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.
Hanes Perfect-T T-Shirt
Amazon
Nordstrom Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt
Nordstrom
Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
Everlane
Nordstrom Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
Nordstrom
Madewell (Re)generative Cotton Ribbed Crewneck Tee
Madewell
Éterne Short-Sleeve Baby Tee
Net-a-Porter
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.
Adidas Samba Sneakers
Amazon
Nordstrom
Steve Madden Madrid Sneakers
Steve Madden
Veja Panenka Sneakers
Nordstrom
Puma Palermo Sneakers
Free People
Nordstrom
New Balance 574 Core Sneakers
Amazon
Zappos
J.Crew Rec Sneakers
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.
H&M High-Rise Slim-Straight Ankle Jeans
H&M
Madewell The ’90s Straight Jeans
Madewell
Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans
Abercrombie & Fitch
Levi’s Premium 501 ’90s Jeans
Amazon
We the Free Risk Taker Mid-Rise Jeans
Free People
Banana Republic High-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans
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.
H&M Fitted Blazer
H&M
Banana Republic Slim Refined Blazer
Banana Republic
The Drop Blake Long Blazer
Amazon
Everlane Oversized Blazer in Wool
Everlane
Wilfred Etiquette Blazer
Aritzia
Nordstrom Classic Fit Blazer
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.
Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote
Madewell
J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag
J.Crew
Tory Burch Romy Tote
Nordstrom
Longchamp Medium Le Pliage City Tote
Nordstrom
Polène Cyme Tote
Polène
JW Pei Hana Medium Faux-Suede Tote
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.
Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pumps
Amazon
Amazon Essentials Slingback Heels
Amazon
Madewell Simone Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps
Madewell
Steve Madden Kittie Bone Patent Heels
Steve Madden
Franco Sarto Khloe Pointed-Toe Kitten Heels
Nordstrom
Tony Bianco Charlie Slingback Pumps
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.)
Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Nordstrom
Reformation
H&M Fine-Knit Cardigan
H&M
J.Crew New Relaxed Emilie Sweater Lady Jacket
J.Crew
Lillusory Striped Cardigan
Amazon
Zara Smooth Knit Cardigan
Zara
Alex Mill Taylor Rollneck Cardigan
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.
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants (25″)
Lululemon
Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Leggings
Alo
Vuori Daily Leggings
Vuori
Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Basic Leggings
American Eagle
Spanx SpanxShape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings
Spanx
Sweaty Betty Super-Soft Yoga Leggings
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.)
J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt
J.Crew
Banana Republic Oversized Shirt
Banana Republic
Mango Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Nordstrom
COS Oversized Tailored Shirt
COS
Siliteelon Fitted Button-Down Shirt
Amazon
Lauren Ralph Lauren Stripe Easy-Care Cotton Shirt
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.
Ray-Ban State Street Sunglasses
Amazon
Sojos Round Classic Sunglasses
Amazon
Vanlinker Retro Square Aviator Sunglasses
Amazon
Sojos Retro Oval Sunglasses
Amazon
Warby Parker Coyle Sunglasses
Warby Parker
Fifth & Ninth Andi Sunglasses
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.
Everlane Draper Pleated Pants
Everlane
Uniqlo Pleated Wide Pants
Uniqlo
Reformation Mason Pants
Shopbop
Reformation
Favorite Daughter Nora Wide-Leg Pants
Nordstrom
J.Crew Natalia Pants
J.Crew
Old Navy High-Waisted Pixie Straight Pants
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.
H&M Sheath Dress
H&M
Charles Henry Sleeveless Fit & Flare Dress
Nordstrom
Reformation Jamen Knit Dress
Saks Fifth Avenue
Reformation
Nordstrom Ruched Funnel-Neck Midi-Dress
Nordstrom
Reformation Woodson Dress
Reformation
Boden Ada Linen Midi-Dress
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.
J.Crew Quinn Square-Toe Ballet Flats
J.Crew
Cole Haan Yara Soft Ballet Flats
Zappos
Madewell Greta Ballet Flats
Madewell
Dolce Vita Reyes Mary Janes
Nordstrom
Everlane Day Gloves
Everlane
Franco Sarto Vana Flats
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.
The Drop Noa Trench Coat
Amazon
H&M Double-Breasted Trench Coat
H&M
Mango Oversized Tie-Waist Trench Coat
Nordstrom
Polo Ralph Lauren Water-Resistant Twill Long Car Coat
Ralph Lauren
Everlane Modern Trench Coat
Everlane
Theory Double-Breasted Trench Coat
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.
Mejuri Chain Necklace
Mejuri
Kezef Box Chain Necklace
Amazon
Gorjana Bali Necklace
Gorjana
Amazon Essentials Sterling Silver Thin Chain Necklace
Amazon
Catbird Tinsel Chain
Catbird
Oradina 14K Gold Grace Chain Necklace
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.
Madewell Denim Relaxed Western Shirt
Madewell
H&M Denim Shirt
H&M
Levi’s Ultimate Western Denim Shirt
Amazon
Alex Mill Western Denim Shirt
Nordstrom
J.Crew Garçon Classic Chambray Shirt
J.Crew
Joe’s USA Long-Sleeve Denim Shirt
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.
G.H. Bass Whitney Easy Weejuns Penny Loafers
Nordstrom
Free People
Cole Haan Lana Lux Penny Loafers
Zappos
Everlane Modern Loafers
Everlane
Dansko Lorri Loafers
Zappos
Veronica Beard Penny Loafers
Nordstrom
Tory Burch Classic Loafers
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).
Boden Feminine Cotton Blouse
Boden
Dôen Henri Top
Nordstrom
Net-a-Porter
J.Crew Garçon Shirt with Bows
J.Crew
Mango Flying Camisa Button-Up Top
Nordstrom
Nili Lotan Angelique Tie-Neck Blouse
Bergdorf Goodman
Shopbop
Farm Rio Jaipur Poet Blouse
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.
Calvin Klein Square-Buckle Belt
Amazon
We the Free Gallo Leather Belt
Free People
Petit Moments Marisa Leather Belt
Nordstrom
Madewell Oval-Buckle Distressed Leather Belt
Madewell
B-Low the Belt Kyra Belt
Revolve
Mango Katrina Suede Belt
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.
Farm Rio Cashew Mandala Dress
Net-A-Porter
Boden Cynthia Button Tea Dress
Boden
Hyacinth House Hillsborough Midi-Dress
Tuckernuck
Zoe and Claire Poplin Shirtdress
Nordstrom
Madewell Denim Midi Shirtdress
Madewell
Donna Karan New York Cotton Midi Shirtdress
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.
BP. Wide-Leg Fleece Pants
Nordstrom
Skims Cotton Fleece Classic Straight-Leg Pants
Nordstrom
Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Sunday Sweatpants
Abercrombie
Hollister Fleece Joggers
Hollister
Alo Accolade Sweatpants
Alo
Hanes EcoSmart Sweatpants
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.
Polo Ralph Lauren Ralph’s Coffee Ball Cap
Ralph Lauren
Madewell Canvas Baseball Hat
Madewell
Datoni Corduroy Baseball Cap
Amazon
Old Navy Canvas Baseball Cap
Old Navy
Favorite Daughter Classic Logo Baseball Cap
Nordstrom
By Anthropologie Wanderlust London Baseball Cap
Anthropologie
The post 22 Capsule Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own appeared first on Glamour.