*This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you shop through one of these links*
Firstly, what is a capsule wardrobe? According to a quick a Google search it’s a small collection of garments designed to be worn together harmonized by color and style. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for every style and occasion without owning excessive items of clothing.
It’s no secret that I love to shop and I have an extensive closet. I get stuck wearing the same pieces and am always looking for new ways to style them. My go to is a pair of distressed jeans, a white top, and a jacket or flannel. I never sacrifice comfort because I’m usually chasing a three year old around. I also care quite a bit about quality or quantity and have stopped purchasing “cheap” clothing items that only last one season. My color palette is neutral with whites, blacks, denim, and a touch of beige. All of these pieces are intended to be worn interchangeably and into the summer months.
For reference I am 5’6″ and about 155 lbs give or take. I don’t have many curves and carry my weight very evenly. I would consider my body type somewhat athletic/straight. I don’t usually like to show my arms and would absolutely never wear a crop top with intention of showing my midrif. Now that you know more about my body type, let’s get into the pieces and you can see why I picked them.
Here is what I’ve chosen: a trench, a dress, a jumpsuit, one long sleeve, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of white pants, 1 pair of patterned pants, 1 graphic tee, a white top, 1 denim jacket, one pair of sneakers, one pair of sandals. Let’s go!
1. A Classic Dress
I have no difficulty finding a classic dress… like, ever. I love wearing dresses with sneakers or sandals in the spring and summer — and even fall, honestly! I like to spend a little more on this piece, but there are so many great options under $50 that I’ve found.
I chose this black midi dress from Anthropologie for my body type. It has a collar, so it feels a little dressier with sandals, but still looks great with sneakers. It also has pockets and would be cute with a statement belt! In certain lighting it even looks like a really dark navy which I thought was perfect!
2. A Jumpsuit
First of all, jumpsuits aren’t for everyone! If you have short legs you might want to swap this piece for a casual mini dress instead. I shared this casual black jumpsuit on Instagram stories and it was a top seller for the week on my LiketoKnow.it page! I would never buy this jumpsuit based on the picture of the model online, but I found it in store and was pleasantly surprised! It’s lightweight and only $35! I have also found an option from Old Navy that’s really cute.
3. Classic Denim
Jeans are different for everyone – some people love distressing, some people love stretch. I would consider this to be a very personal choice, but I think I’ve found the perfect pair for my body type. There is a tiny bit of stretch and they are a mid-high rise (not too high). I love the wash of them as well! I wanted a pair that didn’t have any holes because they can be dressed up too!
4. White Pants
A staple for a spring and summer closet. I could of gone with a pair of white jeans, but these pants are more versatile in my opinion. They look great on all body types and have an elastic waist with a drawstring. I ordered a size small and they fit great, so if you are in between sizes I would recommend sizing down one. White pants look great with denim, black or colored pieces so they are a must for a capsule wardrobe.
5. Patterned Pants
This is a trend I am on board with. They can easily elevate any casual outfit and look great with a graphic tee and denim jacket. These pants are kind of a splurge (I’ll keep an eye out for sales), so I am also linking a few in a lower price point. They are great for teachers too because they are fun! I think these ones would work great in an office setting as well.
6. A Striped Long Sleeve Tee
This is a must for everyone – definitely pay attention to the size of the stripes if you are curvy. I liked this option because it’s a little more unique than a traditional striped top from Old Navy or JCrew. It has a bit more character to it and some stretch. It’s also an amazing quality and will be a staple in my closet for years.
7. A Trench Coat
If you live in Florida this is one you can swap with a rain coat, but I love the look of this trench! It’s a staple – I also found one that comes with a hood which is perfect for rainy days.
8. Denim Jacket
One of my favorite pieces. It takes any outfit up one level and is great for those breezy days near the water. I have a classic fit from Levi’s that I have loved for years, but you can find a super cute one from Old Navy or Target for under $30 on sale!
9. Denim Shorts
A classic pair of denim shorts had to be on my list. Perfect for warmer days and easy to style. I love the style from Abercrombie – it’s not too tight on my legs and has a medium rise. They come in a few different washes/distressing.
10. A Graphic Tee
I guarantee you already have a graphic tee in your closet. This one was too cute to pass up and comes in a few other styles. I love wearing jean shorts and a graphic tee in the summer, but you can also pair it with patterned pants, white denim, or a skirt!
11. A Classic White Top
This is the mom uniform – jeans and a white tee. It was crucial to put in the capsule because it goes with everything. I asked for your favorite picks for white tops in stories and I got so many responses in different price points, so I’ll be listing out the winners in a new post coming soon!
12. White Sneakers
White sneakers go with everything in my opinion. I love styling dresses with sneakers in the spring! Especially in Boston because we can still have some chilly days! I always prefer comfort over style and the Adidas Stan Smith sneakers are my favorites.
13. Open Toe Sandals
Another must for spring and summer! These ones from Target are so cute with the straps. They also have a slight platform which helps make your legs look longer.
And those are my picks! Take it up a notch with a few staple pieces of jewelry, a cross body bag and a tote bag! Hope you enjoyed! I’ll be posting some Reels on Instagram with these outfits soon!
xo,
Jacci
