Ten Basics that Should be in Every Capsule Wardrobe

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Today I wanted to share with you ten basics that should be in every Capsule Wardrobe.

These are items that I truly think would work in every wardrobe, no matter your style.

And they are items that I think will give you the max amount of versatility in building outfits.

Because at the end of the day, a wardrobe should be built on versatile basics right?

Also, I thought this list would give those of you who are considering starting a capsule wardrobe a place to start.

Yes?

Here’s the fun part: with 3 tops, 1 cardigan, 1 blazer, 1 LBD, 1 Pair of Jeans, and Three Pairs of shoes, you could last for quiet a while.

And that right there my friends is the beauty of a capsule wardrobe.

It teaches you how to live with a little so that in a pinch you can survive with even the most minimal amount of clothing.

I love that.

What do you think? Am I missing anything? What would you include in your ten must haves?

Until next time,

Karin

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81 Comments

  1. 2.22.16
    Abby said:

    Yes to this! I always have a few striped and neutral tees in my wardrobe. These are all great investments as they can easily be mixed and matched!

    xo,
    Abby of Life in the Fash Lane

  2. 2.22.16
    Marloes said:

    Haha so funny I own all of these items! It’s great to have a foundation to build on. The only thing I would need to add (because of the climate here) is a coat. Something timeless like a leather biker jacket or a camel trench coat.
    – X Marloes

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      I guess that’s why they’re the basics to include right?? 😉 Yes! A coat would be a good add.

  3. 2.22.16

    Love all of these threads and clothing basics. I hope to one day have a capsule wardrobe, but don’t know when it’ll happen.

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Thanks Summer! Well you know I’m here to help you whenever you decide to try!

  4. 2.22.16
    Linda said:

    I am working toward this. Have 2 small wardrobes. One for professional appearances, meetings, and speaking before groups and the other is my casual stuff. I have 3 outfits in each, a couple extra sweaters for variety, and a few workout clothes. It feels so good to go to my closet and know I can pick out an outfit that looks and feels good in minutes and I have enough variety not to get bored.

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      That sounds perfect Linda! It definitely makes things a lot easier!

  5. 2.22.16
    Sofia said:

    Looks like I need to go shopping 🙂 Love these looks.

  6. 2.22.16
    Kyla said:

    Great advice – especially the black dress and jeans, so many looks both dressed up & down that can be created off of those pieces! 🙂

  7. 2.22.16

    Totally agree with these picks, although mine have some variations. Little navy dress instead of LBD and flat riding boots instead of ankle boots. As the outlier in the capsule community, my neutrals are navy & beige instead of black & grey. But I totally that if you have quality versions of these 10, your capsule is going to be pretty successful!

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Yes! You definitely need to make it your own! And I think you’re right that these are items that you can switch in your own version of neutrals with and still have success.

  8. 2.22.16
    Bethany said:

    That looks like a great place to go from when cleaning out my closet. Grown up wardrobes are so much simpler and easier than my nutty teen “style” lol. I love the basics now!!

  9. 2.22.16

    I agree! These are the must for creating a wardrobe! I love how you can build from here to create a wardrobe and not have lots of unnecessary pieces!

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Yes definitely! If you have the basics nailed down, it’s a lot easier to build a wardrobe!

  10. 2.22.16
    Rebecca N said:

    I’ve never found the right blazer to work on me, but I love the other 9 pieces! Perfect!

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      It’s definitely taken me some trial and error. I actually JUST upgraded to a thrifted Madewell blazer and I think I’ve found the one!

  11. 2.22.16
    Kristen said:

    <3 this! And I already have most of the components – although the blazer is a tough one for me as well. I bought wedge ankle boots in gray last fall and they have been the single best item I've added to my wardrobe in years. Look great with everything AND super comfortable!

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      That’s what’s so great about it I think, these items are in almost everyone’s wardrobe already in some form!

  12. 2.22.16
    Shannon said:

    Agreed with each of those pieces. Even without a capsule wardrobe these are all staples!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Yes Definitely Shannon!

  13. 2.22.16
    Lauren said:

    I think this is a great post! The only thing I think I’d change would be the striped top. But really any neutral patterned piece could fit in its place.

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Absolutely! The point is to have something with a little extra than just a plain basic. 🙂

  14. 2.22.16
    Jess said:

    I think your ideas are spot on! I’m still trying to lose attachment to my wardrobe but will definitely use your ideas ☺ great post!

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Thanks Jess! I’m glad it helps!

  15. 2.22.16

    Love all of these and proudly own at least one of each! I never feel super in fashion, but it’s good to know I have the basics down. 🙂

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      If you have the basics down, you’re probably more fashionable than you think you are. 🙂

  16. 2.22.16

    This is perfect! I am always looking for tips on how to create or add to my wardrobe!

  17. 2.22.16
    Marleen said:

    I need to do a wardrobe overhaul but glad to see I have a few of the ones you showed above! I just find it so hard getting rid of stuff

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      I know how you feel Marleen! I think it just takes a simple step forward and then it all follows from there.

  18. 2.22.16
    Cassandra said:

    I don’t have a neutral button down (except for my chambray) or a blazer, but the rest are definitely essentials for me! Been wanting a blazer, but haven’t been able to find an ethically-made one and I hesitate to get one off eBay because it’s hard to find a blazer that fits properly so I want to be able to try it on first. It’s not necessary for the season of life I’m currently in though, so it’s not essential that I find one. Neutral tee + neutral cardigan + jeans + scarf is my go-to outfit though!

