isn't the look you're going for.

Day-to-Evening Dress

Having a dress that's business-appropriate for the office but you're also comfortable in for drinks after work is important. Higher necklines, longer hemlines and elegant tailoring can make a dress appropriate for the office while also still being flattering.

Browns, dark blues and blacks are great neutral tones that can be flattering for lots of different skin tones. A bonus? Darker tones look more formal and business-like.

Simple Belt

Don't forget about accessories when choosing items for your capsule wardrobe. A simple belt is a great place to start and can be paired with a variety of items, like a dress, skirt or jeans.

Investing in a high-quality belt can make you look more put together. I recommend choosing a neutral color and ensuring the buckle isn’t too large.