Building a capsule wardrobe is all about figuring out what, exactly, you like or need to wear on a daily basis, then tailoring your closet to meet that personal style. Everyone does this to an extent, but investing in the right wardrobe essentials—and saving money on unnecessary purchases in the long run—requires some intentionality. It doesn’t just look like buying the right T-shirt; it’s really about setting yourself up with well-made pieces you’ll want to wear over and over again.
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“The idea of a capsule wardrobe can be completely different for everyone,” says Rent the Runway stylist Maeve Reilly, who structures looks around staples. “Your capsule is your go-to items that make you feel confident and comfortable,” whether that’s elevated dresses or simple white sneakers. And Liisa Jokinen, founder of vintage-shopping hub Gem, echoes that sentiment: “There isn’t just one capsule wardrobe; mine can look completely different from someone else’s, and you don’t need to add any trench coats or blue jeans,” she says. Both experts agree that it’s best to invest in your hero items; meanwhile, seasonal trends and statement pieces can be cheaper, secondhand, or rented in case you fall out of love with them in a season or two.
Below, shop the capsule-wardrobe items that fit in most women’s closets. Think of them as guideposts while you’re filling out your collection—we encourage you to branch out from there.
Regardless of whatever your style looks like, you could use a nice white T-shirt. It’s a hardworking basic that goes with everything and is crucial for layering during every season. Find a cut that speaks to you, then buy multiples so you’re never without a crisp tee on hand.
1. The white T-shirt
Regardless of whatever your style looks like, you could use a nice white T-shirt. It’s a hardworking basic that goes with everything and is crucial for layering during every season. Find a cut that speaks to you, then buy multiples so you’re never without a crisp tee on hand.
2. The 10,000-step sneaker
Sneaker trends come and go, but slim, sporty kicks are timeless. While you might assume that you should go with a white pair, that’s not necessarily the case; your best bet for a capsule, Reilly says, is a pair in a subtle color or neutral shade that’ll complement most everything in your closet. These minimalist styles will do the trick, keeping you looking of-the-moment while also resisting fleeting fads.
3. The straight-leg jeans
Classic straight-leg jeans will more than pull their weight in your capsule. Unlike some other cuts—sorry, skinny and wide—they’re completely trend-proof, so you can feel confident investing in a pair that’ll last you years to come. Any wash can fit comfortably in your forever wardrobe, but we’d especially recommend a light or mid-blue; these picks from our favorite denim brands are neither too light nor too dark for continued wear.
4. The sharp blazer
“A good blazer always goes a long way,” Reilly says. The key is getting the right fit; we suggest going for a slightly relaxed (but still trim) cut for your capsule jacket; this will give you room for layering without making you look like you’re swimming in fabric. Neutrals like black, navy, and gray look great with matching trousers, silk skirts, and well-worn jeans, whether you’re headed to a dinner date or you’re off to the office.
5. The timeless tote
Before you invest in any other kind of bag, make sure you’ve got a proper tote bag secured. Your pick should be big enough for whatever you have to carry most of the time: laptops, groceries, baby stuff, whatever. These high-quality leather pieces are well worth your time; Polène’s leather totes rival the options from major fashion houses.
6. The crewneck cardigan
High-quality knits deserve a spot in your year-round closet for chilly evenings and overactive office air-conditioning. We suggest a timeless crewneck cardigan in a neutral color to start; layer one over a tank top in early summer or a sleeveless dress during autumn. (And don’t overlook those button-down shirts we’re about to recommend below.)
7. The button-down
An oversized button-down shirt forms the backbone of Jokinen’s personal capsule wardrobe, and she recommends the all-season piece because it’s so easy to layer. Pack it in your vacation carry-on; wear it to work; throw it on under a jacket. You really can’t go wrong here. While our editors naturally gravitate to white and blue, there’s no mandate to stick to those specific neutrals; all of these shades will look great with your trusty jeans and favorite loafers. (Plus, they’re great blank canvases for trendier accessories like brooches and neckties.)
8. The work pants
You might be tempted to exclusively wear jeans or sweats on your day off, but slouchy trousers can be just as comfortable—not to mention incredibly versatile. If you’re off to brunch, for example, style yours with an elevated top or a breezy button-down, then take your pick from sneakers or chunky loafers. And obviously, they’re great for work; throw on your capsule blazer and some ballet flats for a borrowed-from-the-boys silhouette offset by some subtle femininity.
9. The work-to-drinks dress
A dress you can wear in a one-on-one with your boss isn’t always the same dress that can carry you to a date when you leave the office. But, there are styles that can manage to pull double duty. The key is to think about balance — a shorter hem should have more coverage up top, something fitted should be long and easy to style with a blazer over the top. Plus, we love a sculptural detail or bold print to really make it pop. Who says a capsule wardrobe always has to be basic? Stick to this rule and you’ll be able to streamline your shopping.
10. The chic commuter shoe
Whether it be a ballet flat, low heel, or sleek loafer, polished shoes and comfy shoes can exist as one and the same. The most important thing when investing in a dressy shoe (especially if you’re trying to keep your purchasing to a minimum) is to make sure its something that you can actually walk around in, because the more you wear them, the better investment they are.
11. The goes-with-everything outerwear
Don’t attempt to face transitional weather without a trench coat, barn jacket, or other durable option. With plenty of unique details like buttons, waist ties, and dramatic collars, don’t write them off as simple outerwear. Try one over a tank top and straight jeans or a white T-shirt and a sequin skirt.
12. The stackable chain
There is absolutely a time and a place for statement jewelry, but the most stylish women we know are almost always wearing a simple chain or two that stacks well with other pieces. Whether you lean more toward gold or silver, these affordable jewelry picks are the perfect foundation for your other favorites.