My own capsule wardrobe is a reflection of my personal style, which in itself has gone under revision to achieve different looks. I’m all for slapping on a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans for a classic look, but sometimes I want to branch out to stay on trend. Investing in high-quality pieces you know will return in the trend cycle is a great way to keep things interesting and fresh without much thought or money. This approach allows a rotation of a small selection of clothes. These pieces should also reflect classic styles and last the test of time.
1. Vest
A vest is a piece that I never thought would align with my personal style. However, they are versatile pieces that we will see again in the trend cycle. Select a vest that comes in neutral colors so you maximize your cost per wear. Choose a lightweight fabric like linen and cotton for breathability as these are a great addition to your summer capsule wardrobe.
The first step in styling a vest is to pick how you choose to style it. Are you going for a casual outing? I recommend styling with a flowy maxi skirt or a pair of wide-leg or baggy jeans. This is the best way to balance the fitted structure of the vest with the bottom of your outfit. For special occasions, try a monochromatic look with a belted skirt or tailored trousers. There are a number of outfits to create with the essential pieces of your capsule wardrobe.
Linked above are some of my favorite styles. There are many different combinations you can try to match your style and best fit your body type. Whatever you go with, choose something that is an established base color in your capsule wardrobe. This is an easy way to ensure that this single piece will make its way into many of your outfits.
2. Polo
The polo shirts now are not what I remember growing up with. The modern polo has been revamped into a sweater with a wide neckline. I love this trendy piece and I think it fits the rules of a capsule wardrobe. Choose material made of cotton or cashmere for an elevated feel. The best color for this piece is the color you’ll wear as part of your capsule wardrobe. I stick on the side of neutral colors, but select the accent colors in your collection for a fun pop of color if you feel so inclined!
A polo sweater is one of my favorite pieces to style. They look great with any piece in your current wardrobe. Tailored trousers or a straight-leg pair of jeans look great, especially if the sweater is slightly oversized. For the summer months, opt for a tailored pair of shorts with some sandals. Pair these outfit ideas with any of your curated accessories. A colorful scarf or bag adds the perfect pop if your base color consists of neutral colors.
There is a wide selection of polo sweaters to add to your capsule wardrobe. Play with the cut and length of the sleeve, a cropped or oversized fit, and the patterns and material of the polo to fit your personal style and color palette.
3. Denim Skirt
Prior to this year, denim skirts in my mind were only worn by my mean elementary school teachers. There’s nothing wrong with that fashion choice, but my association with the midi denim skirts and the skirt styles themselves got an upgrade this year. Their revolving appearance in the trend cycle makes for the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe. Different colors, lengths, and washes are ways you can customize to your own personal capsule wardrobe. The knee-to-midi length is something we’ve seen from the 90s and late 2000s fashion and is once again making its rounds.
My favorite way to style a denim midi skirt is to pair it with a basic such as a tank top or oversized tee. These options offer balance to the volume and stiffness of the skirt. A fitted mock-neck tank is on my wishlist to achieve a variety of different looks, including the now-trending denim midi skirt. The durability and versatility of this piece make for a great addition to a minimalist capsule wardrobe.
A denim skirt can be part of your collection of statement pieces as long as you know how to wear the style you like. Look for longer maxi lengths paired with trendy pieces such as chunky mixed metal jewelry and an elevated pair of shoes. Shorter styles look great with a sneaker of your choice. Regardless of what you choose, a denim skirt offers a timeless style.
4. Denim Jacket
Similar to the long denim skirt comeback, are denim jackets. A denim jacket is another classic piece that has come in and out of the selection of trendy pieces. The most up-to-date take on this piece is an oversized slouchy fit. I love these styled with a graphic tee and a linen or cotton pair of pants.
Something that has been the same for the past five years is that everyone on a daily basis wants to dress comfortably. However, we’re seeing a switch from workout clothes and athleisure to loose pants and t-shirts in 2024. Pairing this baggier look with a denim jacket is a sure way to level up your daily style by adding a structural element to your outfit
My top tips for finding denim jackets you like is to look at the cut and size. Do you want more of a cropped fit or a long oversized slouchy look? You can also consider ordering a size or two larger if you want to be able to layer with a sweater or sweatshirt as the seasons transition to colder weather. Consider the distressing and hardware of the jackets as well, there are many different finishes out there!
5. Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have revolved in and out of style through the decades. They last made their popular rounds about 10 years ago. I think it’s safe to say that investing in a pair of well-constructed ballet flats is a great addition to your capsule wardrobe. To ensure your flats last the test of time, look for those made of 100% leather and purchase from reputable brands. Shoes constructed of artificial leather or fabric will not only deteriorate quickly but also be difficult to break in and therefore, uncomfortable.
The ballet flat is a classic piece that can go with nearly all your dreamed-up outfit ideas. The 2024 rendition of flats includes straps across the foot to keep them secure and comfortable, a much-needed upgrade compared to my flats in high school. Select from neutral colors to tie together all the core colors in your capsule wardrobe, or go with a fun color to add a nice pop! There are also plenty of varieties with different straps, buckles, and accessorized hardware to match your personal style.
If you don’t have a basic, plain pair of flats, I recommend getting a pair that matches your capsule wardrobe. I love my Greta Ballet Flats from Madewell! If you’re looking to branch out and add some variety and trendy pieces to your outfits, try some flats with buckles, different leather finishes, and different colors as well.
Choose Lasting Pieces
Even though a capsule wardrobe is supposed to make life easy, I find myself running into boredom and decision fatigue when I don’t have one or two trendy pieces on deck. This is your sign to allow a mini capsule wardrobe to rotate in different pieces to style and stay modern. A great way to achieve this is with a seasonal rotation (check out my summer 2024 picks). Whichever item you choose, ensure it is something you can envision your future self wearing for the next 10+ years and that the piece you purchase is well constructed to last the test of time.
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