What are capsule wardrobe basics and why do we need them? When building your capsule wardrobe for each season you’ll notice some multi-seasonal pieces you always reach for, these are your core capsule wardrobe basics that make up the foundation of your closet. If you need help determining what they are we’re going to go into exactly that in more detail in this post so keep on reading!
Capsule wardrobe basics are made up of your base pieces that carry over each season, multi-seasonal pieces are glorious because you get more wear from less clothing.
When you create a capsule wardrobe the idea is to create a small collection made up of items versatile enough to be worn together, but when certain items are repeated from previous seasons how do you keep the capsule small enough? And how do you know how many new pieces you should buy and which ones you really need?
Well let’s start by going over the items that get carried over- the basics. We’ll then touch on how to put it all together so you’ll end up with a simplified no fuss collection of capsule wardrobe basics where the main foundation are your carried over items- this are your capsule wardrobe basics that goes from season to season with ease. These are pieces you feel the most comfortable and confident in, the ones you always reach for first without a second thought.
Capsule Wardrobe Basics Staples and Essentials
Capsule wardrobe basics, staples, essentials whatever you want to call them are pieces like straight leg denim, plain white tees, and white sneakers. These items are your capsule wardrobe basics of higher importance than items in your seasonal capsules because you get SO much more wear out of them. These are the base of every outfit you put together structuring and defining your style whether you plan it that way or not, everything from here on out gets styled around these pieces as they take up a place of permanence.
Download the free capsule wardrobe checklist for work so you can use it as a guide when building your own.
This is why making sure they are of good quality is so important, that way you don’t have to worry about replacing them for a long time. You feel comfortable and confident wearing them and they never change, you simply style them differently with varying shoes and accessories. For me, my capsule wardrobe basics are neutrals with no added frills simple denim and shoes and accessories that can be worn no matter what the weather.
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T-shirts
Tank tops
Capsule wardrobe basics must have Cardigan
Sweaters
Capsule wardrobe basics must have Denim
Button Ups
Simple dress
Where to Buy Capsule Wardrobe Basics
I have a post where I list where to buy good quality basics from that you can refer to as well as where to buy capsule wardrobe basics. These two posts go hand in hand as basics should be good quality in order to last you a long time.
How Many Pairs of Clothes do I Really Need
This is totally up to you, I always stay true to my beliefs and incorporate better quality items and since that means spending less over time. It allows you to invest in pieces you otherwise wouldn’t be able to. I spend more money on denim now that I know it’ll be a core item for years, I want it to be superb quality and very simple in style. So now that you have your capsule wardrobe basics figured out how do you take this list of essentials and make the most out of your wardrobe?
How Can I Make The Most Out Of My Existing Wardrobe
Integrate your capsule wardrobe basics with seasonal items and new items. This might take some decluttering to get to where you want to be, but read what to know before decluttering your wardrobe to get started. What’s really cool about this is that even if you have a pair of denim for 5+ years, when you add a new sweater the whole outfit feels new.
What a lot of us do is we feel the need to have an entirely new outfit with all new pieces from head to toe in order for the outfit to be up-to-date, when all we really need to do is change one item for a totally different perspective. If you did buy new denim every year the outfit would look the same anyways, and you would be over spending when it isn’t necessary. Denim looks somewhat the same to most people anyways, it may feel different to you depending on style and fit but that’s why you invest in the perfect fitting jean in both dark and light wash.
RELATED: The Ultimate Work Capsule Wardrobe Guide for Women
Capsule Wardrobe Basics Checklist
If you prefer seeing a list version check out the capsule wardrobe basics checklist below.
I have put together a capsule wardrobe basics checklist that I have carried over for several years, why I like them so much, and how I style them. Note how basic they are, I am someone who needs core basics as a strong foundation to my wardrobe. They really make me feel secure in my styling, and I rarely shop for new core pieces yearly. I have saved a lot of money over the years sticking to this strategy and building this core capsule has been really eye opening, I can confidently say I have found my style and I now know what to look for when shopping.
- Levis Wedgie Straight Leg Denim These are the perfect rise, leg style, and sit just above the ankle which makes them perfect for boots, sandals, and sneakers.
- H&M Mom Jeans The perfect rise for a more trendy look, the colour is a classic wash and they go with everything both casual and dressy.
- White Long Sleeve Shirt This classic white shirt can go with anything, use it as a layering piece or on its own you can’t go wrong.
- Green Paper Bag Pants These are amazing all year, very comfortable and pair well with sneakers, sandals, and boots.
- White Tee Shirt What’s better than a classic white tee? Need I say more?
- Black Tank Top Same as above, you can’t go wrong and every wardrobe needs one.
- Black Leggings I wear these all year with everything, you will always need a pair for those casual days.
- Black Slip Dress Perfect on its own or under a sweater when it gets colder, pair it with tights you will get endless wear out of the classic LBD.
- White Sweatshirt I love this for cooler nights in the summer and for layering in the winter. It looks great with shorts and pants- an absolute staple.
- Gold Ring I haven’t taken this off in years, its classic and bold. Pairs well with daintier rings.
- Gold Necklace A classic with all outfits, it’s simple yet a statement and never tarnishes.
- Diamond Ring The daintier counterpart to the bold gold ring. The perfect stackable ring to dress up your fingers.
- Denim Jacket I wear these at night in the summer and underneath coats in the winter. It’s a Canadian classic that pairs with everything.
- White Sneakers Again, another classic that goes all year. I even wear these in the winter with higher socks for a sportier look and love them with shorts in the summer.
- Cropped Beige Cardigan Perfect for cool summer nights and a great layering piece in the winter. I also wear it alone buttoned up for a trendier look. One of my favourite items to carry over from season to season.
I hope this helps you navigate capsule wardrobe basics so you have a better understanding of our wardrobe foundation. If you need guidance to creating your own work capsule wardrobe or any seasonal capsule wardrobes check out the articles linked below.
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