• About
  • Home
  • TRAVEL
    • California
      • Big Sur
        • A Complete Guide to Visiting Big Sur
        • Visiting Carmel by The Sea: a Full Travel Guide
      • Joshua Tree
        • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
        • Best Things to Do in Pioneertown California: A Complete Guide
      • Los Angeles
        • A Complete Guide to Visting Catalina Island
        • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • Palm Springs
        • The Ultimate Palm Springs Weekend Travel Guide
        • 20 Best Instagram Spots in Palm Springs: A Complete Guide
      • San Juan Capistrano
      • San Diego
        • The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local
        • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
        • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
        • The Insider’s Guide to Balboa Park
        • Best Things to Do in San Diego
        • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
      • Santa Barbara
        • Visiting Solvang California The Most Charming Town
        • Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara, California
      • San Francisco
        • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
        • Visiting Sausalito: a Perfect Day Trip from San Francisco
      • Yosemite
        • A Complete Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park
    • Europe
      • Italy
        • A First Timer’s Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast
        • A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Florence, Italy
        • An Ultimate Guide to the Top Sights in Rome
      • 4 Days in Paris Itinerary
      • The Ultimate 8 Days in Ireland Itinerary
      • An Ultimate City Guide: Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
      • 2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary
      • First Timer’s Travel Guide to London
      • 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary: A First Timer’s Guide
    • Hawaii
      • A Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Maui, Hawaii
      • A First Timer’s Guide to The Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii
      • My Experience Traveling to Hawaii during Covid
      • Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Queens Bath
      • The Ultimate 5 Day Kauai Itinerary: a travel guide
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
      • The Best North Shore Oahu Beaches to Visit
      • Most Beautiful Places in Kauai: Best Photo Spots
    • New York
      • 36 Must See Places in New York: written by a local
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • A Local’s Guide to Visiting Montauk New York
      • 15 Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
      • 15 Christmas Activities in New York: Best Things to Do in December
    • Mexico
      • Tulum
        • The Ultimate Tulum Travel Guide
        • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • USA
      • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
      • One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park: A Complete Itinerary
      • 17 of The Best Things to Do in Seattle: a First Timer’s Guide
      • A Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Sedona
      • How to Spend 3 Days in Chicago: a Chicago Itinerary
      • A Complete Weekend Guide to Scottsdale Arizona
      • A Complete Weekend to Boston Trip Itinerary
      • The Ultimate Weekend in Charleston Itinerary
      • New Orleans Weekend Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in NOLA
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
    • Hotels & Resorts
      • Complete Hotel Review: Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
      • Complete Resort Review: Iberostar Grand Bavaro Punta Cana
    • Travel Tips
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • Best Practices on How to Find Cheap Flights
  • Style + Lifestyle
    • Product Reviews
      • An Honest Dior Saddle Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Review of the Gucci Princetown Mule
      • My Honest Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag Review + How to Style
      • My Honest Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boot Review + How to Style
      • 5 Reasons Why You Need the Gucci Soho Disco Bag
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
    • Packing Guides
      • Travel Capsule Wardrobe: How to Dress Like A European
      • What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
      • 35 Airport Outfits: How to Look Effortless while Traveling
      • The Ultimate Packing Guide: 29 Must Have Travel Essentials
      • What to Pack for Hawaii: The Ultimate Hawaii Packing List
      • What to Pack for Italy: a packing list
      • What to Wear in Palm Springs: The Best Packing Guide
      • What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List
    • Styling Guides
      • 14 Cute Summer Outfits Ideas to Try in 2022
      • 25 of The Best Denim Shorts to Wear this Summer
      • How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: The Essentials
      • 12 Bodysuits to Shop Now
      • How to Style a Slip Dress
      • 18 Best Straight Leg Jeans and How to Style Them
      • Fall Outfit Ideas: The Best Trends to Try in 2022
      • 28 Best Holiday Outfits: What to Wear this Holiday
    • Photography
      • A Guide to the Best Central Park Photo Spots
      • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
      • Best Photo Spots in Santa Barbara, California
      • A Complete Guide on Day Tripping to Joshua Tree
      • Most Beautiful Places in Kauai: Best Photo Spots
      • 20 of The Best Photo Spots in Los Angeles
      • The Ultimate Guide to Best Las Vegas Photo Spots
      • Best Oahu Instagram Spots: a Photography Guide
      • 18 of The Best Photo Spots in San Francisco
      • The Ultimate Guide to Tulum Instagram Spots
      • How to Edit in Lightroom Classic
      • The Best Photo Editing Apps for your iPhone
    • Lifestyle
      • Christmas Gift Ideas 2022: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
      • Our Boho Mid Century Modern Home Tour in San Diego
      • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
    • Skincare
      • The Best Summer Skincare + SPF Essentials for Glowing Skin
      • What I’m Purchasing at the Sephora Sale 2022
      • A Complete Review of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
      • Vitamin C Serum Benefits: and The Best Ones to Buy
      • Best Skincare Products + How to Layer Correctly
      • Are Necessaire Products Worth the Hype? A Full Review
  • San Diego
    • A Complete Guide to Visiting Carlsbad Flower Fields 2023
    • The Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide: written by a local
    • 20 San Diego Hidden Gems: written by a local
    • An Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch in San Diego
    • Best Restaurants to Try in San Diego for 2023
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego 4th of July 2022
    • A Complete Locals Guide on Things to Do in Balboa Park
    • The 25 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California
    • The Best Photo Spots in San Diego: A Photography Guide
    • A Local’s Guide to Coronado Island
    • 12 Amazing Things to Do in Julian California
    • The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Christmas Activities
    • The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • Shop
  • Travel
    • california
      • big sur
      • joshua tree
      • los angeles
      • palm springs
      • san diego
      • san francisco
      • santa barbara
      • yosemite
    • europe
      • amsterdam
      • An Ultimate City Guide: Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
      • 2 Days in Seville: a Complete Seville Itinerary
      • italy
        • amalfi coast
        • florence
        • rome
      • london
      • paris
    • hawaii
    • mexico
    • New York
    • usa
      • The Best 2 Day Zion National Park Itinerary
      • arizona
      • boston
      • charleston
      • Chicago
      • new orleans
      • seattle
    • hotels
      • Sands Hotel and Spa in Palm Springs
  • Blog
    • Style
    • photography
    • packing guides
    • product review
    • Lifestyle
    • skincare
  • San Diego
  • Work With Me
  • Shop My Looks

