For years, I was fastidious about my wardrobe. Pieces were chosen; outfits were planned. My closet was edited and tailored. But since finishing law school, things have gone a bit awry.
I’ve gained and lost weight, going up and down two-to-three sizes. Sometimes I have an office to go to and a dress code to follow, sometimes I work from home and wear athleisure all day. All of this has made me less diligent about purging unworn items from my closet because I might need them for the next job or after the next weight fluctuation.
As fall begins, and I prepare to head back to office life, it’s time to think about rebuilding my wardrobe from the ground up. So I created a capsule collection built on pieces that are both neutral and lively, and reflect my professional style as it has evolved through my thirties.
Obviously, I don’t plan to buy all of these items. I chose pieces that are basic enough that you and I might already own something similar. Because the best capsule wardrobe starts with what you already own and wear regularly.
Sweaters. I wanted pieces that could be worn in both casual and professional environments. A black silk-cashmere crewneck. An ivory cable knit. A drapey, neutral cardigan. These sweaters look just as at home with jeans as they do with trousers or pencil skirts.
Sample Outfit // Black sweater + white blazer + flare jeans + sneakers.
Blouses & Shirts. When I have a closet full of nothing to wear, it is usually because I can’t find the right top. These blouses and shirts are foundational pieces that can be worn with almost any outfit. A black wrap blouse. An ivory tie-neck. A relaxed top with an impactful print.
Sample Outfit // Black wrap blouse + black skirt + black flats + long necklace.
Blazers. The right jacket can brush up any outfit. A white t-shirt and jeans gets a lift from a structured blazer, so does the sheath dress that you’ve worn too many times to count. A classic black one-button. A slick white blazer. A navy wool blazer to add an easy chic to work or weekend attire.
Sample Outfit // Black blazer + printed blouse + white skinny jeans + black flats + hoop earrings.
Skirts. I don’t wear trousers frequently, so I chose to focus on skirts. A basic black pencil. An ivory a-line skirt. A slightly edgy leather skirt (or its more affordable cousin).
Sample Outfit // Leather Skirt + ivory sweater + tortoise heels + pearl earrings.
Accessories. For this, I wanted pieces that were unique enough to stand on their own, but paired well together. My preferred metal is gold-tone, so I started there. Simple huggie hoops. A pair of modern pearls. A lightweight ivory scarf. A long pendant necklace. An open cuff. A pearl bracelet. A tortoise bangle.
Shoes & Boots. I like cool shoes. Basics are nice, but over the years, I’ve come to value the ability to show off some personality through footwear. So I chose a tortoise heel, a simple black flat, a gold-accented sneaker, and dramatic leopard boots.
Dresses. Typically, I would choose more dresses, but we’re talking about essentials. I need a basic black sheath with a flattering neckline, and a beautifully-hued wrap dress that can go from day-to-night.
Sample Outfit // Burgundy Wrap Dress + neutral sweater + tortoise heels + gold bracelet.
Jeans. I own five or six pairs of jeans in different styles. But if I need to choose just the pairs that I wear most often, I would select flare legs and white skinnies.
Sample Outfit // White jeans + ivory sweater + pearl earrings + leopard boots.
I discovered through this process that sometimes you don’t need more clothing when you feel like you have nothing to wear, you need less. I look forward to simplifying and rebuilding. It feels a bit liberating. Have you experimented with a capsule wardrobe?
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17 comments
Clara says:
What’s your new job?
Belle says:
I’m interviewing for a job I really want right now, and I want to be set up wardrobe wise. Consulting on campaigns has been great, since it provided a lot of flexibility in the wedding run up and let me be in Montana more, but working at the legislature reminded me how much I love being in an office and how much better it is for my mental health. I’m hoping to have something firm to announce in the next few weeks.
Jessica C says:
Good luck! Echoing the other comment – great posts this week!
Belle says:
Thanks, ladies!
kk says:
abra- you’re absolutely killing it with the posts this week!
Carrie says:
This post is excellent! And came at the perfect time!
Jules says:
I don’t own a lot of clothes, but definitely more than a capsule.
My problem is I love COLORS!! and PATTERNS!! and more COLOR!!!! so I end up owning more blouses and dresses and skirts than I ‘need’ because it gets hard to match 🙂
Ginny says:
Thank you so much for this. I am in the same position as you, after many weight fluctuations I have a closet bursting with things I don’t wear. It’s so haphazard now that I always feel like I have nothing to wear. This is a very helpful jumping off point. Great post!
Kelly says:
I’m not sure I’ll go all-in on a capsule wardrobe (I’m not into beating myself up over having an extra cardigan), but this post has given me some ideas for my much-needed and upcoming closet edit. I went from a super formal to super casual dress code and told myself I could donate some suiting pieces after I make it through a year (or year-ish) where I’m at.
Elle says:
Great post! I’ve been toying with the idea of a capsule wardrobe and this is a great start point. Good luck with your job search!
SHannon says:
Weight fluctuations are incredibly challenging, In my case, seesawing between fertility treatments and migraine meds meant I could wear size small, medium, and large in a three month period, It was like being Alice in Wonderland. I wound up with a closet overflowing with cheap placeholder crap.
Now things are stabilizing, and I’m staying home with a baby. I’m finding a capsule wardrobe/uniform is the way to go. Daily Ritual ponte stretch slacks, a fitted tee, some kicks, and I can layer a Lark & Ro cashmere sweater if needed.Easy and machine washable.
The challenge is always tees. Any petite ladies find good v-necks that aren’t halfway down to the navel, with armholes that don’t show sideboob? I’m 5’1.
Janine says:
I’m petite, and my go-to for v-neck (and other) tees is Talbot’s. They hold up really well, look nice for work or casual wear, and are proportioned well for petites. I’m also a fan of the Lands’ End petite scoop neck tees – I just purchased a few on sale, so I don’t know how well they hold up yet, but so far, so good, and Lands’ End quality is usually great.
Shannon says:
Thanks! I have a few things from Talbot’s, but had always thought of it as more of a store for dressier things. I’ll also have to check out Lands End.
B says:
I’m by no means petite, but I find that Loft tees are often all up in my armpits, even when they are loose elsewhere. It’s annoying for me but might work well for you!
Samantha says:
This post is exactly what I needed! I’m doing a closet clean out/refresh for this fall and this will be so helpful.
Michelle says:
For those who follow a capsule collection do you have a separate winter/summer one?
I love the idea of a capsule collection, but I almost only exclusively wear my cashmere sweaters and dresses for winter and I have separate clothes for summer.
JAV says:
Great post, I’d love to see capsule wardrobes for working at home and vacationing (spring through fall).