Fans of capsule wardrobes highlight the sustainability aspect of only owning a select number of pieces for both your wallet and the planet. Dressing like this encourages savvy shoppers to save up for quality pieces that will give them maximum wear. Not to mention, opting for products that are made with sustainable practices and materials is a great way to double up on eco-conscious efforts. A video from creator @rach.bristow.fashion reveals how her capsule wardrobe has made getting dressed easy, noting that her closet is only clothes she loves and they all go together. She along with many creators shared how confident and put together this makes them feel. The combination of reducing the stress around outfit choices plus an added confidence boost seems to be a key wellness benefit of creating a capsule wardrobe. A final point in the pro column is the accessibility and range that this curated approach has to offer. None of the core pieces are inherently expensive and can even be thrifted if that’s your jam, so starting to build your own capsule is possible with a variety of budgets. Also, if the more neutral and classic aesthetic doesn’t speak to you, this guide by creator @bru.ann demonstrates how a capsule wardrobe can be customized to suit anyone’s personal style. Ahead, how to start building your capsule wardrobe according to the most put-together people on the internet. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
If you’ve ever looked through your closet and found it impossible to put an outfit together quickly, it’s likely because some capsule wardrobe items were missing. A capsule wardrobe consists of versatile and minimalist pieces of clothing that are easily interchangeable to create several different outfits. Think about it—how much magic can you put together starting with a solid black blazer or a seamless bodysuit? The options are pretty much endless once you have a capsule wardrobe put together. To put yours together, start by avoiding loud prints, vibrant colors and dated trends and navigating towards crisp fabrics, neutral hues and comfortable silhouettes to wear from day to night.
Capsule Wardrobe Ideas
Long Parke Blazer in Eco Drapey Cupro, $248 at J.Crew
A versatile blazer is a key piece in any capsule wardrobe that will multiply your outfit options across both work and play. Throwing this on instantly elevates any simple top and pant combo to something that is at least close to business casual. It also gives off that effortlessly cool vibe when layered over active sets and slip dresses and paired with white sneakers.
Essential Crew Neck Sleeveless Bodysuit $68 at Skims
TikTok is not only a platform for great outfit inspo, but also honest reviews. Skims has won over the hearts of many fashion creators as their soft lounge slip dress recently sparked a viral try-on trend. Their essentials are confirmed to be just as obsession-worthy. A good bodysuit can be the foundation for an endless amount of casual, professional, and evening looks, so opt for a slimming fabric in a neutral hue for an elevated look.
New Everyday T-Shirt, $35 at Babaton
A plain white t-shirt can be found in almost everyone’s closet and at most clothing stores, so what makes one worthy of being in your capsule wardrobe? To achieve peak versatility, selecting a classic crew-neck like this one is the way to go. It’s polished enough to be worn to the office but can also serve as a stylish neutral for going out.
The Organic Cotton Tissue Turtleneck, $40 at Everlane
Even though the components of a capsule wardrobe are quite simple, the curated yet cool “that girl” aesthetic achieved by many of its converts relies on strategic layering. A lightweight turtleneck is ideal so that layered looks don’t get too bulky, and opting for one with a subtle pattern like this one can add a lot of depth to an ensemble.
Pure Cotton Oversized Girlfriend Style Longline Shirt, $42.50 at Marks and Spencer
Maybe you see a button-up shirt and think of it as the best friend to the blazer and nothing more, but TikTok, and I can assure you it’s so much more. A quick search on the app will show you the sheer amount of ways this single piece can be worn (example a) which already points to its range. Pair all of those variations with the power of layering and this cotton oversized shirt has officially earned its rightful place in the capsule.
Cashmere Cropped V Neck Cardigan, $395 at White and Warren
To add texture and warmth to your selection, a sweater of some kind is needed, although a cardigan doubles your styling options. Throw it on with a t-shirt and joggers combo for a cozy errand day, or style it buttoned up with jeans plus strappy heels for an effortlessly hot date night look. It’s even ideal for business casual settings, giving you a refined style in the office and over zoom.
Luxe Terry Cargo Joggers, $34.50 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Another selling point of a capsule wardrobe is comfort and ease. A cool pair of joggers made from a quality material evokes a certain relaxed chic vibe, so look for design elements that speak most to your personal style. If you find a fit you love, grab one in every color so you have options for days when buttons and zippers feel like too much.
Wilfred Effortless Cropped Pant, $148 at Aritzia
There’s something very sophisticated about a well-fitting pair of trousers, and this pair is the ultimate day-to-night piece. Layer a button-up over a bodysuit for meetings and then ditch the top layer once happy hour rolls around. Casual and simple tops are instantly elevated when styled with structured pants, so find the pair that you love and watch how they level up every top you own.
Wedgie High Waist Straight Leg Jeans, $62.65 at Levi’s
Denim connoisseurs are no stranger to the cult classic wedgie fit, but if this is your first time meeting, don’t worry, they’re actually quite comfortable. A high waist and straight leg cut make for a universally flattering fit that works dressed down or up. Style with a turtleneck layered under a sweater for max coziness or a crop top and heels for a night out dancing.
Elevated Knit Slip Midi Dress, $79 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch has hit the perfect middle ground as far as little black dresses go. The length and silhouette are work-appropriate when layered and the fabric is luxe enough to be worn to a nice dinner. It works for all the moments in between too, try it with a sneaker for an off-duty look.
Onyx Pocket Bike Short, $58 and Onyx Yoga Top, $56 at Wolven Threads
While many traditional capsule wardrobes don’t include activewear, Gen Z creators especially have embraced athleisure as valid staple pieces. Adding any top layer to this classic set instantly adds a coolness factor whether it’s a blazer, sweater or button-up. They also serve as functional layering pieces for colder weather, and the top even was used in this viral sweater hack. Up next, The 20 Best Slip-On Sneakers.
