A capsule wardrobe is nothing new. The term was coined back in the 1980s by Susie Faux, the West End boutique owner who introduced her clients to minimalist brands like Jil Sander, while Donna Karan popularized the idea in the USA in ‘85 with her Seven Easy Pieces. In more recent years, Marie Kondo’s decluttering method has shaken up wardrobes the world over. The notion of a refined and utilitarian collection of clothing, of creating the maximum number of outfits from as few items as possible, is a familiar one.
Now, though, its appeal is greater than ever. The pandemic has forced many of us to recalibrate our relationship with fashion. Giving us time to step off the fast-moving carousel of disposable trends, we spent hours in lockdowns with the clothes we own and admit which were bought to secure a quick and dirty serotonin hit in the shadow of Instagram’s comparison culture, fuelled by the ease of same-day delivery. For others, waking each morning to a global pandemic has left little room for the effort and energy required to pull together a playful outfit. With heavier burdens weighing on our minds even today (see: the cost-of-living crisis), functionality is often the biggest draw when choosing what to wear each day.
"People have been rethinking their relationship with clothing, which means more time being spent organizing, declutterring, and learning how to create a streamlined wardrobe," says personal stylist Eunice Abe. Donating, selling, swapping or gifting items which no longer fit into your life is a great way to save them from landfill but the aim isn’t to mindlessly purge your wardrobe and start anew. It's about whittling it down to a selection of thought-out pieces which will help you to resist the pull of passing trends. "Building a capsule wardrobe made up of core items not only helps me shop less and rewear my pieces over and over again," Eunice says, "but also to not shop impulsively for the 'next best thing' to wear."
At the core of a capsule wardrobe is the idea that its contents transcend passing trends but of course it will mean different things to different people. If monochrome and minimalism isn’t your flavor, a capsule wardrobe bursting with print and color is just as valuable — so long as each piece can be worn in multiple ways. Fine-tune your wardrobe so that you’re wearing what you own as much as possible, so that each piece stands the test of time and serves a functional but joyful purpose in your life. What it looks like is up to you.
Below, we’ve found the best pieces for a traditional capsule wardrobe, from summer-ready sandals to Breton striped tees.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Capsule Closet Must-Have:
Black Bag
Handbag trends may fluctuate, from XXL totes to itsy-bitsy micro bags, but a good black bag is forever. Just make sure it fits all your essentials — keys, phone, wallet — and is versatile enough to go from day to night.
Aupen Purpose, $, available at Aupen— PAID CONTENT —
Inspired by the iconic ’90s silhouette, this versatile Coachtopia shoulder bag will get you plenty of wear. Its sleek and compact design fits comfortably under your arm, yet it’s roomy enough to house your everyday necessities. What’s more, it’s crafted with sustainable materials — a mix of recycled and regenerative leather and partially recycled plastic resin — so you can feel good about wearing it, too.
Coachtopia Ergo Bag In Coachtopia Leather, $, available at Coach
From Audrey Hepburn to Steve Jobs, the turtleneck has stood the test of time for good reason. Layer yours under white workwear shirts and crew-neck knits or wear tucked into straight-leg denim.
Agolde Pascale Stretch-Lyocell Turtleneck Top, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Skims Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve Turtleneck, $, available at Skims
Madewell Whisper Cotton Turtleneck Tee, $, available at MadewellCapsule Closet Must-Have: White T-shirt
If you can avoid spillages and stains, the plain white tee is your hardest-working piece. We're teaming ours with black blazers, gold jewelry, and flared denim but it works with just about anything, from slip skirts to high-waisted shorts.
Gap Cotton Vintage Crewneck T-Shirt, $, available at Gap
Uniqlo Ultra Stretch AIRism Cropped Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, $, available at Uniqlo
Capsule Closet Must-Have: Straight-Leg Jean
Jeans silhouettes go back and forth — goodbye skinny, hello barrel leg — but the straight leg remains a constant faithful, no matter which way the pendulum swings. Levi's and Madewell have a good size range, while Re/Done's repurposed pieces are a great sustainable option.
