Does the thought of getting dressed tomorrow morning totally stress you out? Whether you’ve got an abundance of lonely, unworn items with the tags still hanging on them in your closet or you’re just straight-up indecisive, a capsule wardrobe is an answer to your biggest fashion dilemmas. In short, a capsule wardrobe is a minimal collection of timeless, versatile, and high-quality pieces that will last you for years to come. Think your favorite pair of jeans, that LBD you turn to again and again, and that super cozy sweater that goes with everything. What if your wardrobe only consisted of those items you that you truly love? Getting dressed would be a no-brainer, and you’d rarely if ever, experience those dreaded I-have-nothing-to-wear days. Interested in building your own capsule wardrobe but don’t know where to start? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered. From the softest white tee to the most beautiful and comfortable sneakers, we’re bringing you the 10 essential pieces you need to create the perfect capsule wardrobe—whether you're going out or staying in. Opening image: @everlane
Did you like our 10 Best Essentials For A Capsule Wardrobe? Then we think you'll also love our 10 Best Capsule Work Wardrobe Essentials!
September 22, 2020
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The Rankings
Caslon Drape Collar Knit Blazer
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: A KNIT BLAZER
LOVED FOR: Just when you thought sweater blazers couldn't get any better, in comes this style with a draped knit collar and an even cozier feel. We'll take all seven colors, please.
USERS SAID: "This is so comfy it feels like wearing a sweatshirt, but it looks classy enough to wear out with friends. Love it! It runs true to size."
Athleta Salutation Jogger
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: A STUDIO JOGGER
WHAT IT DOES: Made with Athleta's fan-favorite Powervita fabric, these joggers bring the best of both worlds—they're buttery soft, but still supportive and tummy-smoothing.
STYLE WITH: Athleta's Conscious Crop pairs perfectly with these joggers.
Madewell Oversized Ex-Boyfriend Shirt
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: AN OVERSIZED BUTTON-DOWN
LOVED FOR: Not too thick and not too thin, this shirt is substantial enough for the transitional weather but lightweight enough for those warmer fall months. It's a great addition to your year-round top rotation.
USERS SAID: "This is that shirt that you want to live in—it's super comfy and easy to wear. I won’t ever toss this one. Must have!"
Everlane The Luxe Cotton Side-Slit Tee Dress
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: A KNIT MIDI DRESS
LOVED FOR: It's the little things that make this simple dress such a standout. From the flattering cap sleeves to the sophisticated side slits, it's sure to stun whether you're headed to a meeting or going out for margaritas.
STYLE WITH: Dress this beauty up with heels for work or wear it with sneakers around the house.
Everlane The Side-Zip Work Pant
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: A PAIR OF VERSATILE PANTS
WHY YOU NEED IT: The beauty of these pants is how easily they can take you from work to play. Dress them up with pretty pumps, pair them with sneaks on the weekend, or lounge around in them at home—you've got options here.
LOVED FOR: The back seam detail gives these pants a serious leg-lengthening effect.
Veja Esplar Sneaker
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: LEATHER SNEAKERS
LOVED FOR: Seen on celebs like Meghan Markle and Emma Watson, the Veja Esplar is one of the most fashionable pairs of eco-friendly sneakers on the market. With their sleek leather upper and minimalist details, they're also the ideal way to get away with wearing sneakers to the office.
FUN FACT: When we say eco-friendly, we mean it. These are crafted from leather sourced from Rio Grande do Sul farms and tanned according to REACH norms, the lining is made from organic cotton, and the soles are wild Amazonian rubber.
Madewell Northside Vintage Tee
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: A BASIC TEE
LOVED FOR: Cool, shrunken, and classic, this tee has that thrift-store feel without the serious search required. Plus, it rings up under $20.
USERS SAID: "I was skeptical at first, seeing the low price tag. But I ordered four different colors and I was more than pleasantly surprised with the fit, quality, and softness of this t-shirt! I also love that the tee is not a thin, see-through fabric. It's such a great t-shirt with any kind of denim: jeans, skirts, shorts. Highly recommend getting your basic colors, and then throwing in some fun colors!"
Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: WORK-TO-WEEKEND LEGGINGS
USERS SAID: "There's a reason these are called 'Live In' Leggings. They are perfect—after my first pair, I got rid of all of my other black leggings and bought four more pairs of these. They make my tummy look flatter than it is, my undies don't show through the fabric, and they stay up! Love them!"
FUN FACT: These leggings have 6,000 reviews and a nearly-perfect five-star rating on Nordstrom—that's how you know they're good.
Everlane The Cheeky Straight Jean
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: A PAIR OF RELAXED JEANS
LOVED FOR: These have the look of authentic denim but include a touch of stretch for extra comfort. Yes, you can have the best of both worlds.
WHAT IT DOES: These babies were engineered to make your bum look perfect, complete with Everlane’s signature “Happy Pockets” that sit higher and closer together for a lifted, bouncy look.
Everlane The Cashmere Crew
WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: A LIGHTWEIGHT SWEATER
LOVED FOR: Meet the buzziest cashmere crew on the internet. Ultra-soft, warm, and available in a variety of beautiful shades, it's a fall and winter wardrobe must-have.
WHY YOU NEED IT: Everlane uses certified Grade-A cashmere from Inner Mongolia, but they sell it at the same cost that most retailers sell Grade-C. Trust us—you can't go wrong here.
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