The term capsule wardrobe has been fairly popular for many years now. But what exactly is a capsule wardrobe and how every person can build one? The simple definition is that it’s a curated wardrobe that consists of versatile pieces that you love to wear. In a capsule wardrobe you will find of a set of tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. All of them can be easily mixed and matched in order to create versatile outfits for any setting and occasion. It means your closet has less trendy pieces that you will wear for one season only. In contrast, it will have more high-quality ones that stand the test of time.
Shopping with a capsule wardrobe in mind has the power to take you from spontaneously buying pieces that you never reach for. It also helps ensure that every single thing hanging in your closet is something that’s a core part of your clothing rotation. It’s a mindset switch that makes getting dressed and feeling confident a daily occurrence because the items of clothing you own have a purpose – and countless ways you can style them.
As I was brainstorming for ideas connected with my own capsule wardrobe, one topic came to the forefront quite naturally. There are some pieces in my closet that I reach out for time and time again because they are super versatile and can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits for different settings. These are the 5 most worn pieces in my wardrobe which I believe are a solid foundation for anyone who is currently trying to build their own capsule wardrobe. I hope you will find something useful for you here!
MY STORY
I want to build a wardrobe that can be adaptive and flexible to my current lifestyle.
I started building my own capsule wardrobe five years ago when I was still working in a corporate environment. Every morning I used to ponder about how exactly I can combine my pieces in my wardrobe. Back then I owned a few beautiful pieces but it was very challenging for me to find a way to combine them in the best possible ways and create more versatile outfits. So I started looking for ways (mainly on Pinterest, I must admit…) of how I can restructure my wardrobe and make it more practical for my style and my life. And this is how I came about the idea of the capsule wardrobe.
I have been trying to build my own capsule wardrobe for the past few years. I am aware that I am still far from it and I still have so much to learn. Still, I believe that I am on the right path. A capsule wardrobe for me is not something set in time and can develop as I personally develop. At the beginning, my main focus was undoubtedly creating versatile work outfits with a smaller collection of clothes. Currently, however, my main drive is to create outfits that can be worn time and time again at different settings. The workwear back then is now a great solution for my weekend walk with just a slight pants switch. I am sure that my main wardrobe focus will change again as I mature. So I want to build a wardrobe that can be adaptive and flexible to my current lifestyle.
STARTING FROM THE TOP…
You can never go wrong with a basic T-shirt. Personally, I consider the crisp white T-shirt the most important essential item in my closet. I can wear it all year round, no matter what the weather is like. But if you are not a fan of the white color, you can definitely opt for other neutral colors. Pink blush, or beige, or cream, or even baby blue will be also be great! Think of your color palette in your wardrobe and try to find the perfect shade that will compliment at least 90% of the other colors in your wardrobe.
The perfect basic T-shirt will be your best friend when you want to dress up or dress down any outfit. I have combined mine both with elegant skirts and jeans, chic blazers and sporty cardigans… It is truly the most versatile piece in my wardrobe.
I must admit that it can be hard to find high quality tees that won’t break the bank and won’t pill, shrink, or do that annoying thing when the sleeves curl under! I have had some basic T-shirts from H&M, LC Waikiki, and Zara but nothing so far has lasted more than one season. So I am really looking for a brand that sells good quality basic T-shirts. Let me know in the comments if you know any.
PICKING THE BEST BOTTOMS…
I was a bit hesitant what to include in this category first. I was wondering whether to include one of my pleated skirts (as shown here and here). For more than four years they have been my most worn items during spring and summer, and even early fall. But ultimately I decided to opt for this pair of black trousers because they are a great option for all year around.
These black trousers are not your regular straight fit black trousers that you can find almost at every store. The bow at the waist gives them a bit of a feminine touch that structures the overall silhouette and makes it extremely versatile. I have worn these pants with literally everything – from an elegant blouse or shirt to my basic T-shirt, from a chick blazer to a puffy sweater, from a pair of loafers to elegant high heels.
NAILING THE OUTERWEAR…
I must be honest – I prefer warmer weather when it comes to fashion. But for better or worse I live in a place which enjoys its fair bit of cold and rainy weather. So my outerwear collection must reflect that in practical terms. My most worn outerwear piece in spring and autumn has been the classic trench coat.
Of course, I have already mentioned a couple of times on the blog that I love my trench coat. So it is not surprising that it made the cut to my most worn pieces. It is the perfect addition to any outfit during the chilly months of the year. Personally, I love the trench coats in more neutral and timeless colors, like beige, cream, and brown, without any prints. I’ve had a beige trench coat in my wardrobe for the past seven years and ever since it has proven to be a timeless piece for my collection that I can rely on season after season.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT PAIR OF SHOES…
When it comes to shoes, the possibilities are endless. From elegant black stilettos, through crisp white sneakers, to classic brown Chelsea boots. It can be impossible to choose a single pair of shoes that you can wear all year around, especially at places where people enjoy having all seasons. So my recommendation would be to pick one versatile pair of shoes for each season.
For me, my most worn pair of shoes would definitely be my loafers. Actually, I have a few pairs of them already because I love them so much! For my personal style, the loafers have proved to be ideal for all kinds of outfits. I have worn them with dressed-down jeans and a T-shirt outfit but also with an elegant flowery dress. And they have been the perfect addition to both. If they are made up from quality faux leather, they will also be suitable for rainy days. Which ticks one more of my criteria when shopping for shoes. I have a whole post on the blog on my love for loafers if you fancy a peek at my favourite styles.
FINISHING OFF WITH A BAG…
Bags are my favorite accessories! I have gone through different phases, but bags have stayed a constant love when it comes to accessories. I prefer smaller to medium bags because they are the perfect fit to my current lifestyle. Still, I do have a few bigger bags for travel days or running-all-around-for-errands days. Every bag in my collection is special to me. And I try to get the most wear out of their price.
Maybe it won’t come as a surprise but the most worn bag of mine is this black leather bag. Again it is super versatile piece because it can be worn with easy dressed-down outfits but also with a nice evening dress. The two big compartments can store anything I may need which makes it a perfect daily bag. It is still compact enough, though, and won’t feel like too much to drag on during the day. What else can I want from a bag?
Do you have any pieces in your collection that you reach out to time and time again? Let me know in the comments.
