This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BleachBetter #CollectiveBias
Capsule wardrobes have been everywhere in the last few years, but there’s a good reason. I know you all have heard me ramble on and on about how I am focusing on quality over quantity, and a capsule wardrobe is a great way to focus on getting key pieces that are great quality.
Continue reading below to see my Top 10 Capsule Wardrobe Essentials, complete with some care tips and different options for different styles and preferences!
The Perfect Pair of Jeans
Jean shopping, am I right? It’s one of the worst types of shopping. My husband will argue that the title goes to grocery shopping, but you all know I love that! Jeans are a staple in most people’s wardrobes, but getting a good fit, cut, and color for your body can be the difficult part. It can happen; just keep on trying on the jeans and you’ll find one that fits you well.
The type of jeans in your capsule will really depend on what you plan on doing in them. I have a few go-to pairs, but my essential would be a medium denim with a bit of oomph. In this case, I have a bit of an ankle pant with a frayed end. I can wear them to work with loafers, but I can step out on the weekend with my statement heels, as well!
My runner-up is a cropped pair of distressed, black denim. They’ve got ripped out knees and are perfect for evenings and weekends. I wouldn’t rock them to work, but they have a very important place in my wardrobe!
A Great Pair of Black Pants
Black pants, how boring, right? Well…I love them. I wear them just about all the time (unless I’m in my jeans, of course). I think a pair of black pants that fit well, look great, and are comfortable is a powerful force. There are so many different cuts, and it’s really up to you to choose the style that works for your body type and the overall vibe you want to achieve.
I usually tend to go toward a relaxed, high waisted, straight leg fit that goes to my ankle. It’s what works well for me and with my aesthetic, but if you need a low rise boot cut, go for it! Do what’s comfortable for you because don’t we all basically live life in black pants anyway?
An Amazing Blazer
I know that if you’re anything like me, you will be tempted to go to a black blazer. Believe me, there is always a place for a black blazer, but you could instead take this opportunity to make a bit more of a statement! Choosing a bright color would be a great statement, but if it’s not your style, you could try a muted color, a gray, or a deep fall color like burgundy or navy. I have added in a slate blue blazer and think it’s a perfect addition to my black and white-focused capsule.
The really important part is to make sure the fit is great. You’ll feel great in a piece that fits well, and that’s the most important thing!
A Crisp White T-Shirt
A white t-shirt is a classic piece that is perfect for layering but also looks clean on its own. I personally like to have a white t-shirt that has a little interest to it, like a cutout on the sleeve or something to just give it a bit more flair. There is also something to be said about a simple crew neck or v-neck t-shirt that will go with anything! With that being said, if you’re a messy person (like me), wearing white can sometimes be difficult, so make sure you’re keeping them clean, fresh, stain-free, and bright.
When you’re featuring whites, it’s important to make sure you’re taking all the steps to make your whites whiter. I use Clorox Bleach with CLOROMAX, which now keeps clothes whiter longer*. I know what you’re thinking- bleach is scary! But it’s really not, you just need to learn to use it properly.
A Slouchy Blouse
I really love a white button down with a big pocket. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect one, but right now I have two go-to blouses. One is a gorgeous pale blue and white striped button down that I can wear very casually or dress up a bit more for a wear to work option. The other is a white, flowy silky top that can be worn with jeans or black pants and also looks great dressed up or down.
A Statement T-Shirt
Statement might be an overstatement. See what I did there? I am just thinking something with some witty writing on it, a great graphic, or some color. I like a nice striped shirt for my capsule wardrobe. Then again, I like most of my shirts striped. This season, my go-to is a burnt orange classic t-shirt with thin white stripes. It’s an easy wear and can transition through the seasons, as well!
A Big Black Tote
My big, black bag is an underrated part of my wardrobe. I carry it almost every day. It holds my essentials plus so much more. If you play your cards right, you’ll get a big leather tote that looks as classic as it is functional, which is an easy-peasy thing to do as long as you stick to black!
Black Shoes of Your Choosing
I love all the black shoes, but lately I’ve loved mule loafers that are leather. I can wear them to work and casually. As you can tell, a lot of my advice in this list is to buy things for your wardrobe that can be worn many different ways. It’s all about a mix and match of things that you love! Black shoes are no exception. If you love black pumps, tennis shoes, sandals, flats- whatever kind of shoes you love that work for your lifestyle are suitable options for your wardrobe.
A Cozy Cardigan
Fall is coming, and cardigans are a necessity. I recently made an investment in a nice, cashmere cardigan, and not only is it a comfy, cozy piece, but it’s a great color to bring on the cool weather and add some interest to my wardrobe.
Your Feel Good Piece
This one is going to be up to you. I have quite a few feel-good pieces, but it can be basically anything you love that you want to add into your wardrobe. It can be a dress you feel great wearing, some leggings because you want to be comfy and show off your figure, a jean skirt that’s in season, etc. I’m a huge proponent for wearing what you love, and you shouldn’t have to cut out those things you really enjoy in order to make a great capsule wardrobe. In fact, all the things in your wardrobe should be things you love!
You can see that my main pick is this awesome black dress, that I paired with my cute white t-shirt with cutouts. I also LOVE a good jean jacket!
If you’re really interested in making a capsule wardrobe work, remember that you MUST take great care of your quality pieces!
Capsule wardrobes are something I’ve been intrigued by lately. Thanks for the post!
–Thanks, Katy! Let me know if you try it out for yourself!!
This really makes me want to step up my game!!
–Thanks, Terrian! DO IT! I’ve loved upping my fashion game this year.
I love a good capsule wardrobe! Those are some great basics to keep you styled this fall! #client
–Thanks, Michelle! I’m all about those basic, transitional pieces!!
White t-shirts can be the bane of my existence. Food stains, coffee stains, kid stains. Alll that. I don’t always add the bleach in the water before my clothes. That may be my issue:)
–Yes, Creed! Click the link above that will teach you how to use it properly. TOTAL game changer!!