How To Create A Capsule Wardrobe

Denim

I am a jeans girl through and through. IMO jeans are the foundation to a great outfit and can really elevate your look when they fit your body well. I personally like more rigid high rise jeans because they suck me in and cover my pooch from having Sage. I do like jeans that have a bit more stretch too but I find myself going for things that are a bit more rigid lately.

With that being said, I think that every capsule wardrobe should have a pair of dark wash denim, black denim, and distressed denim (in medium wash, black or both).

black denim: here, here, and here

dark wash denim: here, here, and here

distressed denim: here, here, and here

Tops

I know that capsule wardrobes don’t have to consist of only neutrals but I find neutral’s much easier to style…especially if you’re just starting out creating your wardrobe. I buy a lot of black but I also really like styling white and tan.

Basic Tee – I love v-neck basic tees in black and white. They are so easy to style and you can wear them with just about anything and just about any way. You can style a basic tee with leggings and sneakers or with jeans and heels. They are extremely versatile which is why they are a wardrobe must have.

here, here, and here

Bodysuit – Bodysuits have been my go to all fall and have continued to be my go-to now that we are in winter. My favorite part about them is that they stay tucked in so you never have to worry about them rising up. I have bodysuits in a few different styles and wear them constantly.

here, here, and here

Lace Cami – This is a great staple to have because it can be worn all year round but different in ways. In the Summer, it can be worn on its own with jeans or short. In the cooler months, you can wear it with jeans and a leather jacket or with a cardigan.

here, here, and here

Basic Black Sweater and Basic White Sweater – Since it is winter I figured I would include things that you need in a capsule wardrobe for cooler months. A basic black sweater and a basic white sweater would basically fulfill the same job as a basic white tee but will keep you warm since its cold (lol!).

here, here, and here

Shoes

With shoes it’s all about versatility. The shoes that I have listed can serve many purposes and can be worn in a few different ways. I will note when you can wear them and how you can style them for different occasions.

Nude Pointy Toe Heel and Black Pointy Toe Heel – These can be worn with jeans, to work, to a wedding, or to church on Sunday. I specified the pointy toe shape because pointy toe heels are timeless unlike some other styles. Like a good pair of jeans, these types of shoes are the foundation of your shoe wardrobe.

Black Heel: here, here, and here

Nude Heel: here, here, and here

Nude Sandal – This can take the place of a nude pointy toe heel. You can wear it during the summer with dresses and skirts or in the fall (on warmer days) with jeans, a long cardigan, and a a cami.

here, here, here

White Sneaker – I really like to style sneakers with oversized sweaters and leggings for a comfy chic look or with sweatpants and a bodysuit. You can also style them with dresses in warmer months.

here, here, designer version here

Mule – Great to wear with jeans! Everyone isn’t a mule person but I love a mule because its easy to put on and it looks so chic! As with the other shoes I have listed here, I would go with a neutral color so you get the most use out of them. I have a black pair that I love and wear regularly with all black looks but I really want a cream pair to wear with jeans that aren’t black and in the spring/summer.

here, here, designer version here

Basic Black Leather Bootie – I wear booties when it’s too cold for me to wear pointy toe heels. I personally like very simple styles with booties so that I can get a ton of wear out of them. I wear booties most often with jeans but you can wear them with dresses and skirts too!

here, here, and here

Accessories

Hoops – To me, hoops are a classic. If I could wear only one style of earring from now on it would be a hoop. I have them in different sizes and different styles because they can be worn with anything.

here, here, and here

Simple Black Sunglasses

here, here, and here

Simple Necklace – A simple chain necklace to help dress up any outfit.

here

Black Handbag

here, here, and here

Neutral Handbag – I usually carry a black handbag but there are some outfits where a black handbag can look a bit harsh. This is where the neutral handbag comes in handy.

here, here, and here

Outerwear

I have told D to stop allowing me to buy both of these because I have officially gone over board with leather and denim jackets. Both are great because they can be worn with just about everything in any way. I like to wear either one of these items with jeans, sweatpants, leggings, or dresses depending on where I’m going or what I’m doing that day.

Leather Jacket

here, here, and here

Denim Jacket

here, here, and here

Long Coat

here, here, and here

-XO, Elle