Hi friends!!
I hope you’re all winding down this weekend after all that holiday shopping and are spending quality time with your loved ones getting ready to ring in the new year soon!
This holiday season, I gifted a few of my friends and family some outfit picks and don’t get me wrong- picking out clothing for other people can be tricky! That’s why I always pick out a number of great basics that are essential for any closet. This list of those items will help you create a closet of your own that is minimal & practical. A capsule wardrobe refers to the core pieces of clothing that are versatile, neutral, and easy to style. The point is to minimize the impulsive purchases that you end up only wearing once and fill your closet with pieces you can mix and match! Today I’m sharing 10 Outfit Pieces You Need to Create a Capsule Wardrobe.
In case you missed it, I shared a blog post you’ll want to check out for last minute NYE outfit shopping!
Retailers with the Fastest Shipping for Last Minute Shopping
BLACK FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS
To kick off your capsule wardrobe, every closet needs a solid pair of leggings. SPANX has been my go-to for a long time! My absolute favorite are the high-waisted faux leather pair. I own 2 pair of these exact ones. I gravitate to the faux leather leggings, because you can easily dress them up or down. I wear them with sweaters and sneakers or heels and a blazer. I love Spanx so much, that I’ve collected about 10 different styles of their leggings and pants over the years. I go with my true size on their products.
Shop more of my favorites below:
SKINNY JEANS
I’m all for a classic style of jeans. Skinny jeans are the perfect casual outfit base. They work great with any type of shoe (especially knee high boots), are available in low, mid and high-rise. Truly these are style that won’t ever go out and you can basically wear them anywhere! I love a classic blue but any neutral color works. My favorite budget pair are the Levi Strauss & Co. Stretch High Rise Skinny Jeans from Walmart ($25) My favorite splurge pair are the AGOLDE Pinch Waist Skinny jeans from Revolve ($168).
Shop more of my favorite blue, black and white picks:
MOM JEANS
Next outfit piece for your capsule wardrobe is mom jeans! You’ll definitely want to add a pair of high rise mom jeans. I love how they sit on the waist and that they work for when you aren’t going for that skin-tight look/ feel. I own several pairs of them and my go-to are these from Abercrombie. My favorite way to style them is with ankle booties, a body suit and leather jacket!
Here are my top picks:
LEATHER JACKET
A good-quality leather jacket can pull a whole outfit together! It’s a must have for any capsule wardrobe. If you find one good quality black leather jacket (or colorful ones like the two above that I bought during the Nordstrom Sale), it will last you forever. I own one moto style leather jacket that I purchased in 2009. I remember it was $750 (seriously it was so expensive), and I got it on sale for half off. That $350 I spent in 2009 has gone a LONG way! I have worn that leather jacket more than any item I’ve owned and I’ve never had a need for another. Go with a classic style jacket, like the ones I linked below and it’ll get you through years of wear! I’d stick to neutral ones like black or cream for your capsule wardrobe. Nordstrom has some GREAT options like the AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket. Shop more picks below!
These are my absolute favorites:
DENIM JACKET
Just like the perfect leather jacket, a basic denim jacket can complete your look! I’ve had THIS ONE for years. If you buy a neutral denim color, you can easily throw it on over any casual outfit. My favorite (super affordable) pick is from Walmart! It’s the FashionMille Stretch Fit Jacket and it’s under $30. I also love this Free People denim jacket (as seen above). It’s available in several washes, and is just under $100. Grab a denim jacket to add to your capsule wardrobe.
Shop more of my absolute must-haves:
BLACK & WHITE TEES
The perfect black and white tees come in SO handy. They’re perfect for literally any outfit! I have several and I love a soft, good quality one that you can pair with jeans or leggings in the colder months and shorts or a skirt in the warmer months! Honestly, I’ve had more Madewell t-shirts than any other brand and I love them! They’re under $20, cotton, comfortable, and perfect with any bottom. I rounded up picks in the mid price range (investing in one that will last is worth every penny IMO!). Black and white t-shirts are the exact outfit piece you need for any capsule wardrobe.
These are the ones I think you’ll love:
BASIC TANK TOP
Just as important in your capsule wardrobe are your go-to tank tops! I typically look for tank top in the a mid price range, since I wear them so often and want them to last (I have also figured out what brands and styles work well – details below!). Tank tops are the perfect layering pieces and can also be worn by themselves with almost any outfit. Add these to your closet!
Here are my favorites:
CLASSIC WHITE SNEAKERS
I’m a huge sucker for a great pair of white sneakers! It’s exactly the final touch that you need to complete your Capsule Wardrobe. A classic pair of white sneakers go a long way and finish any outfit! They’re great to wear with dresses, jeans, or any other piece within your capsule wardrobe! If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know my favorite pair are the Reebok Classic Harman Run Sneaker. I love how you can wear them with jeans or leggings and a sweater in the fall and winter or with sundresses or skirt in the spring and summer!
These are more of my top picks:
BLACK ANKLE BOOTIES
Ankle booties are the perfect addition to any capsule wardrobe! I typically purchase neutral booties, so that I can wear them with any outfit. I own beige, white, and cream but I would say black ankle booties are the most essential for your capsule collection. They’ll go with anything, they can be dressed up or down, and they’re super chic!
Here are a bunch of pairs I love:
CLASSIC HANDBAG
Last but not least, every capsule wardrobe needs a classic handbag for everyday use. Ideally, it can withstand wear and tear and is neutral! My go-to and very first designer bag was the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. I purchased this baby in 2009 (and back then it was $700- today it retails for over $1500!). Click HERE for my reviews on designer bags (find out what’s worth it and what is NOT worth it). Your everyday classic handbag does not have to be a luxury handbag. Although I absolutely love my designer bags, all you need is a neutral, good-quality and (hopefully) highly rated bag.
My top luxury bag picks
More affordable bags I love:
I hope this helps you with your ultimate capsule wardrobe!
Here are all the picks to shop:
