20 Pieces to Start Your Capsule Wardrobe: Winter Edition
Have you ever thought to yourself, “If I could just own ten or twenty really great pieces, my wardrobe would be set for life?” The popularity of capsule wardrobes has been on the rise for years, but the initial idea was coined back in the 1970s by Susie Faux and developed further in 1985 by Donna Karan. Both women were tired of constantly trying to assemble the right pieces together.
So, they decided to keep it simple. They suggested the capsule wardrobe — a way to keep your closet small, and only filled with quality pieces that can be worn over and over in a variety of ways.
Now, nearly 50 years later, many of us struggle with the same frustration they did and don’t know where to start. Luckily, there are so many resources out there via fashion blogs, LTK’s, and socials — all run by people who have experience building these capsules. And the best of the best? Fashivly. Hands down.
Keeping versatility in mind, there is something to be said about how you incorporate your personal style when building one. The most sustainable way to build a capsule wardrobe is by carefully choosing quality pieces that you look good in and feel good in, and taking care of them as the years go by.
If I was going to start my capsule wardrobe from scratch this winter here are the twenty pieces I would choose.
Pants
Trousers
There’s something special about the way trousers look good on everyone! The options are endless and they can elevate an outfit so seamlessly.
images via everlane, alo yoga
Alo Yoga - High Waist Pursuit Trouser - $148
Everlane - The Way-High Drape Pant - $128
Black Jeans
A good pair of denim is essential for a capsule wardrobe! Here are a couple of black denim options to get you started.
images via zara, levis
Zara - High Rise Straight Cropped Stretch Jeans - $49.90
Levi’s - Ribcage Wide Leg Women’s Jeans - $108
Tops
Sweater Dress
A sweater dress is a great switch up from wearing pants or a skirt, and can be dressed up with a few great accessories or dressed down with a pair of sneakers!
images via abercrombie, everlane
Abercrombie - Long-Sleeve Wrap Midi Sweater Dress - $100
Everlane - The Cozy Stretch Turtleneck Dress - $148
White Button Up
A white button up is truly a classic, versatile piece. Button it, layer it, or wear it underneath a sweater for a nice pop of white!
images via reformation, zara
Reformation - Will Oversized Shirt - $128
White Tee
Finding the right white tee all comes down to your preferred style and fit. Choose from oversized, baby tee, or body-skimming to add to your outfit rotation.
images via reformation, banana republic
Reformation - Classic Crew Tee - $38
Banana Republic - Timeless T-Shirt - $25
Black Bodysuit
A black bodysuit can be a nice switch up from the style of your white tee, and pairs so well with a high-waisted pant.
images via skims, abercrombie
SKIMS - T-Shirt Bodysuit - $62
Abercrombie - Soft Matte Seamless Tee Bodysuit - $50
Crew Neck Sweatshirt
This one’s for the WFH girlies who want to stay cozy, but can also confidently drop everything to go on a last-minute coffee run while still looking put together.
images via gap, cotton on
Gap - Vintage Soft Raglan Sweatshirt - $49.95
Cotton On - Classic Washed Crew Sweatshirt - $39.99
Oversized Sweater
As Fall temperatures start cooling down, you’ll want to start layering up in cozy pieces! Here are a couple of staple oversized sweaters to add to your day-to-day outfit formulas.
images via quince, everlane
Quince - 100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater - $49.90
Everlane - The SuperFuzz Alpaca Crew - $198
Outerwear
Blazer (color/print based on your personal style)
A blazer can truly bring an outfit together! Whether you are working from a coffee shop, have back-to-back meetings at the office, or are simply wanting to elevate your white tee and jeans, this is an easy go-to.
Additionally, a blazer is one of those pieces that you can use to really show off your personal style, too. Choose from wool, leather or cotton to stay chic and warm, all season long.
images via madewell, reformation
Madewell - The Larsen Blazer in Mixed Plaid - $198
Reformation - The Classic Relaxed Blazer - $278
Trench Coat
Surely you’ve seen a trench coat on your IG feed today, am I right ladies? I have one word, and one word only — timeless.
images via everlane, gap
Everlane - The Cotton Long Trench Coat - $298
Wool Overcoat
Looking for a warm coat that will go with nearly everything? A wool overcoat will surely do the trick!
images via frank & oak, mango
Frank and Oak - The Herringbone Recycled Wool Coat - $399
Mango - Oversize Wool Coat - $199
Leather Jacket
If I had to choose one jacket to wear forever, it would be a leather moto jacket. I honestly feel 10x cooler when I have one on.
Pro tip: Quality is important here!
images via abercrombie, levis
Abercrombie - Vegan Leather Moto Jacket - $140
Levi’s Belted Crop Moto Jacket - $148
Shoes
Square Toed Ankle Boot
If you’re wearing a square toed ankle boot, we’re automatically friends.
A mini heel is really nice for a little elevation, but doesn’t leave you with sore feet at the end of the day!
images via mango, sam edelman
Mango - Block Ankle Boots with Square Toe - $70
Sam Edelman - Irie Square Toe Ankle Bootie - $170
Loafers
My go-to outfit formula is a white tee, wide leg jeans and loafers! They are a great staple shoe to wear with any outfit formulated from your capsule wardrobe.
And if you’re looking for a way to switch things up from time to time, try pairing them with a white crew sock!
images via zappos, coach
Franco Sarto - Carolynn Loafer - $69
Ballet Flat
When the ballet flat rose back to the spotlight, I cheered! What a fun, versatile piece to keep on hand.
images via everlane, dolce vita
Everlane - The Day Ballet Flat - $145
Dolce Vita - Reyes Ballet Flats - $120
Sneakers
Athleisure, anyone? Deciding on a shoe to pair with my outfit oftentimes comes down to practicality for the day ahead. Sneakers are a go-to when I know I’m going to be on the move all day!
images via shopbop, goat
Reebok - Club C Double Sneakers - $80
Accessories
Leather Tote Bag
Many of us spend Monday through Friday carrying around our laptops. With that being said, I recommend investing in a nice leather tote bag that you love. They are trusty, oh so cute, and will last for years to come!
images via madewell, everlane, calpak
Madewell - The Essential Bucket Tote - $178
Everlane - The Luxe Medium Italian Leather Tote - $250
Calpak - Haven Laptop Tote Bag - $178
Leather Black Belt
An accessory that is both practical and cute? Yes, please!
images via coach, able clothing
Honorable Mention
Denim Set
I truly believe there is nothing cooler than a matching denim set, no matter what era we are in. You may be buying this set because it goes together seamlessly, but you will also enjoy the nice treat of being able to incorporate each piece into other outfits, too.
Two birds, one set.
images via abercrombie
That’s it, friends — the 20 pieces I would choose if I was starting my capsule wardrobe from scratch. Piece by piece, your capsule wardrobe will come together, and it will be so worth it.
If you need help styling your pieces along the way, Fashivly is here to help. Grab a style guide here.
Madison King
Madison is a writer & creative strategist based in Charlotte, NC. She forms and nourishes relationships through artistic drive, and loves to share stories over coffee (!!!) Madison values the uniqueness found in the collaboration of written and visual arts, which lead her to a career in content creation and brand management. And her most important skill? Recommending the addition of a blazer; every time.
