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.
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. 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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SHOP THE Style:
- Summersalt’s The Perfect Boyfriend Shirt is a slightly oversized shirt with a high-low hem that’s perfect for taller ladies and those who want to wear their shirt as a tunic.
- The Silky Cotton Shirt from Everlane has that lived-in casual feel, but you can totally dress it up for work with a pair of trousers.
- H&M’s Cotton Blend Shirt is a great budget option if you’re worried about staining an expensive shirt.
- AYR The Deep End is for those ladies committed to spending a little more for quality in a chic, oversized Oxford that ticks all the boxes from casual to chic to business.
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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SHOP THE Style:
- J. Crew Mid-rise 90s Classic Fit Straight Leg Jean
- Madewell The ’90s Straight Jean
- AGOLDE Lana Mid-Rise Straight
- Totême Classic Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
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?
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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.
SHOP THE Style:
- The Essential Cashmere Cardigan from White & Warren is a timeless, buttoned cardigan with a high-hip hem to avoid any bulkiness to your look.
- Peraluna Classic Knitwear Cardigan – Try this classic style from an independent designer in a blend of cotton and merino wool.
- Everlane The Alpaca V-Neck Cropped Cardigan – A cropped style that’s perfect for petite ladies.
- AYR The Airport Cardi – A slinky v-neck style that’s perfect on its own, dressed up or down.
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 in a dress, or elevate a tank and pair of leggings.
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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.
SHOP THE Style:
- Amanda Uprichard Shawl Collar Blazer – A great style for soft classics.
- Favorite Blazer from Favorite Daughter is semi-fitted and contoured to show off your curves beautifully.
- Nili Lotan Diane Single Breasted Blazer Jacket – Nili Lotan + Tailoring = a match made in heaven (this is on my list for one day).
- Matteu + Net Sustain Wool Blend Blazer – Free of buttons, this sleek blazer is casual chic for those who don’t need a traditional style (but still want to look elevated).
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. 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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SHOP THE Style:
- These classic Twill Suit Pants from NA-KD are elegantly cut with a center pleat and a wide leg (great budget options).
- Avoid any bulk at the waist or hips with these sleek and Sculpted Wide-Leg Trousers from Vince.
- KOTN Women’s Port Trouser – A single pleated style that tapers at the ankle.
- Lafayette 148 New York Finesse Crepe Gates Pant – Minimalist and slinky, these are the trousers of dreams.
- Anine Bing Classic Pant – Simple, high-quality trousers to dress up or down.
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 tan pair instead. Black is extremely versatile in providing that casual chic look with trousers, dresses, and skirts for capsule wardrobe pieces.
SHOP THE Style:
- Try The Palestra Due from M.GEMI for a lightweight minimalist take in Italian-crafted leather.
- Lucky Brand Divhana Sneaker – Great budget option for the minimalist.
- Cole Haan Women’s Grand Crosscourt Sneaker – Classic, comfortable, and quality.
- The Women’s Lace Up sneaker from Thousand Fell is vegan, classy, and super-comfortable.
- LaBante London Apple Leather Sneakers – A sleek vegan style that comes in black, nude, and white.
7. Dressy Blouse
Your capsule wardrobe essentials aren’t complete without a dressy blouse. You always need a few go-to pieces for dates, business affairs, or nights out. 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 if appropriate. Feel free to choose a print, a deep red, or any color that works with the rest of your capsule wardrobe.
SHOP THE Style:
- Nili Lotan’s Gaia Slim Shirt is an elevated blouse in a silk double georgette, very city chic.
- Skip the dry cleaner with the vintage-inspired Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse by Quince.
- Favorite Daughter The Date Blouse Bodysuit – Always stays in place, and works for day-to-night wear.
- Alice + Olivia Finely Oversized Button Down Shirt – Equal parts relaxed and sexy.
8. Flats
A simple pair of flats add elegance to any basic outfit, whether jeans or a 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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SHOP THE Style:
Click here to view the CHIKO Juana Round Toe Block Heel Pumps
- The Natalie by Sarah Flint offers an effortless, pointy-toe design with an asymmetric bow.
- Stuart Weitzman Gabby Ballet Flat – Perfect style for dressing up or down.
- Sam Edelman Wanda Pointed Toe Flat – Budget option for a chic, minimalist style.
- Stuart Weitzman Pointed Toe Mary Jane Flat – Classic meets modern with this all-black flat.
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). Layer it over your collared shirt, or style it with a silk scarf, 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. 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.
SHOP THE Style:
- The Phinneas Wrap from Brochu Walker is elegant and luxurious with a faux wrap that delicately drapes down. Perfect for tucking into skirts or layering over shirts.
- The Crewneck Sweater in Regal Wool by Theory is timeless, delicate, and warm.
- Jenni Kayne Cashmere Frances Polo is luxurious and casual for the office, errands, or a relaxed dinner out.
- Abercrombie + Fitch Notch Neck Sweater is perfect for transitional weather and layering.
10. Skirt
Separates are more versatile than solo garments, which is why a skirt needs to one 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. Always choose the style you feel best in!
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SHOP THE Style:
- Lily Silk Flattering Side Slit Silk Midi Skirt definitely needs a place in your capsule for its chic, minimalist design.
- Banana Republic Factory Maxi Slip Skirt – Flirty, but office-appropriate with a dark pair of tights or leggings layered underneath.
- Try the Pleated Crepe Ade Skirt from Joseph for a fun variation on a pleated skirt with its asymmetric hem…and the waistband is stretchy! I own this and the cost is 100% worth it.
- Victoria Beckham VB Body Pencil Maxi Skirt – Definitely more of a midi skirt with a flattering, body-hugging cut.
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. An LBD is a must-have for classic capsule wardrobe essentials. 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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SHOP THE Style:
- This elevated variation of a midi shirt dress from Heidi Merrick has structured cap sleeves and comes in gorgeous silk charmeuse–the perfect LBD!
- Sophie Rue’s Alicia Ruched Dress has ruching along the sides to create curves while a column effect down the middle adds length and balance to the body.
- Marcella NYC Lyric Dress is long, sleek, and perfect for layering or wearing alone.
- MICHAEL Michael Kors’ Pleated Georgette Midi Dress is a feminine, timeless style that isn’t too loose or too tight.
12. Black Leather Pumps
Complete your curated capsule wardrobe with a pair of leather (or faux leather) pumps. Opt for a matte pair of black pumps that can be dressed up or down. A pump is appropriate for all times of the year, both dressy and casual events. Opt for a low to medium heel (1-4 inches) based on your comfort level. These should fit well as opposed to that super cute pair of heels some of you risk death for on special occasions.
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SHOP THE Style:
- Stuart Weitzman’s pointy-toe Stuart Pumps come in four different heights and three different widths for the purrrrfect fit.
- The sleek Lindella II Burnished Leather from Lauren by Ralph Lauren is a similar style at a lower cost.
- The Wiley Pump from Coach is a flirty take on a classic black pump.
- The Tory Burch Iconic Pointed Toe Pump has a contemporary style with a tapered heel and a tiny logo on the back.
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
For more details, along with affordable options, check out this article: 11 Basic Wardrobe Essentials You’ll Always Need.
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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