For the last few years, every season, I have put together mom-friendly capsule wardrobe posts. These posts have become pretty popular, and I know they have helped so many women simplify getting dressed every day. In today’s post, I want to share my 20-piece capsule wardrobe formula to help you put together your own capsule wardrobe using the clothes you already own in your closet.
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A Guide to Build a 20-Peice Capsule Wardrobe
I find 20 pieces to be a really good starting point when building a capsule wardrobe. I think the hardest part about getting started is figuring out which pieces to add. That’s why today I want to break it all down for you and explain what items to include in your capsule wardrobe to give it both variety and versatility.
My 20-piece formula is broken down into six wardrobe categories: 5 tops, 5 bottoms, 4 layers, 1 one-piece or dress, 3 shoes, and 2 completer accessories. Within these categories, I’ve included a variety of pieces that you can add to your capsule. This will give you versatility and options, allowing you to create over 100 outfits with them.
It’s important to remember that this is just a guide. It’s meant to be flexible to suit your style and the season.
Watch my YouTube Video HERE where you can learn more about this method:
Tops (5)
(1-2) Basic Top (tee, tank, or long sleeve neutral)
A basic top is a simple piece in a neutral color, such as black, white, gray, or tan. In spring and fall, I typically choose a short-sleeve t-shirt; in winter, a long-sleeve t-shirt or a lightweight sweater; and in summer, a tank top.
(1-2) Elevated Basic Top
An elevated basic top is a basic top with a little extra detail. It could be a top in a bright color or pattern, a t-shirt with lace around the neckline, or one with sleeve details like ruffled or puffy sleeves. Basically, you want a top that’s still simple enough to pair with almost any layer or bottom, but adds a little more variety to your wardrobe.
(1) Button-down shirt
I always love to add a button-down shirt to my capsule wardrobes because they’re so versatile. You can wear them in so many different ways—wear it as a shirt, or as a layer over a top, or under a sweater or cardigan. It elevates your look no matter how you wear it. You can choose a classic white button-down, a chambray shirt, or a short-sleeve button-down with a pattern—whatever speaks to you at the moment.
(1) Free Choice
If you still have an extra spot in your top section, you can add any top you like. In my mom-friendly capsule wardrobes, I often use this spot for a casual top, like a graphic tee or a sweatshirt. You could also use it for a dressier top or even repeat a top from one of the other sections. Whatever you choose for this spot is completely up to you!
Bottoms (5)
(1) Jeans
Jeans are a must in my capsule wardrobe. I recommend picking your favorite style—the pair that makes you feel amazing! In the summer, I often go for jean shorts; in spring and fall, a cropped pair of jeans; and in winter, I usually choose full-length jeans. But really, go with the style you love and feel great wearing in the moment!
(1) Black or White Jeans
I love having black and white jeans in my wardrobe. In the fall and winter, I often add black jeans to my capsules, and in the spring and summer, I stick with classic denim. They can be any style you like. I often choose white shorts in the summer, but you could also go with a white or black denim skirt. I just think having black and white denim in your capsule is a great way to elevate your outfits and add more versatility to your wardrobe!
(1) Pop of Color Pant
I always find it fun to add a pop of color to my bottoms. For this section, you can get creative with how you incorporate color. It could be colored denim, chinos, linen pants, joggers, or even a skirt.
(1) Casual Pants
Because most of my capsule wardrobes are geared toward moms, I always like to include a comfortable pant option—something you can wear around the house, to the park with your kids, or to the grocery store. This could be leggings, joggers, linen pants, or trouser leggings—anything casual and laid-back that you can style however you like.
(1) Skirt
I love including a skirt in my capsules, especially in the fall, spring, and summer. Skirts are versatile and super comfortable—you can dress them up or down, and there are so many options to choose from. Some of my favorites are pleated skirts, athletic skirts, silk skirts, and maxi skirts.
Layers (4)
(1) Denim Jacket
I always love including a denim jacket in my capsule wardrobes. It’s such a great layering staple! The only season I usually skip it is winter, but other than that, I wear a denim jacket all year long.
(1) Blazer
Many people associate blazers with business wear, but having a blazer in your everyday wardrobe is a great way to elevate your style. I wear mine with dresses, jeans, and even comfy casual pants. They’re such a great staple to own!
(1) Cardigan
Cardigans are a great layering piece, and there are so many styles to choose from. You can go with a long cardigan or a cropped one. Some have buttons, and some don’t. Whatever cardigan style speaks to you at the moment is what you should add to your seasonal capsules.
(1) Free choice
I like to leave the last slot for layers as a free choice, but I often use this spot for outerwear. In spring and fall, I might choose a utility jacket or a trench coat. In winter, this is a great place to add a warm winter coat. You could also pick another cardigan style—it’s really up to you.
(1) One Piece
(1) Dress, Romper, Jumpsuit, etc.
I call this the one-piece category. It’s the place to add your favorite throw-on-and-go item, like a dress, jumpsuit, romper, or even overalls—anything you love. In winter, I usually skip this section because I don’t wear dresses much when it’s cold, and in summer, I usually add more than one item in this category.
(3) Shoes
(1) Sneaker
I always include one pair of versatile sneakers in every capsule wardrobe post I do. An elevated sneaker that can be worn with every pair of bottoms in your wardrobe is key! You can choose any sneaker you like, but I’d stay away from anything too chunky or athletic—like the tennis shoes you’d wear to the gym.
(2) Elevated shoes of your choice!
Because we already have a casual shoe that goes with everything, I like to use this spot to pick two pairs of shoes that are comfortable yet elevate your outfits. Some examples are loafers, ballet flats, booties, or slide sandals. You could even choose a statement sneaker with a pop of color. Just pick something fun that will make your outfits feel a little more exciting!
(2) Accessories
(2) Pick 2 completer accessories
Accessories pull a look together and make it feel complete. In the accessory category, I like to pick whatever feels right for the season. Belts are almost always included in my capsules, but I also like to add hats. You can really choose anything—from jewelry to sunglasses. This one is completely up to you!
I hope that I have you motivated to head into your own closet and see what you can work with to build your own capsule wardrobe!
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