MOTHER The Rambler Zip Ankle, $, available at Mother
Warp + Weft ASE Plus Straight 29" Blown Away, $, available at Warp + Weft
RE/DONE High-Rise Stove Pipe, $, available at RE/DONE
A cream-colored crew-neck knit is a timeless classic with a neckline that lends itself to different necklace lengths. And lots of styling possibilities: We're wearing ours with big collar blouses and turtlenecks while it's chilly and over slip dresses come spring.
Cuyana Single-Origin Cashmere Scoop Neck Sweater, $, available at Cuyana
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $, available at Quince
ASOS DESIGN Fluffy Crew Neck Sweater, $, available at ASOSCapsule Closet Must-Have: Lace-Up Shoe
Lace-up leather shoes aren't for everyone, but if a smarter style works for your wardrobe, the styling solutions are endless. We enjoy them paired with a colorful sock and tailored trousers, with patterned tights and a mini skirt, with a black sock and a mini dress, and with straight-leg jeans and a turtleneck.
Dr. Martens 1461 Mono Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes, $, available at Dr. Martens
Whether you go for chunky or subtle, yellow or pale-toned, gold jewelry is a perennial classic. It's at its strongest against a block-colored background like a white tee or black turtleneck.
Astrid & Miyu Dome Hoops, $, available at Astrid & Miyu
BaubleBar Small Hera Bracelet, $, available at BaubleBar
Loungewear may not have appeared in traditional capsule wardrobes throughout the years but if the last few years have taught us one thing about getting dressed, it's that comfort is a top priority. Whether you go for a coordinating set or sling a classic gray marl sweatshirt over your denim, make room for the newest addition to your wardrobe.
Girlfriend Collective Porcini Heather 50/50 Cropped Sweatshirt, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
OFFLINE by Aerie OTT Fleece Short, $, available at Aerie
Vuori Performance Jogger, $, available at VuoriCapsule Closet Must-Have: Oversized Button-Down
Whether you nab a vintage linen number from the men's section of your local thrift shop or borrow from your dad/brother/boyfriend, an oversized button-down shirt will last forever. Wear over turtlenecks or under oversized knits in winter and over slip dresses, swimsuits, and tucked into Bermuda shorts come summer.
Alex Mill Easy Ruffle Shirt in Paper Poplin, $, available at Alex Mill
The Frankie Shop Conrad Button Up Shirt, $, available at The Frankie Shop
Banana Republic The Oversized Shirt, $, available at Banana RepublicCapsule Closet Must-Have: Black Ankle Boot
No matter your style of choice — hiker, Chelsea, lug-sole, or heeled — there's a black ankle boot to suit everyone. Heritage labels like Blundstone can be relied on for pairs that survive years of wear and tear, while contemporary labels such as Dear Frances and Ganni make dance floor-ready boots with interesting heels.
Dear Frances Gem Boot, $, available at Dear Frances
Ganni Patent-Leather Platform Chelsea Boots, $, available at Ganni
Blundstone Women's Dress Chelsea Boots, $, available at BlundstoneCapsule Closet Must-Have: Knit Dress
Comfortable enough that you can hit the sofa but smart enough that you feel presentable for a day at the office or a weekend lunch, knit dresses are a capsule closet must-have. Wear over knee-length boots now and team with sandals when spring (finally) arrives.
Reformation Evan Cashmere Sweater Dress, $, available at Reformation
& Other Stories Buttoned Rib Knit Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Capsule Closet Must-Have:
Summer Sandals
Beyond the sneaker revival, nowhere has the shift towards comfort-first been seen more than in sandals. Birkenstock has the lion's share here, with its two-strap Arizona style dominating every season (with a fresh pedi for summer or chunky socks for winter), with a 2023 boost as a result of the Barbie movie. But there are plenty of other worthy investments for sandals you can wear from the pool to a sunny plaza in styles that won't date.
