22 Capsule Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own

Building a capsule wardrobe is all about figuring out what, exactly, you like or need to wear on a daily basis, then tailoring your closet to meet that personal style. Everyone does this to an extent, but investing in the right wardrobe essentials—and saving money on unnecessary purchases in the long run—requires some intentionality. It doesn’t just look like buying the right T-shirt; it’s really about setting yourself up with well-made pieces you’ll want to wear over and over again.

“The idea of a capsule wardrobe can be completely different for everyone,” says Rent the Runway stylist Maeve Reilly, who structures looks around staples. “Your capsule is your go-to items that make you feel confident and comfortable,” whether that’s elevated dresses or simple white sneakers. And Liisa Jokinen, founder of vintage-shopping hub Gem, echoes that sentiment: “There isn’t just one capsule wardrobe; mine can look completely different from someone else’s, and you don’t need to add any trench coats or blue jeans,” she says. Both experts agree that it’s best to invest in your hero items; meanwhile, seasonal trends and statement pieces can be cheaper, secondhand, or rented in case you fall out of love with them in a season or two.

Below, shop the capsule wardrobe items that fit in most women’s closets. Think of them as guideposts while you’re filling out your collection—we encourage you to branch out from there.

Glamour’s capsule wardrobe essentials, at a glance

• The Tee: Hanes Perfect-T T-Shirt, $9
• The Jeans: Levi’s Premium 501 ’90s Jeans, $98
• The Sneakers: Adidas Samba Sneakers, $100
• The Leggings: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants, $98
• The Sunglasses: Vanlinker Square Aviator Sunglasses, $17
• The Tote: Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote, $168
• The Pants: Everlane Draper Pleated Pants, $128
• The Trench: The Drop Noa Trench Coat, $62
• The Belt: We the Free Gallo Leather Belt, $58

Shop by item

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• The white T-shirt
• The everyday sneakers
• The straight-leg jeans
• The blazer
• The tote bag
• The slingback heels
• The crewneck cardigan
• The black leggings
• The button-down shirt
• The everyday sunglasses
• The work pants
• The black dress
• The ballet flats
• The trench coat
• The stackable chain
• The denim shirt
• The slim loafers
• The elevated top
• The belt
• The shirtdress
• The sweatpants
• The baseball cap

1. The white T-shirt

Regardless of whatever your style looks like, you could use a nice white T-shirt. It’s a hardworking basic that goes with everything and is crucial for layering during every season. Find a cut that speaks to you, then buy multiples so you’re never without a crisp tee on hand.

Courtesy of brand

Hanes Perfect-T T-Shirt

$12 $7

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Nordstrom Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt

$35

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

$30

Everlane

Courtesy of brand

Nordstrom Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

$40

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Madewell (Re)generative Cotton Ribbed Crewneck Tee

$42

Madewell

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Éterne Short-Sleeve Baby Tee

$70

Net-a-Porter

$70

Revolve

2. The everyday sneakers

Sneaker trends come and go, but slim, sporty kicks are timeless. While you might assume that you should go with a white pair, that’s not necessarily the case; your best bet for a capsule, Reilly says, is a pair in a neutral shade that’ll complement most everything in your closet. These minimalist styles will do the trick, keeping you looking of-the-moment while also resisting fleeting fads.

Courtesy of brand

Adidas Samba Sneakers

$90 $72

Amazon

$100

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Steve Madden Madrid Sneakers

$60

Steve Madden

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Veja Panenka Sneakers

$160

Nordstrom

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Puma Palermo Sneakers

$80

Free People

$80

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

New Balance 574 Core Sneakers

$90

Amazon

$90

Zappos

Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Rec Sneakers

$138 $80

J.Crew

3. The straight-leg jeans

Classic straight-leg jeans will more than pull their weight in your capsule. Unlike some other cuts—sorry, skinny and wide—they’re completely trend-proof, so you can feel confident investing in a pair that’ll last you years to come. Any wash can fit comfortably in your forever wardrobe, but we’d especially recommend a mid-blue; these picks from our favorite denim brands are neither too light nor too dark for continued wear.

