Creating a capsule wardrobe is about having key items- clothing and accessories- that pair well together and easily. It means fewer items to choose from, but it does make getting dressed simpler. You’ll find putting an outfit together that much easier. Additionally, your capsule wardrobe will give you something for every occasion.

For the key collection in your capsule wardrobe, it is worth spending a little extra to get better quality items that’ll last you longer. It’ll mean they’ll hold their shape and colour, whereas cheaper items can distort in a single wash. This will mean less waste, and it’ll save you money over time.

Here is our run down of the items every woman should have in their capsule wardrobe

Luxury blazer

A blazer will instantly transform any outfit. Having a blazer on hand is ideal for last minute business meetings, interviews, and even will serve you well on those sombre occasions. A blazer will also help if you’re trying to dress up a more casual outfit for when you’re uncertain of dress code.

Your blazer is one item of clothing that should look like it was made exclusively for you. There’s nothing wrong with getting your blazer from your favourite high street retailer but we’d recommend visiting a tailor to have it adjusted to fit you perfectly.

Trench coat

A coat that’ll last you for the seasons, a trench coat can deal with the spring showers and help with the autumn chill.

The trench coat is also an ideal and smart coat for business purposes when a jumper or blazer just isn’t enough. It’s also simple enough that it’ll complete your casual outfit just as well.

Little black dress

Every girl should have an LBD in their capsule collection.

Your LBD should be a dress that if you’re totally lost on what to wear, you’ve always got this to fall back on. But it should say so much more than that. Not only should it be your go-to item but you should feel comfortable and confident in it. When shopping for your LBD, you should feel ecstatic for wearing it not just because you have to.

Additionally, despite the title, it doesn’t necessarily have to be black. Although we’d recommend you get a version of ‘the perfect dress’ in black, it wouldn’t hurt to have it in another colour too, preferably the colour that suits you best. After all, it’s the style of the LBD that makes the standout difference not just the colour.

White shirt

Having a white shirt on hand is ideal for any occasion where you need to dress up at short notice. Be it a meeting at school, with clients/at work, or for those times when you want to feel a little more powerful. The right white shirt will still look great even in a pair of jeans and trainers.

White t-shirt

A crisp cotton white t-shirt will serve you just as well as a white shirt will. It will go with everything, ideal for dressing up or down, and if you’re ever concerned about a clash of colours, a white t-shirt will pull an outfit together, without toning a strong colour down.

If you feel a white shirt is too dressy, a white t-shirt will be a next best alternative.

Pencil/straight skirt

A pencil/straight skirt will make any outfit look polished. Additionally, it accentuates your hips and will help your legs look longer. Team with a t-shirt for a casual but dressy look or shirt and blazer for a look that says you mean business.

Stripe top

A striped top looks great on everyone and surprisingly it’ll go with everything too. Whether for work or casual purposes, a striped top can be both serious and playful at the same time, it is all down to how you accessorise it.

Black trousers

Much like the rest of your capsule wardrobe, a pair of black trousers is good to have on hand for those occasions where you need to be or feel a little more dressed up.

The beauty of black trousers is that regardless of the look you’re going for, whatever you pair them with, will be the distinguishing factor on whether you’re feeling more laid back and casual, or you mean business. E.g., a flowy pair may feel more casual but teamed with a pair of brogues, or court shoes, and a crisp white or blue shirt and you are just as powerful as the rest.

Straight jeans

Every woman should have a pair of straight jeans on hand. Wear with a pair of flats and you could be off to the cinema, bowling or just heading out shopping. Wear with a pair of courts for cocktails with your friends, out on a first date, or even to the office.

Cashmere jumper

If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

A cashmere jumper is one of the most expensive purchases up-front but it’s also one that can go a long way if looked after in the way it requests. Cashmere is the type of wool that is softer than most, so suitable for all skin types, but it is also regarded as the cosiest and will keep you warm on the coldest of nights.

Now could be the best time to buy with many cashmere items on sale!

Shoes

Sleek pumps/court shoes

In black, navy, or muted colours such as nude, your sleek pumps/court shoes will help you to dress up any outfit instantly. They should be treated much like your LBD in that they’re comfortable to wear and are not regarded as a chore when you need to. You’ll want to pick a colour that’ll go with the majority of your clothes to be on hand as and when you need. Be sure to keep these in the box or in a dust bag to help protect them.

Slip on/trainers

We all need to let our feet relax from time to time and a pair of slip-ons or trainers are essential in a capsule collection. We’re not talking about your workout shoes either, but a pair designated just for ‘casual’.

Office dress policies have become a lot more relaxed and trainers and slip-on shoes are A-Okay (with the exception of meeting with clients of course!). But that doesn’t give you the freedom to let your trainers go.  Always ensure your trainers are clean, tidy and don’t look bent out of shape.  If you’re opting for white, keep them white.

Ballet flats/pumps/brogues

Perfect for when we need to be on our feet all day long but are still business smart. A pair of ballet pumps, pumps or brogues will serve you well.

Bags

Cross body bag

For days out, long days, going out after work, or just because you don’t need to carry that much with you, a lightweight cross body bag is as tidy as it is elegant.

Tote bag

For days you need to carry a little more with you, but don’t want to have to haul a laptop bag or backpack, a tote bag is both functional and stylish.

Accessories

When it comes to accessorizing, we can end up with multiple items but no-where to store it. Streamlining your accessories will be much more cost and time effective.  We recommend the following.

Watch

If you’re only going to have one, opt for a thin strap in either metal or leather and avoid a large face. We’d also recommend avoiding anything too embellished as it’ll be less likely to go with everything you own.

Simple gold band and necklace

A simple gold band with a slight detail is effortlessly stylish, as is a simple gold necklace in the same style.  You can wear together or individually to help accessorize multiple outfits.

Stud earrings

Pearl, diamanté or diamonds, a simple pair of earrings will complete your outfit if you need or want to.

Scarf in grey or camel

You may be like me and have plethora of different styles and colours of scarves. As an essential, you want one in cotton or wool, in either grey or camel. These colours will go with most of your staple items and will be suitable for casual or dressier occasions.

Avoid black as you could end up with a wardrobe saturated in black and a little colour in your scarf will make a big difference to your mood and overall outfit.

We hope you loved our guide to creating a capsule wardrobe. If you’re looking for more fashion advice? Check out our related reads below!