How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe Part 2: Picking Out Key Pieces

style & fashion

Once you’ve had a clear out, made some room and mentally prepared for having a capsule wardrobe, it’s time for you to actually start creating one!

The first step is all about picking out key pieces that you can mix, match and reuse with everything else. These are known as wardrobe staples and usually consist of neutral colours like black, white, grey, nude, brown and navy.

Ready to do this? Let’s go.

1. The Leather Jacket

Firstly, a black leather jacket is a must-have wardrobe staple for the modern woman.

Ideal for the transitional periods between summer and winter, it serves as the perfect cover-up while simultaneously adding a touch of chic to any smart-casual outfit. You can also use it as a way to dress up an otherwise dressed down ensemble for grabbing coffee with friends or a casual family lunch.

Is it winter? Swap this leather jacket for a warm woolly coat. Is it summer? Substitute a more lightweight jacket alternative, like a baseball jacket, blazer or denim jacket, that will work better in accordance with the weather.

2. The Denim Bottoms

Blue jeans are incredibly versatile regardless of their cut and fit, which is why they’re loved all year round by fashionistas worldwide.

Simply team yours with a sophisticated blouse and heels for drinks with friends or a date night. Alternatively, you can rock them with a plain t-shirt and trainers for running errands. Either way, this timeless classic works for practically every occasion.

Is it summer? Add some denim shorts or a skirt into the mix for comfy casual style. Striving for more versatility? Include white jeans in your capsule wardrobe, in addition to the standard blue ones. However, if it’s winter, be sure to swap the white jeans for black to be more colour-appropriate.

3. The Workwear Bottoms

If you don’t have a specific work uniform, a grey or black pencil skirt and/or black tailored trousers never get old for the office.

Be sure to include both of these items in your capsule wardrobe so that you can mix and match them to give yourself more workwear options.

4. The Button-Up Shirt

A white button-up shirt is a woman's wardrobe staple because it’s just so adaptable. You can dress it up for work with your pencil skirt or tailored trousers and flats, or dress it down with denim and trainers to create an everyday look.

Do you have one in black too? Great - include it! The key might be to use LESS items to build MORE outfit possibilities, but you can never have too many basics.

5. The Little Black Dress

It’s no secret that a LBD is an ageless staple for women, regardless of your personal style. You can always find a shape, silhouette or cut that suits both your taste and body shape.

You can also dress it up or down depending on the occasion. For instance, a plain version can be belted and put with tights, court shoes and a statement necklace for work. Alternatively, it can be worn loose with Converse and minimal jewellery to create effortlessly cool casualwear.

6. Basic T-Shirts

Comfy jersey t-shirts in neutral tones like black, white and grey are essential if you want to create a multifaceted capsule wardrobe. You can dress them up with your workwear bottoms or down with your casual denim, depending on the occasion.

Is it summer? Pick out some strappy cami tops in the same shades to wear in warm weather. Is it winter? Layer a short-sleeve over a long-sleeve tee to be able to battle the elements.

7. The Neutral Knitwear

Finally, neutral-hued knitwear is a must-have if you want to nail your capsule wardrobe. The correct fabric weight (and colour) all depends on the season.

For instance, you’re going to want to choose a lightweight cardigan option in a light tone (like white, cream or beige) for summertime.

What about winter, you ask? Well, the heavier the knit, the better! Cosy black, grey and nude woolly jumpers are imperative to keep you snugly during the cold weather.

Identifying Key Pieces for Your Capsule Wardrobe

You might not currently own all the key pieces on this list - and that’s okay. The trick is to work with what you’ve got initially to tap into the benefits of having a capsule wardrobe .

You can always invest in the pieces you don’t have at a later date and put in similar options in the meantime.

Either way, don’t forget the main mantra when it comes to creating a capsule wardrobe: “less is more!”

Once you’ve picked out your key pieces, you’re ready to proceed with the next steps in creating a capsule wardrobe. “Part 3: Adding in Accents” will be posted shortly. Let us know when you finish parts 1 and 2!

Have a great day!