Courtesy of brand

H&M High-Rise Slim-Straight Ankle Jeans

$35

H&M

Courtesy of brand

Madewell The ’90s Straight Jeans

$128

Madewell

Courtesy of brand

Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans

$90

Abercrombie & Fitch

Courtesy of brand

Levi’s Premium 501 ’90s Jeans

$98

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

We the Free Risk Taker Mid-Rise Jeans

$98

Free People

Courtesy of brand

Banana Republic High-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans

$100

Banana Republic

4. The blazer

“A good blazer always goes a long way,” Reilly says. The key is getting the right fit; we suggest going for a slightly relaxed (but still trim) cut for your capsule jacket; this will give you room for layering without making you look like you’re swimming in fabric. Neutrals like black, navy, and gray look great with matching trousers, silk skirts, and well-worn jeans, whether you’re headed to a dinner date or you’re off to the office.

Courtesy of brand

H&M Fitted Blazer

$50

H&M

Courtesy of brand

Banana Republic Slim Refined Blazer

$200

Banana Republic

Courtesy of brand

The Drop Blake Long Blazer

$40 $31

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Everlane Oversized Blazer in Wool

$248

Everlane

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Wilfred Etiquette Blazer

$248

Aritzia

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Nordstrom Classic Fit Blazer

$149

Nordstrom

5. The tote bag

Before you invest in any other kind of bag, make sure you’ve got a proper tote bag secured. Your pick should be big enough for whatever you have to carry most of the time: laptops, groceries, baby stuff, whatever. These high-quality leather pieces are well worth your time; Polène’s leather totes rival the options from major fashion houses, while Katie Holmes carries that exact Madewell tote pretty much everywhere she goes.

Courtesy of brand

Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote

$168 $101

Madewell

Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag

$198

J.Crew

Courtesy of brand

Tory Burch Romy Tote

$568

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Longchamp Medium Le Pliage City Tote

$240

Nordstrom

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Polène Cyme Tote

$520

Polène

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JW Pei Hana Medium Faux-Suede Tote

$129

Amazon

6. The slingback heels

Cute, comfortable heels take dresses, jeans, and skirts to the next level, so of course you need a nice pair in your rotation. “I would suggest a mid-to-low heel for versatility,” Reilly says; these kitten heels are available in plenty of colors and aren’t too trendy to keep around forever. Your work wardrobe has never been quite so chic—but we’d also suggest breaking these out for more casual events, too. You might discover a whole new dimension to your wardrobe when you switch out your footwear.

Courtesy of brand

Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps

$140

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Amazon Essentials Slingback Heels

$38

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Madewell Simone Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps

$128

Madewell

Courtesy of brand

Steve Madden Kittie Bone Patent Heels

$100

Steve Madden

Courtesy of brand

Franco Sarto Khloe Pointed-Toe Kitten Heels

$125

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Tony Bianco Charlie Slingback Pumps

$180

Nordstrom

7. The crewneck cardigan

High-quality knits deserve a spot in your year-round closet for chilly evenings and overactive office air-conditioning. We suggest a timeless crewneck cardigan in a neutral color to start; layer one over a tank top in early summer or a sleeveless dress during autumn. (And don’t overlook those button-down shirts we’re about to recommend below.)

Courtesy of brand

Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

$198

Nordstrom

$198

Reformation

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H&M Fine-Knit Cardigan

$25

H&M

Courtesy of brand

J.Crew New Relaxed Emilie Sweater Lady Jacket

$138 $70

J.Crew

Courtesy of brand

Lillusory Striped Cardigan

$60 $46

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Zara Smooth Knit Cardigan

$46

Zara

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Alex Mill Taylor Rollneck Cardigan

$175

Alex Mill

8. The black leggings

Black leggings are so versatile and comfortable that you should have a proper pair accessible at all times. The athleisure staple can take you from the gym to the airport to low-key lunches, depending on your styling; throw on a hoodie, a trench coat, and big sunglasses with one of these top-rated pairs and you’ll look like an off-duty editor.