Le Travel Style

by Courtney Delfino • a San Diego based travel + lifestyle blog inspiring you to travel in style

Blog, Style · Last Updated: February 9, 2022

How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe: The Essentials

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.

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support!

Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

  • girl posing in front of dominican republic resort
  • palm springs outfit

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

  • gucci soho disco

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

  • the scott resort
  • CORONADO CALIFORNIA
  • neutral bodysuit

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

girl standing on rooftops of Barcelona Cathedral
girl standing in front of Bankers Hill home holding a camera

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

  • girl wearing camel topper new york city
  • girl wearing camel topper in new york city

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

  • 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

  • palm springs street

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

  • BALBOA PARK san diego
  • balboa park rose garden

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
girl standing on park guell staircase
girl sitting on park bench in central park during fall season

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!

pin this post for later

capsule wardrobe
cap

XO,

Courtney

In: Blog, Style · Tagged: blog, style

You’ll Also Love

What to Wear in San Diego: The Ultimate Packing Guide from a Local
The Ultimate Paris Packing List for Every Season
Christmas Gift Ideas 2022: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Comments

  1. Josefine says

    August 19, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    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!

  2. Courtney Delfino says

    August 19, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    I do too! You don’t always have to spend more to get good items! Thanks for reading!

  3. Taylor Deer says

    August 19, 2019 at 3:28 pm

    I love this so much! Such great outfit ideas and I don’t believe you need to splurge to look amazing. Great job!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

What to Pack for Mexico: a Packing List

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms
  • Work With Me

Copyright © 2023 Le Travel Style · Theme by 17th Avenue