What capsule wardrobe essentials does one need to get started? These key pieces will jumpstart your journey into simple, modern style.
Every closet needs a good set of capsule wardrobe essentials. They make up the foundation of your style, to which you can add more interesting, seasonal pieces to create an aesthetic unique to you.
While every wardrobe needs basics, capsule wardrobe staples are a step up from basics. They’re timeless items that become the key elements of an outfit instead of basics, which are layering pieces hidden underneath or worn exclusively at home.
Because of its simplicity and essential role in outfit creation, a capsule wardrobe requires a larger investment. An important tenet of owning a capsule wardrobe is purchasing high-quality items that will stand the test of time.
Here are 12 key pieces to kickstart your journey in creating the best capsule wardrobe ever.
This post is all about capsule wardrobe essentials.
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Best Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
1. White Collared Shirt
A white collared shirt is the most obvious of all capsule wardrobe essentials due to its versatility with everyday outfits, workwear, and going out looks. Choose a style with a relaxed or oversized fit that looks equally as good with denim jeans as it does with a skirt or trousers. Opt for ivory if you find that white washes you out.
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2. Classic Denim Jeans
Every curated capsule wardrobe has a pair of classic denim jeans. Classic means the jeans are in a blue that’s timeless such as a formal dark blue or a medium-blue rinse that can be dressed up or down. Avoid trendy styles with whisking, distressing, embellishments, or fading that are less versatile to style with.
Straight-leg jeans are the most classic and versatile of all denim cuts, a must for French capsule wardrobe essentials. It’s always best to find the style that flatters your figure. Decide if you prefer loose or slim styles and whether you need a curvy cut at the waist. It’s up to you if you go for full length or cropped–do you wear heels often or not?
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3. Basic Cardigan
Every capsule wardrobe formula has a basic cardigan that styles with the rest of the items in the capsule wardrobe. Decide if you prefer a fitted, semi-fitted, or loose style. Do you like long cardigans or short ones? What will you get the most wear out of based on climate and preference? A cardigan with three-season wear is your best bet for winter, spring, and fall wardrobe essentials.
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Shorter cardigans can be worn alone, or tucked into a belted skirt or pair of pants, so opt for those first based on versatility alone. Longer cardigans are sleek and drape nicely over your clothing underneath. Choose a solid neutral that goes with the rest of your capsule wardrobe.
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4. Black Blazer
A black blazer is the hero of capsule wardrobe essentials. It’s certainly more functional than it looks on a hanger or at the office. Layer one over chunky knits, belt it with cropped pants, throw one over your shoulders with a slip dress, or even elevate a tank and pair of leggings. A classic style that’s loose enough to layer underneath, but not too oversized to go out of style is the sweet spot for me.
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If you invest in any of these capsule wardrobe pieces, I definitely recommend getting a nicer blazer (and having it tailored to fit you perfectly, if needed). A good quality blazer can last a lifetime and jackets are one of those things you can easily tell budget from premium to luxury. Try it out and it may become your jacket of choice as opposed to all other jackets.
One jacket to rule them all? Possibly.
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5. Trousers
A well-fitting pair of trousers or pants in a capsule wardrobe for women is key for times that require something more formal than jeans. However, trousers aren’t only for interviews and offices–they are a must-have for a travel wardrobe. Pair yours with a fitted tank and sneakers and show up at the airport in style. With capsule wardrobe essentials, you always have control over the versatility of each item.
Opt for a style that’s mid-rise to high-rise for the best wearability with other items in your closet. Black, gray, or camel are your best color options.
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6. White Sneakers
White sneakers are the epitome of casual cool as far as how to build a capsule wardrobe. The most important thing about these sneakers is that they are truly white (or ivory), so proper wear and care are key to keeping them nice. Opt for a leather or faux leather style as opposed to a canvas that soils more easily.
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Also, if you absolutely can’t do white sneakers (I more than understand this), try a black or beige pair instead. Black is extremely versatile in providing that casual chic look with trousers, dresses, and skirts for capsule wardrobe pieces.