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Yes! I totally understand about the blazer thing, they can be really hard to shop for. You could always go in and try a bunch on in the actual store and then keep an eye out for them on eBay. But, if you don’t need it then there’s no point! Your outfit is pretty much my go to outfit as well. 🙂

    • 2.23.16
      Brandi said:

      I think a chambray is a neutral button down! 🙂

  19. 2.22.16

    Pretty much my dream closet right there. I’m trying to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, and it has been so good both my physical and mental health. I’m learning a lot and planning for my own capsule wardrobe, and almost all of these items are on my list. I’ve been so inspired by your posts! These have been so helpful and practical. 🙂

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Thank you Rachelle! That makes me so happy to hear! I’d love to hear how it goes for you when you get your’s started!

  20. 2.22.16

    I can already see so many different ways to put together outfits with these items! Great picks!

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      Thanks Crystal! That’s exactly why I chose them! They’re just so dang versatile.

  21. 2.22.16
    Anna said:

    Love this list! It’s a good start for ladies to build their wardrobe!

  22. 2.22.16
    Shann Eva said:

    These are perfect must-haves. I really need to clean out my closet, so I’m going to start with this list, and see if I can get a rid of the majority of everything else. Wish me luck!

    • 2.22.16
      Karin said:

      So fun Shann! I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you. Keep me updated!

  23. 2.22.16
    Lauren said:

    I love this list… I would think a little black dress and timeless heels could be added. 😉

    • 2.22.16
      Lauren said:

      aaaand I see the little black dress right in the middle!! haha sorry

  24. 2.22.16
    Rowan said:

    I literally own all of these items! LOVE this post

  25. 2.22.16
    Molly said:

    I love grey tees, I practically live in them! Striped tops are also a must, they’re so much fun!

    Molly and Stacie

    • 2.24.16
      Karin said:

      I pretty much live in all tees. 🙂

  26. 2.22.16
    January said:

    Amen! Best basic building blocks for a great wardrobe.

  27. 2.22.16

    Very good list of basics! I’m never comfortable in anything with a collar, so I would take out the button down and blazer even though they always look nice. I love cardigans and solid color long sleeve tops.

    • 2.24.16
      Karin said:

      Perfect! That’s a great way to tailor it to your style. 🙂

  28. 2.23.16

    I love all the neutrals! A basic tee and tennis shoe is a must!

    • 2.24.16
      Karin said:

      Agreed Logan! And thanks!

  29. 2.23.16

    Great list! I definitely have included most of these items in my mini capsule right now. But — I just can’t figure out the blazer. It never feels right on me. Maybe a little too stiff and bulky… does that make sense? Help me!?

    • 2.23.16
      Brandi said:

      Try a knit blazer. You get the look, but more comfy.

      • 2.24.16
        Karin said:

        I agree with Brandi, knit, or maybe something a little over sized and slouchy… Maybe even something that has a drape front instead of buttons! I say just try on a bunch and see what you like.

  30. 2.23.16

    Wonderful variety – love that cute little black dress and I need those ankle boots!

  31. 2.23.16

    Love this list. My tennis shoes are always my go to!

    • 2.24.16
      Karin said:

      Me too Leah! I wear them almost every day. 🙂

  32. 2.23.16
    Ashley said:

    Yes to all of these!! These are all closet essentials in my mind!

    xo Ashley

  33. 2.23.16
    Lori said:

    I’d like to start a little eco wardrobe capsule!

  34. 2.23.16

    I have had “create a capsule wardrobe” on my to-do list for weeks now but have been too lazy to make it happen. I really need to! All of these staples are basics I reach for weekly (except the striped tee – I need to find one I like). The neutral blouse is definitely a staple in my wardrobe!

  35. 2.23.16
    Ruthie said:

    This is so perfect and up my alley for every day life! You cannot go wrong with neutrals! I am loving that cardi!!

  36. 2.23.16

    I love this! I would be very comfortable with only these things in my wardrobe.

  37. 2.23.16
    Brandi said:

    In terms of functionality, this is a great list. The specific items could easily be tweaked to your style or lifestyle. I’m in the no-blazer camp, but I have a more structured cotton kimono jacket that basically does the same thing (i.e. layering piece) for my casual lifestyle. Same for tall vs short boots or prints vs stripes.

  38. 2.23.16
    Amber said:

    YES, yes, yes!! I’m in love with everything you posted. Every time I see your posts, it just encourages more and more to do a capsule wardrobe!

  39. 2.25.16
    Weebumz said:

    Fashion stunned!

  40. 4.6.16
    Care said:

    I really like the gray cardigan. Do you have a source for it? Thanks

    • 4.27.16
      Karin said:

      It’s an old Gap cardigan. 🙂

  41. 4.20.16
    Lidia said:

    Of the panoply of website I’ve pored over this has the most vetyrica.

  42. 5.4.16

    Totally agree! The item I struggle the most is the cardigan Still haven’t found one I really like that is not always falling off the shoulder or something haha

  43. 6.4.16

    AFAICT you’ve covered all the bases with this answer!

  44. 6.4.16

    Ca o cilios ficam lindissimos emmmmmm..AdoreiiiiiiiiiCa faz um tutorial de quando for sair o q fazer primeiro cabelo, make ou vestir a roupa?Bjsssssssss []Camila Coelho Respondeu:October 10th, 2012 em 2:01 pm, haha posso fazer, vai ficar divertido! hehe Bjinhos amore[]

  45. 6.4.16

    Hi lakshmiYou are getting me more jealous than ever. such stone work – exquisitebest wishes for 2009 and hope to see many more such lively posts. its refreshing to meet someone who immerses into history.vjwww.poetryinstone.in

  46. 12.30.16

    I love reading about what other moms “surrender” when they are having a defeated day and just want a little “peace.” Makes me feel better about my own give ins.

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