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Though I love shopping as much as the next girl, this blog has always been focused less on shopping and more on making the most out of what you have. And what better way to make the most out of what you have than with 46+ outfits out of just 20 pieces? Yep, that’s right. I’m going to show you how to create many, many capsule outfits using minimal clothing pieces. These looks are all easy to recreate. In fact, you should have these things in your wardrobe already! And the best part? These outfits are timeless. Meaning you’ll always look chic and your wardrobe will stand the test of time!
Capsule Outfits That Build a Timeless Wardrobe
First, below are the pieces that I used for this post.
I used about 20 pieces for mine (didn’t get a photo of the gold watch I wore). Of course, it goes without saying that everyone’s personal style is different, so every capsule wardrobe will look a little different and the pieces you choose/want will be different than mine. For example, a leather jacket may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But even if you’re after a different look, I think this is the perfect capsule wardrobe “base”, filled with neutral colors and simple silhouettes that will give you plenty of outfit ideas.
Now, I’ll take the key pieces in the photo above and show you all the ways I styled them! You may seem some repeats and that’s okay, in fact, that’s part of the point! 😉
Camel Blazer
A great blazer is such an easy way to elevate an outfit from laid-back and casual to more elegant and pulled-together. Notice the first outfit I paired this piece with in the second row; while it’s just a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, adding the blazer has transformed it into a totally different outfit and look. Add a pair of loafers and you have the ultimate smart-casual outfit.
Cardigan
In the past year or two, classic buttoned cardigans have made quite the comeback and I couldn’t be happier about it! Cardigans are a little bit preppy, a little bit Parisian, and always a great option for creating a plethora of classic looks. Better yet, it can be worn in so many different ways, which is what a great capsule closet is all about! Try wearing yours buttoned as a top, tied around your shoulders, or even backward as a unique top (like in outfit 3).
Denim Jacket
This capsule wardrobe can be augmented to work for any season, but if you’re looking for a spring capsule wardrobe, you’ve gotta have a great denim jacket. While mine is light wash and more fitted, you can go for a more relaxed boyfriend fit or a darker wash as well. Kind of like how a blazer is great for dressing up an outfit, a denim jacket is the perfect third piece for dressing down an outfit. And yes, you can wear it with other denim pieces! Related: How to Wear Denim on Denim
Denim Shirt
For the days when a denim jacket is a little too heavy, the denim shirt is here to save the day. Throw a denim shirt over a white t-shirt, tie it around your waist, or add a leather moto jacket over top. Any button-up piece has tons of versatility, making them perfect staples for your capsule wardrobe.
Denim Skirt
For the days when you’re looking for a bit more “oomph” than the standard pair of jeans, a denim skirt is here to add a feminine touch. You can style a denim skirt exactly how you would a pair of jeans: add a leather jacket for some edge, add a blazer for a more dressed-up approach, or button up your denim jacket for a cool street-style look.
Little Black Dress
There are few items of clothing more versatile than a great little black dress. This item has been considered a must-have for decades. It works just as great for running errands as it does at a semi-formal event. Just change out the shoes and add some chic outerwear to dress this piece down.
Moto Jacket
Next, we move on to a piece that’s perfect for taking your look to the next level. Leather jackets are classic, cool, and stylish for just about any time of year. They’re a favorite for off-duty models since they’re so easy to throw on over jeans and a t-shirt or a sleek athleisure outfit. Black is the classic go-to color, but you can go for a brown or beige one as well.
Button Dress
Pick up a button midi dress and you’ll be surprised at all of the different ways it can be worn. Leaving it open and wearing it as a duster is a great way to get your mileage out of this piece.
Striped Shirt
Stripes are a classic pattern that will never go out of style, and a great way to break up solid colors. This doesn’t just have to be a t-shirt either – a Breton stripe top is great also and a striped sweater works for fall and winter.
White Tee
White t-shirts aren’t going anywhere and will always be the perfect casual layering piece.
Black Jeans
Black jeans have it all: they’re easy to match, slimming, and great for almost any occasion.
White Button-Down
Casualwear, workwear, beachwear – the white button-down does it all! A white button-down, jeans, and loafers is a classic smart-casual look.
Related: 7 Ways to Wear a Button Up Shirt
Now, I’m going to put most of them together so you can see that while using the same pieces, they all still look pretty different!
Okay, so now where should you shop??
I’ll always recommend H&M as a chic, budget-friendly place for those that can’t (or don’t want to) afford sustainable fashion. However, if you’re looking for sustainable yet timeless pieces, try Sezane, Madewell, and Everlane.
Whether you’re at the beginning of a capsule journey or just looking for some refreshers, I think you’ll like these posts:
- How to Build a Wardrobe from Scratch
- Maximizing Your Wardrobe
- How to Put Together a Clothing Shopping List
If you found this helpful I’d love for you to share it or pin it to Pinterest! Thank you!
