Why not take some time out to streamline your wardrobe? There’s nothing like starting the year with a clean capsule wardrobe that’s functional yet fuss-free. Sure, a closet full of choices is every girl’s dream. But do we really need a dozen velvet dresses and a host of off-the-shoulder tops if we only wear one or two, and they might even go out of style in a few months?
Having a capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you’re limited to basics and can’t try new things—it just gives you a foundation to style and put together your looks with. And stylish girls know that while trends are fun and interesting, we’ll always go back to timeless pieces in a capsule wardrobe.
Must-Have Capsule Wardrobe Pieces
Every year between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, I make time for a wardrobe purge. That means leaving some outdated trends in the past, getting rid of pieces I’ve never even worn, and doing an inventory of my existing clothes. And somehow, I always go back to a capsule wardrobe. I think it’s so important to start a new year with a clean slate! A capsule wardrobe gives you room to try new things and add trendy pieces throughout the year, but it also makes sure you have all the basics you need to style looks for the whole year ’round. Here are some of the pieces I have in my capsule wardrobe:
1. White Button-Down
If you don’t have a white button-down shirt in your wardrobe, go out right now and get one. This is a capsule wardrobe must-have and you can wear it to the office with pants, on weekends with denim shorts, or even to cocktail parties with a bright skirt.
2. Plain Tee
Plain white t-shirts may seem humble and far too basic to wear, but you’d be surprised how versatile they can be! Pair them with a skirt for a feminine yet laid-back weekend look, or layer under a blazer for a casual Friday work look.
3. The Perfect Pair of Jeans
While super skinny jeans are official out of style, every girl needs the perfect pair of jeans in her wardrobe. Take your time finding a part that’s made just for you, whether that takes a day of shopping or months of scouring the shops.
4. Culottes or Elephant Pants
Here’s a modern capsule wardrobe must-have for working girls: culottes or elephant pants. They’re stylish upgrades to your regular office slacks, and you can wear them on weekends or for formal parties too!
5. Silk Blouse
Invest in a good silk blouse for your capsule wardrobe and you’ll go places. Wear it to job interviews, the office, or even on date night! It’s like a more feminine, dressy version of your classic button-down. And it’s a lot comfier, too.
6. Pencil Skirt
Every girl needs a well-fitting pencil skirt in her capsule wardrobe. You can stick to basics like black or navy, but you can also experiment with different fabrics, textures, and colors. The silhouette is so classic, you can get away with wild colors and prints!
7. Cozy Sweater
If it gets cold, layer a sweater over your white button-down for a preppy look. Or wear your sweater alone in the spring with jeans or even a cute skirt. Ugly sweaters are fun, but for your capsule wardrobe stick to basics and classic prints.
8. LBD
Capsule wardrobe essentials like an LBD are pieces you can inject your personality into. With all the different silhouettes, lengths, and cuts, find an LBD that looks unique to your style and you can wear it everywhere.
9. Blazer
Fit is key when it comes to blazers. If you dress trendier or more adventurous for work, white or cream is a fresh yet versatile choice. But if you have to dress up a lot and have a corporate dress code, black and navy are your go-to colors.
10. A Casual Jacket
On the other hand, you also need a laid-back jacket. Whether it’s a bomber jacket, a denim jacket, or a feminine cardigan, they’re easy ways to dress down your looks and take them from day to night.
11. Sheath Dress
Show off those curves, girl! A sheath dress is so easy to mix and match—wear them alone, with a coat over, style them for cocktail parties or date night. The options are endless!
12. Crop Top
Crop tops have gone from a fleeting trend to a capsule wardrobe must-have. If you want more flexibility with your crop tops, find one with sleeves or in a more luxurious fabric. Graphic prints are also great if you want some pop in your wardrobe!
13. An Interesting Print
Speaking of a pop in your capsule wardrobe, don’t leave out the prints! Pick a timeless design like florals or graphic prints and don’t be afraid to add color. With all the white and basics in your capsule wardrobe, you’ll be thankful to have some prints.
14. White Sneakers
While normcore is out of style for the new year, the thing about plain white sneakers is that they’re so easy to embellish or dress up. Paint your sneakers, add some patches, or have them embroidered! Show your personality with your white sneakers.
15. Dressy Heels
A capsule wardrobe needs at least one pair of dressy shoes. Even if you don’t go to parties often, dressy heels are a great pick-me-up if you need a feminine touch to your casual outfits. You can even wear these with jeans!
16. Neutral Pumps
For work (and play!), black or nude pumps are must-haves. Don’t get them too pointy or too rounded as trends fluctuate—find a pair that’s just right.
17. Sandals
Have a pair of open toe shoes in your wardrobe as well. Find slides and sandals you can dress up or down—I go for strappy sandals in nudes or pinks, but black slides like are so cute too!
Watch this video for more capsule wardrobe tips and tricks:
With these capsule wardrobe must-haves, you’ll be ready for the new year! No matter how many new trends come and go, your capsule wardrobe will stand the test of time for sure. Remember: invest in the basics and make sure you find pieces that fit your perfectly. What are your capsule wardrobe essentials? Share them with me in the comments section below!
Need to go shopping for a fresh capsule wardrobe? This shirt dress from Mason & Ivy is the perfect piece to start with!
Want more style tips? Check out these useful clothing guides to style your capsule wardrobe with!
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Featured Image via Style Me Pretty