FP Collection Mila Minimal Flat Sandals, $, available at Free People
Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Leather Sandals, $, available at mytheresa
Capsule Closet Must-Have:
Trench Coat
The trench coat needs no introduction. Though the classic belted style is perfect for those wanting a defined silhouette, we're enjoying the loose-fitting iterations coming from the runways of JW Anderson and Burberry. Nab a vintage number from the latter from eBay for an extra cool factor and wear it with everything from midi dresses and boots to tailored trousers and tees.
Topshop Utility Trench Coat, $, available at Nordstrom
Mango Belt Detail Classic Trench Coat, $, available at Macy's
Vero Moda Long Line Trench Coat, $, available at ASOSCapsule Closet Must-Have: Tailored Trouser
Thanks to a slew of contemporary brands, tailored trousers have thrown off their stuffy and restrictive connotations and are tempting us away from our trusted denim. Go suited and booted if you please but a tailored trouser looks as good with a white tee and silver jewelry as it does with a crew-neck knit.
Universal Standard Infinite Flannel Pants, $, available at Universal Standard
Vince Tapered Pull On Pant, $, available at Revolve
If gold isn't your thing, simple silver pieces work equally well with just about everything in your wardrobe. From super-thin snake chains to no-need-to-take-them-out sleeper hoops, see Jenny Bird, Missoma and Rellery for the cream of the crop.
Missoma Mini Chubby Hoop Earrings, $, available at Missoma
Rellery Chunky Chain Choker Necklace, $, available at Rellery
Jenny Bird Gia Bangle, $, available at Jenny BirdCapsule Closet Must-Have: Leather Jacket
Whether you want to emulate a Matrix-inspired cyberpunk or channel your inner Rebel Without A Cause, leather jackets are more adaptable than you might think. Vintage is best — they get softer with age and there are tons waiting for a new home — but there is no shortage of fantastic biker silhouettes you can buy brand-new, too.
J.Crew Collection Jodie Leather Lady Jacket, $, available at J.Crew
Nanushka Ado Regenerated Leather Jacket, $, available at Nanushka
BDG Sean Faux Leather Harrington Jacket, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Capsule Closet Must-Have: Tank Top
The humble tank top enjoyed a renaissance in the last few years. Now a summer staple, we wear ours with boxer shorts in bed, with slip skirts and mules for balmy evenings and with mom jeans and gold jewelry for a throwback look.
Alo Goddess Ribbed Go-To Tank, $, available at Alo
Athleta Renew Seamless Racerback Tank, $, available at Athleta
Intimately Clean Lines Muscle Cami, $, available at Free People
Capsule Closet Must-Have:
White Sneaker
However you get your kicks, there's a white sneaker for you. Box-fresh and chunky? You can't go wrong with New Balance's 1400. Retro-inspired? Look to Converse All-Stars or Adidas Sambas. For sustainable options, Veja and Cariuma hit the spot. The more worn, the better — there's no trick to styling this perennial classic.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE
Cariuma Off-White Canvas OCA Low, $, available at Cariuma
Reebok BB 4000 II Sneakers, $, available at Farfetch
Capsule Closet Must-Have: Black Coat
There are plenty of coat styles that never age, from a navy pea coat to a khaki parka. If you're looking for something to survive every winter without being too trend-dominated, may we suggest a black coat? Whether you opt for double-breasted and wool, quilted and collarless, or fuzzy faux fur, as long as you'll get substantial wear out of it come winter, and it'll protect you from the cold, it's a forever piece for sure.
Everlane The ReNew Long Liner, $, available at Everlane
Estelle Longline Coat, $, available at NordstromFashion has a waste problem — but Coachtopia thinks it’s solvable. See how it’s redefining what it means to be circular in the first episode of its new docuseries, The Road To Circularity,here.
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