The Complete Guide to Putting Together a Capsule Wardrobe

If there's one thing that the recent year has proven to us, it's that upgraded essentials are having as big of a moment (if not more) as current pieces are. With social media aesthetics beginning to feel never-ending and a bit weary, the fashion sector is taking a collective step back from wearing the current buzzy trend and focusing on adding timeless investment items to their closets instead.

For those of us already subscribed to the concept of a capsule wardrobe, this was music to our ears. But if you're playing with the notion of developing your capsule wardrobe into a closet full of high-quality, timeless things that can be mixed and matched with one another seamlessly you might be wondering where to start.

Whether you're starting your capsule wardrobe from scratch or want to make your existing one more useful, this 10-item checklist will make figuring out the gaps you need to address in your closet straightforward. Our editors also divulged their most tried-and-true versions of each, so you can live out your capsule wardrobe aspirations without needing to figure out which things are truly worth spending your coin on.

White Tee

You don't have to shell out a fortune for a white T-shirt, here's a little secret. Tees get a lot of wear and tear Don't let anyone convince you armpit stains are preventable, they aren't and aren't something that tends to last an enormously lengthy amount of time. That said, you still want one that fits you very, really well. Instead of just buying one, I recommend choosing one you love and buying a couple so you have backups in case one gets a stain on it (or is in the laundry). These selections are perfect for wearing alone and layering alike.

Straight-Leg Jeans

In a world of ever-evolving denim trends skinny, loose, low-rise, cargo a steady, flattering option is a good straight-leg pair. One that's not too narrow (but not too baggy, either), full-length, and unripped will quite literally never go out of style, and will inevitably serve as your most-worn base for the majority of your outfits. Take the time to locate a pair that you truly like putting on, and that you don't mind lounging around all day in. Take into account that if a pair has cotton makeup, they'll likely take a few wears to adapt to your body, but once they do, it'll be well worth your effort.

Tote bag

It's a fact of life that whether you work in an office or from home, you must have at least one large bag that can hold everything you need, including your laptop and extra clothes. A superb quality tote that can resist wear and tear will cost you significantly less in the long run than needing to replace an inferior quality one repeatedly. If you took a glance around our office, you'd see each one of these totes, all of which are worn and loved by our editors (and have taken and survived many, many commutes).

Sneakers

Even if you believe yourself to be someone who isn't a sneaker lady, certain situations in life just call for them: running to the grocery store, your morning hot-girl walk, having a morning coffee. If you are a shoe girl, the limit to how many you can own just doesn't exist (or so I tell myself as I add my literal 20th pair to the cart). These are elevated enough to dress up for going out, yet casual enough to wear on athleisure days, and will never leave you with a blister or beat-up heel.

Heels

If you're a heel person, hats off to you, but I simply cannot connect. But I know that even as a person who hates wearing heels I only wear mine a few times a year I still need a solid pair in my closet that I can resort to when a big event rolls around. Choosing a neutral pair that will work with anything from Christmas parties to weddings is wonderful, but even more crucial is that they are comfy.

While 10 years ago, a blazer might have been on a list of workwear must-haves, they've grown into something a whole lot more adaptable than that. With more roomy fits and less business-casual vibes, a decent blazer can carry you from the office to the weekend with a change of slacks and accessories. Whether you choose to go classic with a black choice or pick for one in a more statement-making shade, your cost-per-wear will be down to mere cents after a few months of owning these.

Trousers

I never imagined I'd see the day when I grab a pair of trousers as often as I do my beloved denim, but the last two years have certainly proven me wrong. Relaxed, wide-leg pants have proven to be one of the most flexible pieces in my closet, as I make mine work for the office as often as I do my weekend plans.

Going-out bag

For the times you're racing out the door with just the essentials your phone, wallet, lipstick, or two a compact, going-out purse is a must. You want yours to check a few boxes: it should add to your outfits (not detract from them), be a respectable size so you can fit a few items in it, and be adaptable enough to wear all year round.

Cashmere Sweater

You might believe a cashmere sweater is a luxury you can't afford, but over the past few years, designers have made it more accessible to buy one without splashing out half your paycheck. In the cooler months, you probably wear sweaters more days than not, which means you want yours to be ultra-soft and to last you years to come.