Are you always scrambling to find something to wear? Well, I’m here to help a sister out with my “How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: The Essentials” post that will help ease your mind when you’re in a wardrobe slump. You can either pair these pieces together for one classic outfit or mix and match these items with clothing you already own to give your closet that flair it may be lacking.
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Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
A Classic White Button Down
The versatility of a classic white button-down is endless! Whether you are going to pair it with jeans, leggings, or my personal favorite a bathing suit you can never go wrong. You can shop my favorites here, here, and here and they are always great to throw in your suitcase. I am guilty of owning more than 5 white button-downs. What can I say? They never go out of style!
Black Leather Bag
I mean what is more classic than a black leather bag? Whether it’s a satchel, tote, or crossbody you can’t go wrong with adding a classic black leather bag to your collection. I absolutely love my Gucci Soho Crossbody (you can read the full review by clicking that link) or a classic leather tote. If you’re going to invest in one item out of these five make it this one. Since the cost per wear is high.
Little Black Dress
A closet without a little black dress is like the sky without the sun or the moon. It doesn’t work! I can’t tell you how many times having a solid little black dress on hand has saved me. Depending on how you style a little black dress, it’s super versatile. Below are my favorites right now:
- LSPACE LBD is perfect for summer or vacations
- Monrow Lauren LBD is the best casual one
- L’ACADEMIE LBD is great for work (with a cami underneath) or a date night
- Susana Monaco LBD for a wedding or event
A Neutral body-suit
Simple, elegant, and easy to throw on with just about anything. Pair it with a silk skirt and pumps or denim shorts and sandals there are multiple ways to wear a bodysuit. I personally wouldn’t invest in a super expensive bodysuit since they usually wear out within one-two seasons. I always find the best ones at Abercrombie and Revolve.
White Sneakers
If you have not jumped on the white sneaker trend, what are you waiting for? These are not going anywhere anytime soon and have taken the fashion world by storm. There are so many great options for white sneakers. The best part is you can wear them during any season! Go the trendy route and pick up a pair of Golden Goose. Or a California cool girl classic Vans sneakers are the way to go. Finally, Madewell sneakers are trendy, comfortable, AND affordable (the trifecta – wearing them above).
Below are stylish ways you can pair sneakers:
- dresses
- shorts
- wide leg pants
- jeans
- leggings
Camel Topper or Trench Coat
The perfect addition to your fall/winter outerwear collection is a camel topper. These babies will never go out of style and are such a beautiful way to pull together a look. You can pair it with leggings and sneakers for a casual look or opt for jeans and heels for a night out. I am always reaching for it when the weather gets colder. You can shop the investment piece here and for a more affordable version check this one out. Finally, for the spring and fall seasons, trench coats are the perfect transitional pieces.
Chic Blazer
If you want to take an outfit to the next level, throw a blazer on it! The outfit possibilities are endless with this one: you can pair this with a dress and sneakers for a chic spring look or jeans and pumps for a classic date night look. Whatever you chose, adding a chic blazer to your wardrobe is a good choice! I love this one from Abercrombie because it’s trendy but classic at the same time. Finally, this black blazer from J CREW is chic, classic, and will last you for years.
A Leather Jacket
The best way to spruce up any outfit would be to add a leather jacket. I love wearing mine over a slip dress with heels for date night or dressed down with jeans, sneakers, and a tank. They can be super versatile and it’s best to purchase a good quality one so it’ll last for years to come. I own this All Saints jacket that I have had for years and it’s still in perfect condition. This Nordstrom leather jacket is more classic and if you’re on a budget this leather jacket is super affordable and I love the neutral color.
Leather Pumps
The best investment your feet will ever make is these Manolo Blahnik BB pumps. They’re incredibly comfortable, timeless, and effortless. I’ve had them for years and the quality of the shoes is unmatched. A simple black pump can be paired with jeans for a night out or with a skirt for the office. However, you wear it it’s a closet must-have! For a more affordable pair, check these ones out!
Good Fitting Jeans
Everyone needs a pair of good-fitting jeans in their life. I’m the type of gal that has multiple sizes of jeans in my closet because my weight fluctuates. Whether they’re classic straight-leg jeans, trendy wide-leg jeans, or everyone’s favorite (sorry Gen Z) skinny jeans – they all fit seamlessly into your capsule wardrobe. Pair them with a bodysuit and mules for a chic look or throw on a cropped tee and slip-on sneakers for a more casual look.
Lastly, I created this fun video to showcase all the pieces you need to add to create your capsule wardrobe. Check it out below:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/188940146857672052/Seasonal Essentials
Denim Shorts
In the summertime, nothing screams classic casual style like a pair of denim shorts. Just like the jeans above, you want them to fit perfectly since they act as a base for the outfit. I love my levis shorts they are super classic and will never go out of style. Also, these curve love Abercrombie shorts fit really well.
Wool Fedora
In the winter adding a wool fedora to your look will elevate the sh*t out of it. Excuse my language but it’s true. I’ve had my rag and bone fedora for years (it’s a classic). For a more affordable version check out this fedora that I also own. It’s very versatile since it can be worn in spring/summer as well.
Straw Fedora
For the summer, adding a straw fedora to your closet will not only protect your skin from the sun but also add a little flair to your look. I have so many that I’ve collected over the years (what can I say, they’re kind of my thing) but my two favorites are linked here and here.
BLACK booties OR NEUTRAL BOOTIES
For the fall/winter seasons having a solid pair of booties on deck is always a good idea. I have been LIVING in these neutral booties you see pictured above. Insider tip: I always find good black booties at the Zara sale so keep your eyes peeled next time.
I hope you found these “Capsule Wardrobe Essentials” helpful. For more styling tips head to my style page! If you have any questions at all please feel free to comment below and I will get back to ya!
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XO,
Courtney
These are great! I honestly like some of the save alternatives better than the splurge ones! And the shoes look so alike ? perfect items for a casual night out!
I do too! You don’t always have to spend more to get good items! Thanks for reading!
I love this so much! Such great outfit ideas and I don’t believe you need to splurge to look amazing. Great job!