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

January 24, 2022

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

all year capsule wardrobe

capsule wardrobe

Why a capsule wardrobe?

I love style, but I don’t particularly love clothes. I do not possess the body shape that most clothing is made to fit, and so finding clothes that look flattering on me can be tricky. When I do find items that I like and that fit well, I latch onto them like a sloth latches onto a tree branch and wear them over and over again.

Even if you have no issues finding clothing that works for you, I bet you have your favorite pieces that get a lot more love than the rest. It’s nothing to feel bad about. It’s totally natural to gravitate toward what you like the most. You’re not trying to be wasteful, but you know you can do better.

Here’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in. Why put yourself through the misery of looking after clothing you don’t really love? When instead, you can rewear your favorites guilt free all the time? That sounds like a good deal to me! A capsule wardrobe gives you just that.

In this post I’ll be showing you my All Year Capsule Wardrobe. These are the 40 classic items that I always have around, no matter what!

Editor’s note: Some images and links point toward products similar in style to the image displayed. These links are updated periodically as the items shown go out of stock or are no longer available.

My capsule wardrobe methodology

I have a collection of 40 items that are my absolute favorites. I wear them year round. They are all classics (in my opinion) and so I never worry about them looking outdated year to year. I rotate trendy and seasonal items in and out as I see fit. But this 40 item collection is a constant fixture in my closet.

How long have I had a capsule wardrobe? The capsule wardrobe method has been a long time coming for me. But not until recently have I actually sat down and listed all of the items. So in that sense, I haven’t been doing this very long.

However, I had been a capsule wardrobe user without even realizing it. All of these items had been wardrobe staples for me long before I decided to call them a capsule wardrobe.

How to get all the simplicity of a Capsule Wardrobe without denying your love of style! Click To Tweet

basic tops

Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsWhite Tank Top //  Chic on a summer day and good for layering in the fall and winter.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsTan or Gray Tank Top //  I like a dressier fabric that can be worn casually or part of a fancier outfit.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsBlack Tank Top //  A mock neck style can be worn casually, in a dressy look, or as part of an edgier look.

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

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsBlack Tee //  Crew-neck, V-neck, whatever works.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsBlue 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.”

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsColored Tee //  Stick within the same color palette as your colored tank top for best matchability.

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dressier tops

Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsSleeveless Blouse //  Lace adds texture and dresses it up.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsBlack Blouse //  Go for one in an interesting silhouette to make it more, uh, interesting.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsLong Sleeve Blouse //  This can be neutral or a color that matches your palette.

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

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsWhite 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.)

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsBlack Sweater //  Great basic for layering on cooler days. I also like to tie it around my shoulders for a preppy look.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsTan or Neutral Sweater //  Personally, I think a V-Neck works best because it looks less frumpy.

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sweatshirts & outerwear

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

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsBlack Hoodie //  Also great for athleisure. Perfect for too-cool-for-school street style looks.

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

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsDenim Jacket //  You MUST own a denim jacket. It goes with everything, even jeans. Promise.

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

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pants

Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsStraight Leg Jeans //  I have replaced my blue skinnies with these high-waisted slim fit straight jeans and they are perfection.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsWide-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.

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

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsBlack Jeans or Pants //  Basic black jeans can look classy-chic or rocker-chic. Bonus points for a cool button fly.

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skirts & shorts

Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsDenim Shorts //  The kind of roughed-up shorts that just make you want to go on an adventure. Find those shorts.

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

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

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsMid-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.

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dresses & jumpsuits

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

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

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

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

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsRuffled or Wrap Dress //  This a slightly fancier option that works for a last-minute party or wedding.

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

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shoes

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

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

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsAthletic Shoes //  These are handy to own for running errands or running around the block when you just need to get out.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsWhite Sneakers //  I like a platform sneaker to differentiate this style from the athletic variety.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsLoafers //  A printed loafer will add interest to the plain outfits that often get paired with loafers.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsWedge Sandals //  Cute yet casual. The black and beige ensures that it will match with almost any outfit and the espadrille style adds texture.

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Capsule Wardrobe Theory | create a capsule wardrobe w/ all year basicsAnkle Boots //  I wear black ankle boots year round. They are my go-to for when I want to look like I mean business.

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Capsule Wardrobe → What is it *really* & how does it work? Click To Tweet

That’s all for today!

If you love this post, be sure to check out this one ➢ Athflow Capsule Wardrobe | what is Athflow + why it’s what you’ve been looking for all along!

If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!

Till next time. ♥︎

Sign up for my free monthly e-journal, The Millennial Maven Love Letters for exclusive content + millennial inspiration and lifestyle hacks. Plus get instant access to my library of on-the-go style downloads!

FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.

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Comments

  1. Shelby says

    May 31, 2022 at 2:53 am

    Hi! I love this, do you have examples of outfit combinations?

    Reply
  2. Tiffany Gibson says

    February 7, 2022 at 9:43 am

    For someone who prefers fitted/tailored styles, jumpsuits, rompers, and suits, would you recommend adjusting the items in the capsule wardrobe or just adding new?

    Reply
  3. Stacey says

    October 1, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    Thanks for the inspiration! Since I fall into the spring category whites and blacks wash me out. Would you recommend using creams and chocolate browns to replace the black and white items?

    Reply
    • Kay says

      October 1, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      Hi Stacey! Yes, I think browns and creams would work beautifully instead of blacks and whites. I actually think a “neutral” color is relative- it can really be anything as long as it matches everything else, hence being the “neutral ground” that ties the wardrobe together. I would just suggest making sure you have a good balance of light vs. dark pieces, but besides that, anything goes. Have fun with it! -Kay

      Reply
  4. Laura says

    October 1, 2020 at 2:10 am

    I really love this post. But how did you build this one, are you using a formula or it just came from within?

    Reply
    • Kay says

      October 1, 2020 at 1:14 pm

      Thank you so much, Laura! I took inspiration from a variety of capsule wardrobes I’ve seen around, but I customized this capsule to suit my personal style and the amount of clothing items I enjoy keeping in rotation. I first decided on the total number of items, then how many of each type of item would be necessary, and finally the specific styles that I wanted to include. So to answer your question simply, I made this up. 🙂 Thanks for reading! -Kay

      Reply
  5. Adriene says

    January 14, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Awesome article with lots of great information. shared! xoxo

    Reply
    • Kay says

      January 16, 2017 at 9:38 am

      I really appreciate that! Thanks so much for reading, Adriene! xo

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. the Weekender - Live Laugh Rowe says:
    July 9, 2022 at 8:40 am

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