Capsule Wardrobe: 10 Basics You Need In Your Closet

There are many different ways to create a capsule wardrobe. You can create a capsule wardrobe for each season. You can find inspiration based on different trends like French-girl style or the minimalist look. Capsule wardrobes for stay-at-home moms, capsule wardrobes for living in specific places, and even capsule wardrobes based on your favorite color are all real ways to go about creating a collection of timeless pieces that won’t go out of style. Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called Wardrobe from the 1970s, coined the term “capsule wardrobe” and suggested that a woman’s wardrobe should contain two pairs of pants, a dress, a skirt, a jacket, a coat, a knit, two pairs of shoes and two bags. This was in the 1970s, and while fashion has definitely changed, the need for a wardrobe that can be stretched in to endless outfits hasn’t. 

Jeans:

This one’s obvious. Having a perfect pair of jeans that fit you like a glove not only boosts your confidence, but they’re also so versatile. Jeans can be dressed up and dressed down, perfect for a target run and for date night. This is the point of a capsule wardrobe: each piece of clothing can be worn a hundred different ways. Pair your jeans with a blouse and a blazer, and you’re professional chic. Pair them with your favorite band tee and a pair sneakers, and you’re ready for a casual day of running errands. 

Slacks:

As equally versatile as jeans are slacks. Slacks can be worn to a job interview, to the bar for girls’ night out, and to grandma’s house for tea. Slacks can come in any color: navy, black, gray, and (if you’re daring enough) a beige or cream. No matter the color, your slacks should be able to be worn with a graphic tee and a blouse, with both heels and sneakers. 

A Dress:

This dress doesn’t have to be black. Maybe you look your hottest in red. But whatever the color, make sure you look great. If we’re being realistic, you probably don’t own only one dress. But if you do only have one dress, then the cut of the dress becomes a little more important. If you’re looking for extreme versatility, you don’t want a dress that’s too sexy or one that’s too casual. Find a balance between a jersey t-shirt dress and an LBD, one that can be worn for date night and for brunch with the girls. 

A Skirt:

Skirts come in so many shapes, cuts, lengths, and prints: mini, midi, maxi; plaid, leopard, striped. The possibilities are endless. But what’s going to be the most versatile? In a capsule wardrobe, your emphasis should be on basics, both in cut and color. Blacks, navys, and whites. But in regard to your shirt choice, maybe choose a printed skirt. Leopard is actually super versatile as it can be paired with a graphic tee, a blouse, or a leather jacket. A skirt is a perfect opportunity to throw some color or a print into your closet filled with basics. You should also consider length. A mini skirt might not be appropriate for a working professional, and the perpetual vacation vibe that a maxi skirt brings might not work for you either. So, try out a midi skirt. 

A Jacket:

A jacket is obviously a centerpiece of a capsule wardrobe. You’ll be wearing it often and with everything. So choose a jacket that you absolutely love! Leather jackets, denim jackets, or a trench are all perfect jackets for a capsule wardrobe; they’re neutral in color, and they’re all three classic silhouettes. They’re also practical. All three of these jackets are great for chilly mornings and cold nights. 

Two Tees:

If you were to walk into my closet, you’d see probably 50 t-shirts. I’m not even kidding. I love band tees. So I can’t relate to the idea of only having one tee. But the point of a capsule wardrobe is quality over quantity. Instead of having of a bunch of old, raggedy t-shirts (unless that’s your style), choose a couple that are meaningful for whatever reason–your favorite band or a quote you like. Can the tee be worn with both jeans and slacks? Both sneakers and heels? If so, it passes the test. 

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A Blouse:

A blouse is a must-have in any wardrobe, capsule or not. A blouse can be worn with anything and for any occasion: brunch, an interview, date night. A blouse with buttons is perfect because for a job interview, you don’t want to show too much cleavage. But for date night, you do. The buttons allow you to customize your look, from dressed up to dressed down, from potential employee to potential wifey. 

Heels/Boots:

The world of fashion is split in two: there are boot girls, and there are heel girls. And then there are the girls who cannot be placed into either category because they love heels and boots. You do you, girl. Nude heels or black pumps are obviously classics, as are combat boots. A capsule wardrobe should be all about you, a visual representation of what you’re all about. So is it heels or boots? Or both? 

Sneakers:

Some days we just want to throw on sneakers and call it a day. If that’s your vibe once in a while (or Sunday through Saturday), then you gotta find a pair of sneakers that are comfy, versatile, and durable. Is your style more Converse All Stars or Balenciaga? At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is the sneakers ability to be paired with a dress and a graphic tee with jeans. 

A capsule wardrobe should be versatile, filled with basics, and a visual representation of who you are. With only ten pieces of clothing, you can create endless outfits for any occasion. Dress them down, dress them up. No matter what, you’re going to look good. Comment down below your must-have items in your wardrobe.

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