Courtesy of brand

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants (25″)

$98

Lululemon

Courtesy of brand

Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Leggings

$108

Alo

Courtesy of brand

Vuori Daily Leggings

$89

Vuori

Courtesy of brand

Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Basic Leggings

$50 $35

American Eagle

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Spanx SpanxShape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings

$98

Spanx

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Sweaty Betty Super-Soft Yoga Leggings

$128 $110

Amazon

9. The button-down shirt

An oversized button-down shirt forms the backbone of Jokinen’s personal capsule wardrobe, and she recommends the all-season piece because it’s so easy to layer. Pack it in your vacation carry-on; wear it to work; throw it on under a jacket. You really can’t go wrong here. While our editors naturally gravitate to white and blue, there’s no mandate to stick to those specific neutrals; all of these shades will look great with your trusty jeans and favorite loafers. (Plus, they’re great blank canvases for trendier accessories like brooches and neckties.)

Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt

$98

J.Crew

Courtesy of brand

Banana Republic Oversized Shirt

$90

Banana Republic

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Mango Cotton Button-Up Shirt

$46

Nordstrom

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COS Oversized Tailored Shirt

$99

COS

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Siliteelon Fitted Button-Down Shirt

$23

Amazon

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Lauren Ralph Lauren Stripe Easy-Care Cotton Shirt

$90

Nordstrom

10. The everyday sunglasses

Ever notice how every celebrity and style influencer almost always wears sunglasses on the street? That’s because beyond protecting your eyes, they also punch up any outfit. Aviators, ovals and cat-eyes have plenty of personality and look good on everyone; while we love black frames for a hero pair, don’t be afraid of a little color. Again, it’s all about buying something you’ll actually want to wear regularly.

Courtesy of brand

Ray-Ban State Street Sunglasses

$191

Amazon

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Sojos Round Classic Sunglasses

$20 $13

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Vanlinker Retro Square Aviator Sunglasses

$16

Amazon

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Sojos Retro Oval Sunglasses

$20 $15

Amazon

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Warby Parker Coyle Sunglasses

$125

Warby Parker

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Fifth & Ninth Andi Sunglasses

$49

Nordstrom

11. The work pants

You might be tempted to exclusively wear jeans or sweats on your day off, but slouchy trousers can be just as comfortable—not to mention incredibly versatile. If you’re off to brunch, for example, style yours with an elevated top or a breezy button-down, then take your pick from sneakers or chunky loafers. And obviously, they’re great for work; throw on your capsule blazer and some ballet flats for a borrowed-from-the-boys silhouette offset by some subtle femininity.

Courtesy of brand

Everlane Draper Pleated Pants

$128

Everlane

Courtesy of brand

Uniqlo Pleated Wide Pants

$50

Uniqlo

Courtesy of brand

Reformation Mason Pants

$178

Shopbop

$178

Reformation

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Favorite Daughter Nora Wide-Leg Pants

$248

Nordstrom

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J.Crew Natalia Pants

$148

J.Crew

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Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Straight Pants

$45 $30

Old Navy

12. The black dress

The LBD is a staple for a reason—and if you somehow don’t have a black dress waiting in the wings for your next elevated occasion, it’s time to fix that. These picks work for virtually any season and fête, whether it’s a spring wedding or a milestone birthday party. Don’t overdo it on styling; less is more with these minimalist beauties, and all you need is a bag, light jewelry, and shoes that match or pop.

