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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