Curate a Capsule Wardrobe With These Expert-Approved Pieces — Shop Essentials Starting at $7

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Piecing together the perfect outfit from the plethora of clothes and accessories in your closet is hardly ever an easy task. For those with a fast-paced lifestyle, the struggle to put together a cohesive ensemble every morning adds unnecessary stress. A capsule wardrobe can simplify the dreaded morning indecisiveness. It’s a curated collection of versatile and timeless pieces, designed to help you create a variety of outfits with a minimal amount of clothes — the epitome of less is more. 

We checked in with fashion experts to help you curate a collection tailored to your lifestyle. They explained the importance of a capsule wardrobe and identified some staple pieces that belong in one. 

“A capsule wardrobe works when you can reach into your closet half-awake and pull out literally any top with any bottom. They just go together,” said Elena Mensch, a certified image consultant, style expert, and founder of Velvet Image Lab. “Imagine just zero decision fatigue.”

Des Awosefo, a personal style strategist and content creator with over 122,000 followers on TikTok and 86,000 followers on Instagram, agreed that capsule wardrobes reduce the stress of deciding what to wear rather than having a plethora of options to choose from. “Its true beauty lies in the way it makes you look more put together and intentional, while owning less,” Awosefo said.

Here are a few helpful tips that experts suggest when picking out pieces for your capsule wardrobe: 

• “For color palette, stick to solid neutrals. Black, brown, navy, white, beige, gray, and olive,” Mensch said. 
• She also added, “The test for whether a piece belongs is straightforward: could it sit next to anything else in your closet and not clash?” 
• Awesefo says that there isn’t a specific guideline for the number of clothing items, shoes, and accessories. “The key to a successful capsule is less about the exact number of items you own, but more about the extent to which it’s aligned with your actual life and tastes,” she explained. 

If you’re ready to start curating a capsule wardrobe, read on for 15 specific pieces that experts believe are essential. We’ve rounded up some styles below from various fan-favorite retailers, and they just start at $7.

Medium or Dark Wash Jeans 

According to Mensch, a good rule of thumb is to start with the bottom and work your way up. “They set the tone for everything layered on top,” she explained. “Straight-leg jeans in a medium or dark wash are the foundation.” 

A classic and timeless piece, straight-leg jeans in a darker hue are the foundation for any casual outfit. Mensch said, “They go with every color. Not most colors. Every color.” She added that you can opt for any waist height, whether it be high-rise, mid-rise, or low-rise. Anything that feels right for your body. 

Trousers

Dianne Boyer, a certified personal stylist and owner of Dianne In Style, said that “the key thing is to build a capsule wardrobe that works for where you are today.” 

Depending on your lifestyle and occupation, there may be occasions when jeans simply aren’t a fit. If you work in an office where you need dressier attire, Mensch said that “wide-leg trousers give you a dressier lane when jeans won’t cut it,” and “tailored pants handle workdays.”

Midi A-Line Skirt

For the warmer months, you may want to include a skirt in your daily rotation, and Mensch noted that an A-line shirt is the “safest entry point” as it’s a silhouette that complements everyone.

Now that we’ve completed the bottoms, it’s time to decide which tops belong in your curated collection. Mensch said that most tops should be a light neutral tone. Her first color choice is white, followed by oatmeal and beige. The tops in your closet will vary depending on season, and Mensch stressed the importance of fabric weight and sleeve length. 

“Every piece here earns its spot by playing well with everything else, which means nothing too specific in cut or color. Neutral, clean, done,” she said.

White Crewneck Tee 

Boyer and Mensch both agree that a capsule wardrobe should include a white crewneck T-shirt. Boyer explained why the pieces she deemed to be necessary capsule wardrobe items are essential. “They can give you an all-around polished look and are always in style,” she said. A classic plain white tee is no exception. 

Long-Sleeve Tee

Mensch included a long-sleeve tee as an essential. It’s ideal for chilly months and transitioning weather, as it can either be worn alone or layered under bulkier pieces.

Silk or Satin Camisole

For the sweltering summer months, a tank or cami is a must-have. When choosing one that you’ll wear on repeat, Mensch suggested one made of silk or satin. “They always make any outfit more expensive and transition from your office (layered under a blazer) straight to dinner without a change,” she explained. 

Sweater

According to Mensch, you should have two sweaters in your wardrobe that don’t feel interchangeable. These sweaters should be of different textures and necklines — one fitted crewneck and one with more volume. “They should feel like entirely separate garments when you put them on,” she said. 

Boyer noted that a sweater made from cashmere is a good option. It’s a high-quality fabric that’s about three times warmer than wool while still being breathable and lightweight. 

Blazer

“A blazer that fits properly does more heavy lifting than almost any other single piece,” Mensch explained. It’s a piece that can elevate nearly any outfit and make any look feel polished and intentional. Mensch advises avoiding one that’s oversized, too structured, or double-breasted, and rather look for a blazer that’s clean through the shoulders. 

Casual Jacket

All you need is one casual jacket. When choosing which jacket belongs in your capsule wardrobe, you aren’t limited to a specific style. Depending on your preference, you could go for a leather jacket, barn coat, a leather jacket, bomber jacket, or denim jacket. 

“The real question is which one you’d throw on for a Saturday errand run without a second thought-that’s your jacket,” Mensch said. “If it’s going to live on the hanger untouched, skip it and spend that money on something you’d grab weekly.”

Coat

Of course, you’re not limited to just a jacket. When winter rolls around, you’ll need something thicker and heavier to keep you warm. Both Boyer and Mensch noted that a classic wool coat is the way to go. Warm, timeless, and classy, it’s a must-have winter layer.

Moving on to footwear, there isn’t a set number of pairs that you should own. However, you should be selective and curate the shoes in your collection that are tailored to your lifestyle. 

Flats

Dressier than sneakers but more comfortable than pumps, flats are a must-have for anyone always on the move and likes to dress to impress. While there are so many different types to choose from, Mensch suggested going with a pointed-toe silhouette. “They sharpen the whole look and make legs appear longer,” she said. 

Of course, this all depends on style preference. You can also opt for a pair of round-toe or square-toe flats — whatever feels most comfortable for you. 

Boots

The cold-weather shoe. Mensch said that you should own boots in two shaft heights: knee-high and ankle. Heel height and type don’t matter as much. When deciding, choose “whatever heel situation lets you forget about your feet by hour three,” she said. You can go for flat, block, or kitten heels. 

White Sneakers

You can’t go wrong with a pair of white sneakers. They’re all-around shoes that are classic, versatile, and comfortable. Mensch noted that a clean pair of white sneakers balances out your closet for casual days. 

While many consider collecting purses to be a hobby, you really only need two: a tote bag and a shoulder bag. “Two bags handle pretty much every scenario,” Mensch explained. 

Tote Bag

For convenience, a tote bag or structured satchel is the ideal choice, especially when you need something roomy.

Shoulder or Crossbody Bag

When you’re traveling lighter, Mensch suggested carrying a smaller crossbody or shoulder bag. She especially recommended a crossbody. “Hands-free is just objectively better when you’re navigating the world,” she said. 

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