Courtesy of brand

H&M Sheath Dress

$30

H&M

Courtesy of brand

Charles Henry Sleeveless Fit & Flare Dress

$118

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Reformation Jamen Knit Dress

$178

Saks Fifth Avenue

$178

Reformation

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Nordstrom Ruched Funnel-Neck Midi-Dress

$80

Nordstrom

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Reformation Woodson Dress

$298

Reformation

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Boden Ada Linen Midi-Dress

$198

Boden

13. The ballet flats

It’s possible to dress ballet flats up or down, making them some of the most versatile footwear you’ll own. Go with a classic bow-adorned pair or a new-school pair of Mary Janes; either way, they’ll make your denim, trousers, and skirts sing. And don’t worry about the trend cycle—after a grand comeback a few years ago, these shoes are firmly back in the “essentials” category.

Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Quinn Square-Toe Ballet Flats

$198 $73

J.Crew

Courtesy of brand

Cole Haan Yara Soft Ballet Flats

$100 $80

Zappos

Courtesy of brand

Madewell Greta Ballet Flats

$98

Madewell

Courtesy of brand

Dolce Vita Reyes Mary Janes

$120

Nordstrom

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Everlane Day Gloves

$138

Everlane

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Franco Sarto Vana Flats

$120

Amazon

14. The trench coat

Don’t attempt to face transitional weather without a trench coat. They’re long enough for chilly weather, plenty roomy for layering, and great for wind and water—the total package, especially for spring and fall. Plus, with plenty of buttons, waist ties, and dramatic collars, they offer way more styling potential than simpler outerwear. Try one over a tank top and straight jeans or a white T-shirt and a sequin skirt.

Courtesy of brand

The Drop Noa Trench Coat

$46 $29

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

H&M Double-Breasted Trench Coat

$60

H&M

Courtesy of brand

Mango Oversized Tie-Waist Trench Coat

$160

Nordstrom

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Polo Ralph Lauren Water-Resistant Twill Long Car Coat

$498

Ralph Lauren

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Everlane Modern Trench Coat

$268

Everlane

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Theory Double-Breasted Trench Coat

$695

Net-A-Porter

15. The stackable chain

There is absolutely a time and a place for statement jewelry, but the most stylish women we know are almost always wearing a simple chain or two that stacks well with other pieces. Whether you lean more toward gold or silver, these affordable jewelry picks are the perfect foundation for your other favorites.

Courtesy of brand

Mejuri Chain Necklace

$148

Mejuri

Courtesy of brand

Kezef Box Chain Necklace

$21

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Gorjana Bali Necklace

$58

Gorjana

Courtesy of brand

Amazon Essentials Sterling Silver Thin Chain Necklace

$15

Amazon

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Catbird Tinsel Chain

$278

Catbird

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Oradina 14K Gold Grace Chain Necklace

$250 $225

Nordstrom

16. The denim shirt

Denim shouldn’t just be relegated to jeans; the material also lends itself nicely to shirting. Whether you tuck one of these options into matching jeans, a denim skirt, or tailored trousers, it’s high-low styling at its best. Throw in some fancy footwear like pumps or leather loafers to really seal the deal, and make sure you use a belt to break up all-denim ensembles.

Courtesy of brand

Madewell Denim Relaxed Western Shirt

$98

Madewell

Courtesy of brand

H&M Denim Shirt

$35

H&M

Courtesy of brand

Levi’s Ultimate Western Denim Shirt

$70 $49

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Alex Mill Western Denim Shirt

$155

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Garçon Classic Chambray Shirt

$98

J.Crew

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Joe’s USA Long-Sleeve Denim Shirt

$32

Amazon

17. The slim loafers

While chunkier silhouettes are trending, go slim for your hero pair of loafers; they’ll never go out of style and look smart with jeans and suits alike. G.H. Bass makes perhaps the most classic pair on the market, but you can’t go wrong with any of these timeless silhouettes. There’s a big chance you’ll like them so much that you’ll start wearing them on your day off, too.

Courtesy of brand

G.H. Bass Whitney Easy Weejuns Penny Loafers

$175

Nordstrom

$175

Free People

Courtesy of brand

Cole Haan Lana Lux Penny Loafers

$160

Zappos

Courtesy of brand

Everlane Modern Loafers

$168

Everlane

Courtesy of brand

Dansko Lorri Loafers

$130

Zappos

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Veronica Beard Penny Loafers

$350

Nordstrom

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Tory Burch Classic Loafers

$298

Nordstrom

18. The elevated top

Don’t save your nice tops for special occasions; by pairing something elevated with, say, a denim skirt or black trousers, you’ll look like you know exactly who you are. There’s no one answer; each of these gems brings a different vibe, but they all look cool (and, let’s be honest, expensive).

