The Perfect Capsule Wardrobe—Built Around 6 Nonnegiotables

Curating the perfect capsule wardrobe looks a little different for everyone, but there are a handful of staples that will benefit nearly every closet. Having a reliable collection of basics makes getting dressed easier, whether you’re a staunch minimalist who sticks to simplicity or an experimental dresser building looks upon a foundation. True luxury can be found among the classics, whether it’s a perfect white T-shirt, well-fitting button-up, or a pair of the best jeans for women.

As we start to (gradually!) think about fall dressing, now is a great time to refresh your closet staples with timeless pieces (across a range of prices) you’ll gladly wear on repeat. Versatility and a neutral color palette will be essential to unlocking your own sense of style, and the below six key clothing items are the essential building blocks for any capsule wardrobe.

The Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

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White Shirting

A crisp white button-down shirt is the ultimate wardrobe essential, equally at home under a blazer for meetings or on the weekend with leggings, white sneakers, and oversized outerwear. Look for cotton poplin or linen styles that breathe and hold their shape.

Toteme

Garderob organic cotton-poplin shirt

The Row

Sisilia oversized poplin shirt

Straight-Leg Blue Jeans

The most versatile denim silhouette offers endless styling possibilities. For an everyday pair of jeans, choose a mid-rise cut in classic indigo that you can team up with ballet flats and a leather jacket or loafers and a trench coat.

Agolde

Kelly high-rise straight-leg jeans

Toteme

Garderob low-rise straight-leg jeans

The Row

Riaco mid-rise straight-leg jeans

Classic Knits

Nothing beats the luxurious feel of high-quality cashmere or wool that improves with age and wear. Our favorite knitwear brands (a sampling below) offer a range of styles that are perfect for layering—crewnecks, V-necks, cardigans, and turtlenecks in neutral colors are among the most versatile pieces to make your fall capsule wardrobe work that much harder.

Loulou de Saison

Anaa oversized cashmere sweater

Buck Mason

featherweight silk cashmere cardigan

Donni.

The Cotton cashmere turtleneck sweater

Simple Black Dresses

The black dress remains unmatched in its ability to transition from day to night with just a change of accessories. Invest in a flattering silhouette that makes you feel confident every time.

Matteau

pintucked organic maxi dress

Staud

Hanna cotton-gauze maxi dress

Toteme

Garderob stretch-jersey midi dress

The Row

Essentials Mirna crepe midi dress

Tees and Tank Tops

Basic tees and tanks will form the foundation of countless outfit ideas. Stock up on a few in white, black, grey, and navy—you’ll reach for them more than anything else in your closet.

Black Trousers

A well-tailored pair of black trousers bridges the gap between casual and formal with sophisticated ease, and they play nicely with various pairs of shoes. Choose a cut that flatters your silhouette and works for office presentations and dinner dates.

Cos

tailored wool slim-leg pants

Banana Republic

high-rise straight refined pants

Róhe

Pleated grain de poudre pants

Theory

Demitria 4 stretch-wool flared pants