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Capsule wardrobe is one of the best ways to create endless beautiful timeless looks. Well almost endless. With the list that I have composed you can make approximately 576 outfits. The number seems shocking, let me break it down for you!
The most basic outfit combinations for warm days, no layers no accessories, just tops, bottoms and shoes is 36 outfits. Considering you have 6 tops, 3 bottoms, 2 shoes. Thats more than a month of different outfits.
Next level is adding layers. Obviously when it is colder or when we would like to style more things then we can consider layering a bit. That increases our number to a whopping 144 outfits. About 1/3rd of the year covered!
Now this is extra but if you style an outfit with one of two different bags you get 288 outfits and if you add jewellery and other accessories, for example scarves, your outfit count has increases minimum to 576 different outfits.
576 is just an approximate estimation, considering these are all the clothing items you have and assuming everything matches seamlessly, but I know that you have more clothes and accessories in your wardrobe. So in reality you might even end up with a much higher outfit count.
So lets jump into the list of things. If you have them already in your closet then you’re halfway there! If you do not – don’t worry, I have added links to amazon where you can purchase the clothing item. At the end I attached a pdf checklist for you to easily visualise what you do and don’t have!
1. Spaghetti Strap Top
A spaghetti strap top is a must-have for a capsule wardrobe because it’s super versatile and easy to style. You can layer it for any season (when it is cold you can wear it as an undershirt) or wear it solo for a simple, y2k look—it just works with everything!
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2. Long Sleeve Top
I rejected this shirt in my early teens but I realised how versatile it is soon enough. Just like the previous top – it is perfect for layering or wearing simply as it is. It is that type of clothing article that you reach for repeatedly regardless of the weather and the occasion – you can style it with an elegant blazer, underneath a sweater, with lots of accessories or simply as it is!
Examples:
3. Short Sleeve Top
I don’t have much to say here except the fact that it is the exact same situation as the long sleeve top! Timeless, perfect for layering and for warmer weather especially. This is a skin tight suggestion but a looser option looks great as well! as long as the material is thicker – which will make it have more shape – thus look more fitting if you know what I mean.
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4. Long Sleeve Turtleneck
Same as previous situations! Switch this one up with the long-sleeve without a turtleneck. The good part about this item is that it is perfectly suitable for wearing with suits, simply for going out etc.
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5. Basic sweater
Unless you live in a warm place this is obviously a clothing article you have in your closet. If you do not that is also okay! I would suggest getting a basic colour, white, black, red, blue or something along those lines. Select a good and durable yarn too because a good quality sweater can take you a long way. It is a big step up from wearing a sweatshirt in cold weather and makes any outfit with any pants look elegant – even if that is not your goal.
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6. Cardigan
This clothing article is honestly just a matter of taste and I would even say that it is optional for some. It is definitely simple, chic and easy to style with any outfit – whether it is more hip, cutesy vibe or just a classic look! Some like cardigans some don’t – this is up to you, you can pick a sweater of your choice or any other mid-season weather top!
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7. Button Down White Shirt
This is definitely a must must must have in anyones closet! Job interviews, some formal event, maybe a theatre trip, generally elegant outfit vibe, CV photos, dress code for work. A white button up is a must have for an elegant outfit. It is a perfect elegant staple piece in any outfit – you can never go wrong with it, even if you wear it on a casual day.
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8. Jeans
I mean everyone has jeans in their closet this is as obvious as it gets. I would recommend one thing though – investing into one good quality pair of jeans that suit your body type. I noticed that many people buy fast fashion jeans that are trendy but then the trend changes and they end up at the back of the closet. People often are too afraid to not fit in with the style and they end up wearing clothes that are trendy that certain season. But sometimes it does not do them any good – it simply does not fit their body type.
Therefore, I recommend investing in at least one good quality pair of jeans that fit your body type (does not matter if its last seasons skinny jeans or this seasons mom jeans), and that can be worn for longer than one season (for example in my case it is bootcut jeans). Play around and see what fits you – don’t worry about what people think 😉
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9. Formal Pants
A pair of good black pants will do you good in any setting. At a party or an office desk or a first date. Basically anywhere. You can style them with one of the first 3 tops or a cardigan or a sweater, options are endless. See how our capsule wardrobe is already coming together? If white legged pants don’t suit you too much then you can find ones that are narrower! Once again, don’t focus on what is in trend right now – focus on what suits you and makes you feel beautiful.
