I am super excited to write this post on capsule wardrobes because this answers the most commonly asked question I get. These commonly asked questions usually are variations on the question and statement, “I want to have better clothes, but don’t know where to start. I don’t want to be spending hundreds of dollars on a new wardrobe”.
Capsule wardrobes are going to be your best friend, and I break down all of the pieces that you will need to start building your own capsule wardrobe!
This is a guide that I genuinely wish I had when I was first starting out building my wardrobe after I graduated from college.
I loved fashion but didn’t know how to actually start building out my closet with the key investment pieces that I want to keep for years to come. I spent myself into a mountain of debt because I didn’t know what the heck I was doing.
Whether or not you love fashion, my hope is that this will save you all a ton of time, money, and energy trying to figure out how to look your personal best with a wardrobe you love!
what you actually need
Before I start chatting away, I want to actually share the list of the basic pieces you will need in your capsule wardrobe with a quick little blurb about why you will need this!
- 1 t-shirt
- Depending on if you like to be dressed up or casual, you can interpret this differently. I love to wear a shirt that is essentially a t-shirt, but elevated.
- 1 blouse
- This doesn’t have to mean a button up or a super stuffy shirt. Here is one of my favorite sleeveless blouses from Vici Collection.
- 1 blue jeans
- I can’t even begin to emphasize how much it makes a difference in your life when you have jeans that fit well and are comfortable. My favorite pair are these from Good American.
- 1 black jeans
- Black jeans are such a staple for New Yorkers. They elevate any outfit for when you want to be casual but don’t want to break out the dress pants.
- 1 non-denim pants
- I love jeans as much as anyone else, but sometimes, you just need something that is not jeans because they will look out of place. I have so many options that I break down in an old post!
- 1 pair of shorts
- Be it denim shorts or linen shorts, no wardrobe is complete without shorts. My new favorite denim shorts are from One Teaspoon!
- 1 dress
- I love dresses that are more casual, like a sundress. I love these for Spring and Summer when you just want something super light, airy, and comfortable.
- 1 formal dress
- My favorite formal dresses are the shift dresses from Lilly Pulitzer. They come in so many different colors and styles, but are classic and flattering! I typically go for the solid colored pieces.
- 1 skirt
- I’m personally not a huge fan of mini skirts, but this midi skirt is absolutely GORGEOUS for Spring! I have been dying to wear it, but haven’t gotten the occasion
edit your capsule wardrobe to suit your personality
Whenever you start shopping, the retailer will have different categories for you to shop by in their drop-down menu. This is actually a great way to start your capsule wardrobe if you feel as though you want more ideas for different types of pieces to add to your closet.
My game plan for using this list to tackle the task of updating your wardrobe is to take this list, go to your local mall, and try on everything and anything. You want to know what looks good on you, and you want to come up with ideas of what clothes and styles are flattering for you (I have a post where I break down how to do this!).
one caveat: you might need to do some upfront investment spending
I want to add a caveat that since I fully believe in buying pieces that are going to last (i.e. I’m not sure how great your Forever21 jeans are going to hold up after going in the wash 10 times), this might mean that you’re going to have to spend a few hundred dollars if you choose to buy every single item I listed.
The great thing about building a capsule wardrobe, though, is that you really want to customize this to your personality and what you will actually need to wear. A capsule wardrobe is meant to be incredibly individualistic because everyone needs different things in their life.
So, as you think through what items you actually need, this list becomes adjustable to suit your weather and lifestyle needs!
yes, accessories isn’t on this list!
Lastly, you might notice that I haven’t added jackets, bags, shoes, and jewelry onto this list. There is a very simple reason for this; these are categories that are the ultimate way for you to dress up your look each season.
For example, if you love handbags but can’t afford to buy a new Prada purse every season (like me), then go for the cheaper ones at Forever 21 that you will be able to buy for cheap and dress up your outfit. The fail-safe way for you to look like you just spent thousands of dollars shopping on a new wardrobe each season but actually only spend a few bucks is to update your wardrobe through these accessories.
my looks using pieces from a capsule wardrobe
