Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basics

White Tank Top //  Chic on a summer day and good for layering in the fall and winter.

Tan or Gray Tank Top //  I like a dressier fabric that can be worn casually or part of a fancier outfit.

Black Tank Top //  A mock neck style can be worn casually, in a dressy look, or as part of an edgier look.

Colored Tank Top //  A crepe-y camisole in a color of your choice. I like a pastel pink because it toes the line between neutral and colorful.

Black Tee //  Crew-neck, V-neck, whatever works.

Blue or White Tee //  I avoid white t-shirts because armpit stains drive me nuts, so I have a light blue tee that functions like my “white tee.”

Colored Tee //  Stick within the same color palette as your colored tank top for best matchability.

Sleeveless Blouse //  Lace adds texture and dresses it up.

Black Blouse //  Go for one in an interesting silhouette to make it more, uh, interesting.

Long Sleeve Blouse //  This can be neutral or a color that matches your palette.

Chambray Shirt //  Tuck it into jeans, tie it around your waist, knot the tails to make a crop top, or use it as a “shacket.” So versatile.

White Cardigan //  A simple way to add a little warmth, plus it’s great for giving those “grandma vibes” when you’re in that sort of mood. (As I am quite often.)

Black Sweater //  Great basic for layering on cooler days. I also like to tie it around my shoulders for a preppy look.

Tan or Neutral Sweater //  Personally, I think a V-Neck works best because it looks less frumpy.

Gray Sweatshirt //  Great for athleisure vibes. I select a sweatshirt with a few extra pretty details. The mock neck and shoulder pleats ensure my simple outfits don’t look too simple.

Black Hoodie //  Also great for athleisure. Perfect for too-cool-for-school street style looks.

“Leather” Jacket //  This can be vegan leather, of course. There are plenty of options to choose from depending on what kind of overall style you like. Right now I’m enjoying a more street style aesthetic, hence the biker jacket and sweatshirts.

Denim Jacket //  You MUST own a denim jacket. It goes with everything, even jeans. Promise.

Boyfriend Blazer //  I like a boyfriend blazer in a neutral color, either printed or solid. I prefer to smoosh up the sleeves using the rubber band trick to make the look less formal and stuffy.

Straight Leg Jeans //  I have replaced my blue skinnies with these high-waisted slim fit straight jeans and they are perfection.

Wide-Leg Jeans //  For those awkward events that are too dressy for “just jeans” but not somewhere you’d want to wear slacks or a dress. These look amazing with heels.

White Jeans //  Try rolling the cuffs in the summer for a cute casual look, and tuck them into boots in the winter for the ultimate Snow Queen style.

Black Jeans or Pants //  Basic black jeans can look classy-chic or rocker-chic. Bonus points for a cool button fly.

Denim Shorts //  The kind of roughed-up shorts that just make you want to go on an adventure. Find those shorts.

Dressy Shorts //  Hint: these shorts look an awful lot like a skirt when your legs are close together. All the feminine flirtiness without the worry that the back of your skirt is tucked into your underwear.

Midi Skirt //  Tons of styles to choose from here, but I enjoy a classic black pleated style because it is flattering on my miniature pear-shaped body.

Mid-Thigh Skirt //  You could also do a mini skirt, but those are much too stressful for me. Or switch it out for an extra pair of shorts if skirts aren’t your thing.

Sleeveless Dark Jumpsuit //  Being sleeveless makes the jumpsuit as versatile as possible because you can easily layer tops and jackets over or under for varied looks.

Light Colored Jumpsuit //  You could always skip this one and replace it with another bottom or dress if you aren’t into jumpsuits. I love them, though!

Black Dress //  Perhaps a cliche, but a cliche for a reason. Wear it alone, wear it with a cardigan or jacket, wear it as a skirt with a shirt or sweater over top, wear a shirt underneath like a pinafore. So many options.

White or Light Colored Dress //  Go for either a dressy or casual style depending on your lifestyle and wear it in many of the same ways as your LBD.

Ruffled or Wrap Dress //  This a slightly fancier option that works for a last-minute party or wedding.

Dressy Romper //  Rompers are great for when you are feeling super uninspired to match a top and bottom. I keep a dressier option because then I can use it in the evenings too.

Cream Mid-Height Heels //  I recommend sticking to mid-height heels for a capsule wardrobe because they are the most wearable. Cream looks elegant on all skin tones and pointy toes elevate any outfit.

Leather Slides //  Everybody needs a pair of sandals that are easy to slip on for a quick trip to the mailbox. These are comfortable but still look cute and presentable.

Athletic Shoes //  These are handy to own for running errands or running around the block when you just need to get out.

White Sneakers //  I like a platform sneaker to differentiate this style from the athletic variety.

Loafers //  A printed loafer will add interest to the plain outfits that often get paired with loafers.

Wedge Sandals //  Cute yet casual. The black and beige ensures that it will match with almost any outfit and the espadrille style adds texture.

Ankle Boots //  I wear black ankle boots year round. They are my go-to for when I want to look like I mean business.