I believe building an intentional wardrobe is very personal and there’s no one-size fits all approach. My hope as you read through this is you’ll take what helps and serves you and leave the rest behind!
That said, I’ve never declared a certain number as the ‘right’ number of items to have in a capsule wardrobe. Instead, I have a Core capsule that’s made up of classic, versatile, and high quality pieces and I have additional pieces that work in trends, color, texture, interest, etc. But if you ask me how many pieces I have total, I really have no idea!
This list is My Top 10 List, the pieces I find to be the most foundational, helpful, and worthy of a larger time & money investment to get right. You can find Reels of each of these items on my Instagram. (The series was originally Top 8 but I needed more!)
What would you add? What would you takeaway? Let me know in the comments!
Trench Coat
You could go more classic with a tan trench, but I prefer this olive for my skin tone.
It’s light enough to be the perfect spring layer, but I’ve also worn it a lot this winter with thicker sweaters.
White or Black Tank
It’s the foundation of so many spring and summer looks. Layer it or wear it solo – it just works!
I learned the hard way that quality matters here, and it’s worth it to pay a bit more up front to have one that lasts.
PS- It took me a while to figure out the bra situation but my friend Candace recommended Cakes and I’m a big fan!
Button Down
It can be worn so many ways and makes a great layering piece:
🤎 fully buttoned, tucked in look
🤎 open, worn as an outer layer look
🤎 2 buttons used for a casual look
🤎 fully buttoned, worn as an inner layer look
🤎 partially buttoned, partially tucked look
White Tee
It’s classic and works with anything. Something I love about this one is the slub cotton gives the appearance of texture and almost looks like linen, without the drama of linen.😉
I also find the crew neck to be more versatile in styling, as it’s easier to layer and add jewelry.
Good Fitting Jeans
Blue jeans, white jeans, black jeans…choose one or all three like me. What matters is they fit well and feel good to you!
There’s so much chatter on social media about which jeans are trendy, but my approach is to pick a silhouette that *I feel good in* and get the fit right.
What I’ve found is I don’t need many pairs when the few pairs I have actually fit right.
Trousers
These are the pants that are as comfortable as pajamas, has enough give for weight fluctuations, and just generally makes me feel good.
Something I like about trousers is they make me feel put together while still being really comfortable. Now I prefer these over leggings.
Bonus: the ones I linked are Fair Trade verified, too!
Cardigan or Light Weight Sweater
With ever-changing weather in spring, layers are essential.
You can layer a cardigan over dresses, tops, or even wear it on its own with jeans. Leave it open or button it up- there are so many options for different looks!
Comfortable, flat shoes
Because I don’t have a lot of different shoes, finding a pair that has texture and interest AND fits me really comfortably was my goal.
These closed-toe sandals work with so many outfits and are perfect for chaotic spring weather.
Leather Bags
A neutral bag you love will add so much interest to an otherwise simple outfit.
Between the style it adds and the fact it’s handmade, I personally love this caramel and this black purse. Both of these are ethically made in Uganda and Ethiopia, respectively.
Favorite Jewelry
There are two sets of gold jewelry I love to wear, both for their simplicity and the story behind them.
Each of these pieces are made by women who are overcoming challenging situations and receiving fair wages.
Head over to Instagram to see videos of each of these items!!
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