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10. Skirt (length is up to you)
This one is also up to your decision and taste. Some people just don’t like skirts and thats okay! I personally believe that you can create great outfits with it. Its great for any season, whether it is a hot summer or a cold winter! I personally would recommend avoiding any slits in the skirt as it becomes less universal – you might not be able to wear it to a formal event of some sort because that might be not according to the dress code. And in my personal opinion they look much cuter that way <3
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11. Dress
Honestly it is such a hard task to find a good dress nowadays. For it to sit well on your body type, for it to be comfy and stylish, etc. I think that a dress should be aiming for a timeless style and a basic colour – either white or black or one of the basic clothing primary colours. Avoid slits and I would recommend getting something with at least some form of sleeve. Sometimes there are events where it is not appropriate to show up with bare shoulders (for example some form of conference). You can always layer a sweater on a dress and its nice to switch up from jeans and pants once in a while!
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12. Trench Coat
I believe that trench coats will stay as a timeless clothing article forever. It is like a button up but for outdoor clothes. Short jackets can suit some outfits and others not, same with jean and even leather jackets. And the best part is that there are both lighter autumn and warmer winter trench coats , keeping you warm. Unless you live in a very cold area !! Then you must have your own preferred puffer coat or warm coat of some sort.
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13. Puffer Jacket
We are not just staying stylish and within our capsule here. We are also staying healthy and not catching cold when its negative degrees outside!! Invest in a good puffer jacket, the length depends on you. Some people prefer their coats to cover their butt, some want their coats below their knees and others simply want a short jacket. Pick your desired length by your comfort! I would recommend tacky colours or designs since we would like to keep it simple and easy matching. Don’t worry – we will add some personality later on with accessories 🙂
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14. A pair of good old white everyday sneakers
I would not really recommend buying shoes online but just in case I have still provided you with a link. Invest in a really good comfy pair of long lasting shoes. And I mean like simple basic boring white sneakers – not something like converse (no offence to them, I love converse but we need a pair of shoes for a wardrobe that can mix and match for any occasion). White is the easiest colour to style but it is also the easiest one to stain so take good care of them! They will come in handy with literally any outfit there is, trust me !
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15. A pair of good old black heels (beige works too)
I mean these are a timeless classic staple. But once again, I really do not recommend buying shoes online – especially high heels. In some occasions you might spend your whole day on your feet – you need to pick your own ideal height of the heel and style. And my advice is keeping the toes out of sight. Its safer for you and more timeless and elegant. Plus no need to worry about your pedicure 🙂
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16. Belts
Unspoken hero of styling. First of all belts are not necessarily just there for your pants (but obviously that is their primary function), you can use them to turn your sweater into a cropped version of it. You can also give yourself a snatched waist with that dress combo (but pick a thinner or thicker belt for that).
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17. Daily Bag (Uni, Work, Trips)
A good universal daily bag is a must have. It has to be spacious enough to fit everything in it, your waller, laptop, phone, little pouch with necessities, maybe a textbook etc etc. Make sure it is spacious and has dividers. That is the most important thing in a bag (after the design of course). I have bought so many bags that were hollow inside and I ended up losing things in there. My uni papers got crunched, cables got squished etc. So really look for a good divider inside the bag! And make sure its durable, we don’t want to over consume on stuff we don’t need!
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18. Backpack
Maybe you are more of a backpack person rather than a purse person. I personally alternate in between usually. Sometimes I have waaay too many things to take to uni classes and my shoulder and bags are in pain – so I opt for a little bag switch to a backpack. Backpacks can also be universal. For example this type of bag that keeps its shape and form is universal for sporty style and even a formal work meeting. It is even possible to match this with a coat. For extra durability consider investing into a leather bag but those that keep its shape – then they wont get worn out easily (learned from experience).
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19. Small going out bag
If I am going out on a little date or running simple errands I don’t need a big bag. No one needs a big bag. Who wants to bring unnecessary stuff out with them anyways? This is where this lovely small black bag comes in play. I have had this exact same one for a few years and it still looks like new and somehow it can magically fit anything. It could fit my purse, phone, keys, glasses and sometimes even small books (I know right ???).
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20. Jewellery
I have linked to a set of jewellery on amazon but I truly recommend to either invest into a few good quality pieces or to thrift to stay sustainable. But it is really up to you! If you are looking for unique pieces from a small business I can recommend MoonRose Jewellery . This is not sponsored, simply one of my favourite shops with unique elegant pieces. In this case it truly is up to you what you choose but at least one pair of every type of accessory would be a wise choice. At least one pair of earrings, necklace, a ring and a bracelet. And try seeing what suits you more – silver or gold!
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Whether you are just reorganising your wardrobe, your style or your mind – a capsule wardrobe is a must have. Even with simply 10 – 15 of these clothing items you are safe to go on a trip with an almost empty suitcase and still be guaranteed at least a hundred of different outfit variations.
Building a capsule wardrobe is not hard at all! Most of these items I assume you already will have in your wardrobe. Really look through and see what pieces you need and would like to keep, what pieces of clothing you wont wear (donate, sell, upcycle) and what items you should invest in.
