Dive into the world of minimalist fashion with our essential guide to capsule basics, and discover the basic pieces that will simplify your wardrobe and your life.
A study showed that women on average spend 16 minutes every day selecting what they are going to wear. By creating a capsule wardrobe, you lower that time because the pieces should already go together and there aren’t too many options.
While your capsule wardrobe will be unique to you and your style. There are some basic pieces that belong in every wardrobe. Write down the styles you love and what capsule basics you need to make the most of your current wardrobe.
Basic Tops
Solid-colored tees, layering tanks, and long-sleeved shirts are essential pieces of any capsule wardrobe due to their versatility and practicality.
Solid-colored tees serve as the perfect base layer, easily paired with jeans, skirts, or under blazers for a polished look.
Layering tanks are invaluable for adding warmth and dimension to outfits, whether worn under sweaters in cooler weather or on their own during warmer months.
Long-sleeved shirts offer additional coverage and can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions.
Stay cozy with a sustainable knit or cashmere sweater. Opt for options made from organic cotton or recycled fibers. You can layer it over dresses or pair it with jeans for those colder days.
Button-Down Shirts
Button-down shirts exude a polished and versatile look, which is why they are capsule basics for every style. Whether tucked into pants, untucked or knotted, it’s a reliable choice. For an easy mix and match that suits most styles, go for white and chambray, otherwise stick with neutral colors like gray, black, beige, navy, etc…
White Button-Down Shirt
The white button-down shirt always stays in fashion, and you can easily mix and match it. You can wear this classic piece in many ways. Check out my post, White Button-Down Magic for styling tips.
Chambray Shirt
Another shirt that has endless options. The chambray fabric is known for its durability and ease of styling, pairing well with a variety of outfits. Whether worn alone or as a light layer, it’s a staple piece that adds a touch of effortless style to your curated collection of essentials.
Basic Bottoms
When it comes to selecting the perfect bottoms for your wardrobe, the options are endless. Whether you prefer pants, jeans, shorts, dresses, or skirts, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Each type of bottom offers unique benefits and can be styled in countless ways to suit your individual taste and needs.
Pants
Pants and jeans are versatile staples that can transition seamlessly from casual to business casual, depending on how you style them.
You can use a classic pair of jeans for everyday wear and also dress them up for business casual. You’re going to want a little variety, so select a dark wash and a lighter wash. A pair of well-fitting jeans is a must-have.
Unless you are going with exclusively dresses and skirts, another essential bottom is a black dress pant. Just like jeans, there are a variety of cuts and designs, so you will need to shop around a bit and find a style that suits your body type and style.
Shorts, Skirts and Dresses
Shorts are perfect for warmer weather and can be dressed up or down for various occasions. On the other hand, dresses and skirts offer a feminine touch and can be incredibly versatile, ranging from casual daywear to elegant evening attire.
For skirts, a pencil or an A-line in a neutral color like black, navy, or gray are the most universal. You can easily go from business professional with a button up shirt and blazer to casual when paired with a graphic tee or cozy sweater.
In cooler weather, layer your A-line skirt with tights or leggings and a long coat. A pair of knee-high boots or ankle booties and a scarf can add warmth and style.
Include a few dresses in your wardrobe that can be easily dressed up or down. Suggestions to consider for what to keep in your closet is:
- Simple printed wrap dress
- Little black dress
- Slip Dress
- Shirtdress
- Maxi Dress
Remember, there are no right or wrong rules when it comes to fashion. The key is to choose pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. Explore different styles, cuts, and fabrics to find what works best for you. Your wardrobe should be a reflection of your personality and lifestyle, so have fun experimenting and creating looks that you love.
Outerwear
There are a number of pieces that you can use as outerwear for your wardrobe. Each of these pieces can help add character and options to your outfit. Pick one or all for your capsule basics depending on your style.
First up is a pleather jacket. It can be worn with jeans and a graphic tee for casual looks or over a dress for an edgier look. Pleather jackets are great for transitional weather. They provide a good layer of warmth without being too heavy, making them perfect for spring and fall.
Another staple for spring and fall is the denim jacket. Denim is a sturdy fabric that will last for years. It can be added to most outfits to create a cool, laid-back look.
Your capsule wardrobe could also use a good blazer and cardigan. A blazer can instantly elevate any outfit and make it look more polished. Meanwhile, cardigans are great for layering and can add a cozy touch to your outfit.
Finally, a trench coat is an essential outerwear piece for any capsule wardrobe. This timeless item is perfect for transitional weather and complements all styles.
Winter Weather Basics
Those of us that live in cooler climates have a few more requirements to survive (literally) our winters. Here are some essentials you will need to keep on hand. Since winter weather can be hard on these items, I suggest investing in higher quality pieces to ensure they last for more years.
- High quality winter coat
- Pair of insulated gloves
- Stocking cap
- “Snow” boots (insulated and waterproof)
- Optional: a scarf or cowl
Shoes
Footwear is also an important part of your capsule wardrobe. Here are some suggestions for shoes to get the most options out of them.
- Solid color sneakers
- Boots (preferably ankle booties)
- Classic pump heels- Only if you are comfortable wearing them and select a height that you can comfortably walking in.
- Sandal
- Flat-ballet flat, mules or loafers
Accessories
Don’t forget your accessories! This depends entirely on your style. Here are some basic suggestions:
- Leather bag
- Going-out clutch
- Tote bag
- Crossbody bag
- Versatile scarf
- Everday stud earrings
- Sunglasses
Remember, building an ethical capsule wardrobe is a gradual process. Start with a few capsule basics and gradually transition to more ethical and sustainable options over time. Remember, the key to a capsule wardrobe is to focus on quality, versatility, and pieces that truly reflect your personal style. By being intentional with your purchases and taking the time to curate a well-rounded wardrobe, you can create a stylish and affordable capsule wardrobe.
By choosing high quality, versatile pieces that you love to wear, you can create a capsule wardrobe that will take you from day to night and season to season.
Community
Ready to take your style journey to the next level? Join our communities and unlock a world of fashion and sustainability inspiration.
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Capsule Wardrobe Community Facebook Group – Master the capsule wardrobe to simplify your closet and elevate your style. Get advice, exchange ideas, and create a wardrobe you love!
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