The idea of a capsule wardrobe can be one of two things: intriguing or intimidating. But what if I told you that the simplest way to achieve a realistic, affordable capsule wardrobe is as simple as filling your closet with quality, neutral basics?
About two years ago, I truly started to shop with my closet in mind. I don’t stray too far from my own color wheel and continuously rebuy the same (or similar) shapes of items. Why? Because why should we fix what isn’t broken?
When I try something new – like a bright color I don’t typically wear, or a neckline I haven’t ever been drawn too – we can either be happily surprised or uncomfortable in our own skin. However, if you curate what you own to fit what you know you feel comfortable in, then you don’t have to think twice about shopping in your own closet.
My closet is filled with basics, and simple shapes, ranging in colors from white, cream, brown, black, olive, and navy. And that’s… pretty much it. Where I stray from my color wheel is dresses or jumpsuits – one piece items that don’t need to be mixed and matched. I’ll throw in florals, patterns, or bright colors here. But shirts, bottoms, sweaters, coats? Neutrals that match. Neutrals to each other. Your neutrals may be a totally different selection of colors, and that’s okay! They’re colors that you like to wear, but can be mixed and matched with each other.
Now, here are some essential basics that I think are worth owning. And like I always say, you do not need to run out and buy anything that I recommend. Thrift, shop your own closet, or try other stores local to you that you prefer. But rather, use my delusional wisdom as an inspirational pinterest board.
Tops
“Tops” is a vague word. So I’ve broken it down into a few sub sections: Tees and tanks, blouses, and sweaters.
Let’s start with tees and tanks: this is the foundation of any elevated basic. How many times have you heard an influencer tell you that there’s nothing better than a plain white tee? Well, I hate to say it, but they’re right. But a white tee can go so much further than one might think, and don’t even get me started on the different cuts and shapes of a tee (too late).
To make things easier, there’s a list of basic tops you should consider having in your closet at all times: a ribbed, fitted tank top, a fitted tee, a boxy, loose tee, and a fitted long sleeve. These 4 essential tops can be mixed and matches with all sorts of layers and bottoms for an endless array of outfits.
I left out the color of each of the items above, because that’s up to you. White, gray, and black are my typical go-tos and match with everything. If you’re aiming for a capsule wardrobe yourself, then I highly recommend those colors.
I’ve linked my recent closet-worthy favorites below:
Now for blouses: here is where I feel we all, collectively as shopaholic females, overspend. Tees and tanks don’t excite us regularly, but new blouses come out each season. Find a neckline shape or style that you love, and grab one new blouse a season if you want.
But for an elevated basic, to keep in your closet with high grab-ability, opt for a cotton-blend button down. These can be thrown on with jeans, trousers, linen pants, shorts, WHATEVER. They’re effortless, sophisticated, and can easily be dressed in whatever direction your style is. Sporty, casual? Jeans and sneakers. Preppy and curated? Mini skirt and ballet flats. Simple and easy.
Here are a few options of elevated blouse basics that I’ve been browsing for myself lately:
Last up, sweaters: elevated, basic sweaters can be expensive and I recognize that. We can’t all run out and invest in a cashmere sweater, or pay for dry cleaning 24/7. However, there are ways around this that will allow you to keep elevated basics in your sweater collection.
Start thrifting if you’re open to the challenge. Thrift shops are littered with 100% cashmere sweaters for a fraction of the price. Search for sweater shapes that you typically gravitate for – commonly oversized or boxier, depending on what you like. Keep colors in mind here – navy, gray, white, brown, or black will be able to be thrown over any tee, blouse, or dress.
If thrifting isn’t your thing (totally fine), I’ve sourced a few options here at different price points. Fast fashion aside, H&M has great sweaters. They will last if washed properly, and their color, shape, and styles last beyond one season.
Bottoms
I’ve broken down this section into the following sub sections: Denim, skirts, pants. If you don’t consider yourself a skirt girl, skip that category altogether and focus on finding the perfect jeans that you feel like a million buckaroonies in.
Let’s start with denim: Jeans are hard, and trends make jeans even HARDER. Right now, we have the young, hip generation telling us that high-rise pants are not “in”. Instead, it’s low-rise, except they’re not the low-rise that we millennials know. It’s actually mid-rise. And it’s all really confusing.
My tip is this: the new trend is to not wear what’s trending, but to wear whatever works for you. Retailers aren’t making one specific style of jean anymore. They still sell high, mid, and low(still mid) rises to cater to every customer.
The same goes for the cut of the jeans. Ankle length, full length, crop, crop flare, boot cut, skinny, 90’s skinny, slim, wide, loose – shall I go on? It’s all a bunch of jargon that retail companies can’t even keep up with themselves. Regardless of whatever style you like, I recommend filling your closet with quality. Denim itself is a “basic”, so own as many as you want. Truly! Blue, black, and white – collect them all.
I’ve added a few brands below for you to consider. There’s nothing worse than ordering jeans from a new company with no idea how they fit, so I understand that. But sometimes we have to work a little harder (and drop off a few extra returns) to find pieces that will make us feel great, and last for a long time in our closets.
Next, onto skirts: if you’re not a skirt girly, keep scrolling. If you are a skirt girly, this section will be relatively short. I don’t consider a skirt to be a basic, however, there are definitely ones that I have kept in my closet for years. And they are slip skirts/dresses. Satin, silky skirts in any color (honestly) are great “basics” to spruce up an outfit. Headed to a concert and sick of your regular jeans and a tee getup? Satin skirt and a tee. EASY – I’m telling you!
Here are some of my all-time favorites:
Last up, pants: slacks, trousers, chinos, linen – there are so many items that fall under the category of pants here. Again, as I’ve said multiple times in this article, buy what truly fits your wardrobe. Business casual is back in style, and slacks are all the rage. But if you can’t see yourself wearing that, then don’t invest in some basics in that category.
Pants, other than denim, can also add to an outfit. Especially if a majority of your tops are simple (seeing the trend here?). I, personally, typically wear a different pant with the same white tank top for an entirely new look and feel. It’s as easy as that!
I’ve curated some of my personal favorite pants below if you’re interested:
Shoes
There are 4 styles of shoes you should have at least one of: Sneakers, boots, flats, and sandals.
If you keep at least one of each of these in your closet, you’ll be set. But if you have 75 pairs of shoes in your closet, and at least one pair of shoes fits each category, that’s amazing too, my girl!
Shoes can either be a pop of color, or an added element to an outfit. No matter what is, however, a basic shape can actually go a long way. For sneakers, start with a white tennis shoe first before buying other colors. You’ll notice how many outfits you can pair with them if they’re a neutral color. For sandals, choose either black or brown – whatever you wear more – to start. A slide on sandal or wrap up sandal will last you a long time, and are a timeless shape.
When it comes to flats, choose what you prefer: a loafer, slip on, or a ballet flat. Each carries their own personality, but all can be worn in the same manner. Opt for a black leather (or faux leather) to start and see how quickly it will elevate your look. Boots can be extremely varying, so I recommend starting with a mid calf boot, either a chunkier bottom or a western style – whatever suits your style more.
All 4 of these items are elevated basics in my eyes, despite the endless possibilities. Need some inspo? Here are some of my current shoe favorites:
I think I’ve covered some of the essential basics worth adding to your closet. If you’re thinking of building an entire wardrobe off basics – let’s chat. Basics can extend far beyond tops, bottoms, and shoes. Coats, loungewear, accessories – you name it.
Xo, sjv
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