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7. Dressy Blouse
Your capsule wardrobe essentials aren’t complete without a dressy blouse. You always need a few elegant pieces for date nights, corporate outfits, or a cute denim outfit on a trip to Nashville or somewhere trendy. A silk blouse is a romantic timeless item you’ll have for years.
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Opt for a style that’s semi-fitted and can be tucked into pants and skirts, but also worn untucked and French-tucked, if appropriate. Feel free to choose a print, a deep red, or any color that works with the rest of your capsule wardrobe.
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8. Flats
A simple pair of flats add elegance to any basic outfit, whether jeans or a black dress. Determine whether you prefer pointy-toe or rounded-toe flats and opt for either a black or tan for the most versatility. A sleek leather style is classic, but your capsule wardrobe might include a style that’s all about comfort and wearability, such as Birdies and Rothy’s.
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9. Semi-fitted Sweater
A sweater needs to be on your list of time capsule wardrobe essentials. Try something slightly relaxed to semi-fitted, which is appropriate for dressing up or down on cooler days (or when the air conditioning is blasting in the office or on the airplane). Layer it over your collared shirt or style it with a silk scarf and you can’t go wrong.
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Choose a crewneck or a v-neck depending on what flatters you most. A cashmere knit or blend looks the most elegant, so keep that in mind when you’re investing in something. If you live in a warmer climate, a cotton or silk knit is appropriate for a casual summer outfit on a cool evening, with a pair of linen pants.
Light-colored neutrals such as ivory, heather gray, and beige add interest when layered under a black blazer for a fall or winter capsule wardrobe.
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10. Skirt
Separates are more versatile than solo ensembles, which is why a skirt needs to on your capsule wardrobe essentials list. A knee-length skirt or midi skirt is the most appropriate. Your best colors for a skirt are black, gray, tan, navy, or beige.
Depending on your body shape you may opt for something fitted, like a pencil skirt, or something flowy like an accordion skirt. Pleated skirts are a classic option because the vertical lines create length and help slim the body, you can cinch the waist to create curves, and they flow freely.
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11. Simple Dress
A simple dress is the only solo garment on the list of capsule wardrobe items. This dress should give you 3-4 seasons of wear (with layering and shoe options) if you shop smart. Choose a simple design that can be styled with your other capsule pieces, plus any fun accessories, for day time or going out outfits.
An LBD is a must-have for classic capsule wardrobe essentials as it provides a last minute outfit for a wedding guest or a first date. However, opting for a navy or a camel to better suit your skin tone or climate is also a great option.
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12. Ankle Boots
Complete your curated capsule wardrobe with a pair of chic ankle boots. Opt for a minimalist pair of Chelsea boots with a mid-to-low heel that you can style with the rest of your closet essentials and trendy pieces.
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Boots can be worn year-round with anything from skirts to leggings to denim.
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Don’t Forget Basics To Support Your Capsule Wardrobe Formula
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a good set of basic wardrobe essentials. These are simple layering items, such as tops and tees or a quintessential pair of black leggings. Without basics, your wardrobe lacks the level of simplicity and ease that these items bring to the table when getting dressed.
Here’s the list of basics every woman needs in her wardrobe at all times:
- Silky camisoles – 1 white/ivory, 1 black
- Tanks – 1 Light, 1 Dark
- Black leggings
- Plain T-shirt in your favorite neutral color
- Long sleeve tees – 1 light, 1 dark
- Casual button-down shirt (not the same as a white collared shirt)
- Layering turtleneck
- Thermal undershirt (cashmere blend recommended)
- Casual knit jumper (oversized and comfortable)
- Stockings (1 black, 1 to match your skin tone)
- Strapless bra
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Take your wardrobe planning to the next level with the Ultimate Wardrobe Essentials List, completely free to download and use on your mobile device or print out.
What’s your favorite neutral color for your capsule wardrobe? Comment below.
This post was all about capsule wardrobe essentials
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These essentials are so on point for building a strong foundation. Each piece feels intentional, wearable, and right on trend.
Jessica,
Thank you so much! I agree–having these pieces enables me to style any other piece in my wardrobe, regardless of color, trend or aesthetic. Thanks for reading!
~Laura