Courtesy of brand

Boden Feminine Cotton Blouse

$98

Boden

Courtesy of brand

Dôen Henri Top

$218

Nordstrom

$250

Net-a-Porter

Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Garçon Shirt with Bows

$128

J.Crew

Courtesy of brand

Mango Flying Camisa Button-Up Top

$70

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Nili Lotan Angelique Tie-Neck Blouse

$650

Bergdorf Goodman

$650

Shopbop

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Farm Rio Jaipur Poet Blouse

$198

Nordstrom

19. The belt

We love a good statement belt here at Glamour, but your collection should start with a belt that’s pretty much invisible. Neither too thin nor too wide, these picks look great with any bottoms in your collection, especially when you’re tucking in your top. It’s a subtle way to make your outfits feel just a touch more polished.

Courtesy of brand

Calvin Klein Square-Buckle Belt

$48 $27

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

We the Free Gallo Leather Belt

$58

Free People

Courtesy of brand

Petit Moments Marisa Leather Belt

$50

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Madewell Oval-Buckle Distressed Leather Belt

$68

Madewell

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B-Low the Belt Kyra Belt

$156

Revolve

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Mango Katrina Suede Belt

$40

Nordstrom

20. The shirtdress

Need a nice outfit but can’t bring yourself to put in any effort? Reach for your trusty shirtdress. Feel free to go as loud as you’d like with shape and print; your capsule wardrobe should be an extension of your personality, anyway. Whether you’re looking for an office dress or something to wear on the weekends, this edit has you covered.

Courtesy of brand

Farm Rio Cashew Mandala Dress

$298

Net-A-Porter

Courtesy of brand

Boden Cynthia Button Tea Dress

$198

Boden

Courtesy of brand

Hyacinth House Hillsborough Midi-Dress

$198

Tuckernuck

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Zoe and Claire Poplin Shirtdress

$118

Nordstrom

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Madewell Denim Midi Shirtdress

$168 $126

Madewell

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Donna Karan New York Cotton Midi Shirtdress

$169

Nordstrom

21. The sweatpants

Like leggings, sweatpants are deceptively chic bottoms that come in clutch for low-effort outfits. When you pair them with special pieces (even just a trench, suede sneakers, and a graphic baseball cap), you’ll nail the woman-about-town look that’s so popular on both coasts right now.

Courtesy of brand

BP. Wide-Leg Fleece Pants

$40

Nordstrom

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Skims Cotton Fleece Classic Straight-Leg Pants

$74

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Sunday Sweatpants

$60

Abercrombie

Courtesy of brand

Hollister Fleece Joggers

$45

Hollister

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Alo Accolade Sweatpants

$128

Alo

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Hanes EcoSmart Sweatpants

$13

Amazon

22. The baseball cap

Bad-hair days are no match for a classic baseball cap. Beyond hiding greasy roots—we’ve all been there—hats also add just a touch more personality to any ensemble. When you’re not entirely sold on your outfit, these picks will come in clutch as you’re running out of the door.

Courtesy of brand

Polo Ralph Lauren Ralph’s Coffee Ball Cap

$60

Ralph Lauren

Courtesy of brand

Madewell Canvas Baseball Hat

$35

Madewell

Courtesy of brand

Datoni Corduroy Baseball Cap

$18

Amazon

Courtesy of brand

Old Navy Canvas Baseball Cap

$17 $10

Old Navy

Courtesy of brand

Favorite Daughter Classic Logo Baseball Cap

$40

Nordstrom

Courtesy of brand

By Anthropologie Wanderlust London Baseball Cap

$42

Anthropologie

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