How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

By Caroline Stefanek

First of all, you might be wondering what a ‘capsule wardrobe’ really means. To break it down, it means your wardrobe is full of essentials. These are things you can individually mix and match to create 10+ different outfits with the same few pieces. I recently started to build my own and let me just say, it is amazing. I already have way too many clothes, and I still haven’t fully gotten rid of many of my things. I brought 20 pairs of pants with me when moving into school, so I’m definitely not a professional wardrobe creator! However, rest assured, I can say I have a bunch of great pointers and tips for how and where to find pieces to build your own capsule wardrobe.

Now let’s dig into the details of why you’re all really reading this article.

First, find the colors you love to wear. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean one or two colors, but a range of shades you find most flattering on you. For me, this is green, pink and blue. I have a few shirts and pants that are different shades of each that I can reach for when I’m feeling like I want to be confident in a color. This can include patterns too. Everyone loves a good statement piece. Having a few different pieces of color is always good for any seasonal wardrobe. These pieces can range from fun-colored corset tops to cargo pants to even patterned jeans. 

Next, collect a good amount of black, white and gray clothing. 

This is one of the most important steps because these three colors can pair with basically everything. I cannot stress enough the importance of these three colors, and this seems pretty standard for a girl’s closet. Half the time I finish getting ready with my roommates, someone’s always either wearing black or white. 

This is probably the most up-to-you step because there are a million different top styles that come in black, white and gray. You can never go wrong with a black top and jeans for a night out; A girl’s favorite ‘going-out uniform’. 

Now here is a breakdown of my favorite essential pieces:

Bodysuits

Bodysuits aren’t for everyone and it’s a totally understandable thing. Even I cry a little bit when I have to wear one. However, a good white or black bodysuit is the chef’s kiss when you want to be comfortable yet also a little fancy. 

Long sleeves

This one is self-explanatory. Everyone loves a good long sleeve. Layering comes in handy with these, as well as wearing them on their own. 

T-shirts

These are some of my favorite pieces to collect. When perfectly accessorized, and with the right pants, a boring old t-shirt becomes an outfit right off your Pinterest board. 

The perfect tank

This one goes hand in hand with t-shirts. A simple tank can change your life when you find the one that makes you feel confident. 

Skirts (mini and midi of course)

I could probably talk about skirts all day. I recently just found my favorite mini skirt to ever exist (from Amazon of course), and it has completely changed my life. If you are dying to look like the outfit you saved on Pinterest months ago, go grab yourself a simple black skirt. You can never go wrong with a basic that can be dressed up or down. 

Cargo pants

Aside from jeans and other pants, cargo pants have become a staple in any trendy wardrobe. I personally love a good pair of cargos, and the range of options is endless. Sometimes, an outfit can be completely changed just by a new and different pair of pants. If you haven’t tried cargos yet, they’re definitely a jump outside the comfort zone for anyone, but totally worth it if you find the perfect pair. 

A good and reliable pair of jeans.

This came extremely easy to me because I used to work at Urban Outfitters, but now since I’ve grown out of my jeans, it’s definitely become more challenging. Finding the perfect wash, style and fit of any pair for jeans is like an uphill battle for all of us girls sometimes. In reality, there isn’t always going to be a pair that fits like a glove. But sometimes we get lucky and find the perfect pair. A good, go-to pair of jeans is a must-have for any wardrobe. Dressed up or down, jeans will never really disappoint an outfit. 

Finally, find the perfect accessories and shoes.

Accessories complete any outfit, and that also goes for shoes. Jewelry is a staple, and my best tip is to find good pieces you can mix and match with outfits. Accessories give us the chance to experiment and collecting a few simple ones can help elevate any outfit. Shoes, however, are another story. I could ramble on and on about my favorite shoes, but here are my top few essentials to have in your closet:

• Black boots
• White sneakers
• Black and white heels
• Any platform casual shoe

Shoes are really a personal preference, but having white and black options is a staple. Also, you have to remember as we get older our shoe size doesn’t fluctuate as much as it used to. Think about splurging for that pair of cool shoes, they might be ones you grab more times than you expect. 

To conclude this step-by-step outline, here are my recommendations for places to shop for these pieces:

• Target
• Garage
• Urban Outfitters
• Aritzia
• Pacsun
• Amazon
• Thrifitng

• capsulewardrobe