... and it's not nearly as hard to do as you might think.
The foundation of a capsule wardrobe is fashion basics—that is, timeless classics of good quality.
They go well with all other garments and perfectly balance out eye-catching pieces by providing a subtle contrast.
In our opinion, the following basics are essential pieces for the perfect capsule wardrobe:
The black blazer
The timeless favorite: the blazer! No other jacket manages to look elegant, casual, and incredibly cool all at once.
When choosing the right blazer, the cut and fabric are key. When selecting a style, make sure it flatters your body shape. There are no hard-and-fast rules anymore. Whether slightly oversized or fitted and hip-length, single-breasted or double-breasted… It’s best to try on different cuts to find out which one complements your figure and, more importantly, which one makes you feel most comfortable.
With a wool blazer—or at least one with a high wool content—you can tell right away that it’s high quality; plus, it’s durable and will last you for many years.
Ivy & Oak and COS offer a great selection and high quality.
The white and gray T-shirt
A simple short-sleeve shirt in white or gray is an absolute wardrobe staple and is regularly spotted on the trendiest influencers.
Whether worn under a blazer, a chunky cardigan, with shorts in the summer, or paired with an elegant silk skirt—a white or gray shirt is the ultimate versatile piece. It’s especially important to invest in a high-quality shirt so it doesn’t lose its shape after just a few washes. Opt for organic cotton, viscose, or linen.
You'll find the perfect styles at Armed Angels or pinqponq.
The Men's Shirt
A shirt blouse in white or light blue is another absolute must-have staple for any wardrobe, because it’s incredibly versatile. Ideally, the shirt blouse should look like you borrowed it from your boyfriend ;)
Leggings, pencil skirts, jeans, wool pants… the possibilities are endless, and so is how long this fantastic staple will stay in your capsule wardrobe!
COS and Arket always have a nice selection.
The Little Black Dress
The timeless little black dress. From mini to midi, from super simple to intricate details. The LBD is a must-have in your wardrobe and makes it especially easy to transition from office to evening wear—it’s all about how you style it with accessories. Just switch up your jewelry, shoes, and bag, and your professional business outfit instantly transforms into a trendy night-out look.
We love Ivy & Oak's sustainable styles.
The Jeans
A pair of basic jeans without holes or distressing is also a capsule wardrobe essential. They can be paired with absolutely anything. Contrasting styles are especially interesting, so feel free to pair them with your trendy or particularly feminine tops. A good fit and a flattering cut are essential. Whether you choose skinny, straight, or flared jeans is purely a matter of personal taste. Tip: Take a friend with you when you go shopping and ask her to take a photo from behind. That way, you can judge the fit perfectly.
Armed Angels, Levi's, and Closed are our favorite denim brands.
Minimalist flip-flops
We’re thrilled that our iconic style is considered an absolute must-have for any capsule wardrobe! Whether in black or white, the flip-flop has been by far the most casual and timeless summer shoe for decades. It goes with any outfit and is now accepted even far beyond the beach and pool.
As the name suggests, the flip*flop original is THE original—and it’s exceptionally comfortable, durable, and 100% vegan.
Pair this casual all-rounder with jeans, a tank top, and an open-front shirt for a particularly cool look, or wear it with a form-fitting black tank dress.
The wool coat
The beige wool coat is the epitome of timeless elegance and is therefore a must-have in any wardrobe. But it’s not just this color that makes it a key piece. Gray, black, and navy are also excellent choices. With details like zippers, elegant buttons, or uniquely tailored collars and sleeves… find a style here that suits your look.
The fabric should be made primarily of wool, and when combined with cashmere, the coat not only looks incredibly elegant but also feels like pure luxury.
There are great styles available in various price ranges, including from Max Mara, Ivy & Oak, and COS.
The leather jacket
At some point, the leather jacket made its way out of the biker scene and into the world of high fashion, and it has since become an indispensable staple in every style-conscious woman’s wardrobe. It goes with everything and adds a cool, edgy touch to even the most elegant look.
The more feminine the rest of the outfit (e.g., a skirt or dress), the greater the contrast in style and the more exciting the look.
Here, too, there are numerous styles and cuts with details that are more or less eye-catching. Clean, slightly oversized styles like those from The Frankie Shopare super trendy, while shorter, figure-hugging styles are more classic—again, it’s purely a matter of taste. Of course, there are also beautiful styles made from vegan leather! Our top pick :)
Office pants
A pair of dress pants—ideally made from a wool or cotton blend—is a stylish alternative to jeans and can be styled for any occasion outside the office. The following cuts are both classic and flattering: tapered chinos, wide-leg Marlene pants, or a straight, slightly cropped cut.
The Color be chosen from the basic palette and in a darker shade, such as gray, navy, brown, or black.
You can find gorgeous, high-quality styles at Someday, COS, or Arket.
In summary:
When choosing key-piece styles, the materials, cuts, and colors are important.
The material determines the durability and the perceived quality—both in appearance and to the touch—of your favorite piece.
Choose styles based on your personal preferences and body type—the fewer details, the better the basic piece will fit into your capsule wardrobe.
When it comes to colors, you should prioritize calm, muted tones. But don’t worry—there’s much more variety than just black and white. Warm earth tones are particularly elegant and pair beautifully with accessories in trendy shades of green or purple. Lighter shades like taupe, beige, or cream are also great options for a basic wardrobe. Various shades of gray are a great addition to black and white, as they offer even more possibilities for variation.
Tip: Completely monochrome looks look minimalist and super-modern.
We hope you enjoy putting together your capsule wardrobe and that you’ll love what you see when you open your closet!
