Are you ready to start a capsule wardrobe that will make getting dressed every day not only easy but fun? Tired of feeling like you have absolutely nothing to wear? 

Well here are some of the best pieces you need to begin building a basics capsule wardrobe that will most definitely take the stress out of getting dressed every day!

Buying new capsule pieces for my wardrobe is one of the things I get most excited about.  We all know that closet space is valuable and important so, the key to capsule wardrobe building is to invest in purposeful pieces that will mix and match well and will serve multiple purposes.

I personally love to search online shops, Instagram, and Pinterest for hours looking for inspiration and pieces I know I’d love to have and that I know I will get a ton of use out of.

As someone who swears by buying as many basics as possible, I am sharing with you the best capsule wardrobe basic pieces that will help you get the ball rolling on your capsule wardrobe as fast and easy as possible! 

The best part?  These pieces will make getting dressed every day insanely easy!

Best capsule wardrobe basics:

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #1: Basic t-shirt

 

LULU’S White T-shirt ($29)

A classic white tee is such a versatile capsule piece and pairs well with everything.  Whatever your style, a basic t-shirt can provide a variety of looks. 

Wear it alone, tie it up in a knot, or under a blazer or cardigan.  This classic piece will look effortless when styled with the right accessories that will provide a seamless put-together look that is all your own.

You can never go wrong with a basic t-shirt.  And if white is not your color, then any color will do.  So, trying a striped or printed pattern t-shirt will work just fine and will mix and match easily with other neutral pieces in your capsule.   

The basic tee is easy to find anywhere these days and at great affordable prices.  Amazon is a great option, but trying places like Lulu’s, Abercrombie, or Old Navy will also offer a great shirt for a great price. 

Other Options To Try:  

Crew Neck T-shirts  | These t-shirts from Amazon are a great budget-friendly option.  T-shirts don’t always have to have a brand name attached to them to be good.  Remember you want to stick to a budget when you are building a wardrobe from scratch. 

Classic Fit Crew Neck T-shirts | Here is another alternative from Amazon that offers a great capsule wardrobe basic piece that allows you to get more for your money which in my mind is an ideal bargain! 

Every color option or print option would be a great capsule wardrobe basics foundation piece to work with and mix and match well to create an endless number of outfits.

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #2: Button-down shirt

MANGO Oversized Striped Button-Down Shirt ($50)

The classic button-down shirt is such a key piece to have.  Any solid color or vertically striped shirt will work great for any capsule wardrobe. 

They are obviously great for the workplace but create the trendiest outfit with your distressed jeans.  Add a gold layered necklace that will make the entire look come together beautifully. 

In Summertime you can pair it with denim shorts or as a top layer over a cute tank top.  Another great way to accessorize them is as a swimsuit cover-up. 

There are so many ways to style this staple piece.  They work great with loungewear at home, over your workout clothes, styled with denim, or under a blazer. 

Investing in a button-down top is always a great idea since this capsule wardrobe basic is sure to never go out of style.

Other Options To Try: 

Button-Down Shirt | Amazon for the win on these great budget-friendly options! What I like about this button-down is that it is that classic staple button-down shirt that comes in so many great options that can be worn any time of the year. 

I particularly love the gingham and striped options.

Buttoned Flowy Shirt  | Mango is the perfect place to shop for ideal capsule wardrobe pieces like a button-down shirt.  Personally, I always find it so difficult to pick one I like because they are all that good! 

This buttoned flowy option is classy with amazing, printed options to choose from as well.

[RELATED POST: HOW TO BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE | IMPORTANT TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN BUILDING A CAPSULE WARDROBE WITH CLOTHES THAT YOU WILL LOVE]

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #3: Denim jeans

RIVER ISLAND Flare Jeans ($28)

I love jeans! I’m a jeans girl through and through.  For some reason, I cannot stop buying them.  If I could live in them I would!  And today they are offered in such a great variety of styles.

From skinny to cropped and distressed to flare.   A wide-leg distressed hem style jean offers a completely different yet trendy look than skinny jeans do.  Each offers a different style and look so you are sure to find what works for you while still adding the denim feel to your capsule.

The key with jeans is to find the ones that work best for your style, and body type.  Remember, you should be buying pieces that you will wear and not just sit in your closet because they don’t fit well.

Regardless of which style you prefer, jeans are always great to add to all capsules to create a variety of mix and match outfits.  

I personally love to dress up jeans with cute accessories.  A cute pair of heels, layered necklaces, a classic staple handbag, and a pair of hoop earrings are always a go-to outfit for me.    

If you chose to invest more money in any one given piece for your capsule, then you cannot go wrong in purchasing jeans as a solid capsule wardrobe staple. 

Find the style that works for you and have fun creating tons of cute, stylish outfits. Distressed, skinny, flare, crop, blue, black, white, etc.  The options are endless, and the outfits are limitless!

Other Options To Try: 

Original Cheeky Jean | Ya’ll … can I just say Everlane is a must-try for some great jean styles and the fit is on point!  I’m loving these cheeky style jeans!  It is literally the perfect capsule staple jean! 

Their versatility is what makes them ideal.  They are so easy to style with a pair of sneakers, heels, and booties!

Ultra-High Rise Ankle Straight Jeans | Abercrombie hands down has some of the best jeans out there and the price is on point just the same.  They really have great sales on their jeans so make sure to look out for those because they sell out quick! 

These flared ankle-length jeans are the absolute perfect style to add to your capsule since they can be worn in any season of the year!

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #4: Denim jacket

MISSGUIDED Oversized Denim Jacket ($63)

A denim jacket is a must-have in every wardrobe.  I honestly don’t think there has been a time that I did not have a denim jacket in my capsule. I mean I can seriously remember wearing one in middle school!  

Even now, honestly, if you looked in my closet you would find at least five options of denim jackets to choose from.

This is a true staple that will last year after year and can be worn year-round! Over a sweater in colder weather or over a maxi dress in Summer. 

The best part about denim jackets these days is how they have evolved into so many styles and colors with so many options to choose from. 

There is an endless number of places to buy great denim at any price.  Target and Walmart are places that have really stood out to me lately. 

Old Navy and Abercrombie are also great places to look for a great price.  Their denim options are something you want to check out the next time you are in either one of these stores.

Other Options To Try: 

Universal Thread Denim Jacket | Seriously, what is Target not good at?  Aside from all the other amazing things you can buy here now you know you have to make time to skim through the clothing section also. 

And Universal Thread is a great affordable budget-friendly option with some of the cutest finds including this denim jacket! 

Jean Jacket | I believe this is one of Old Navy’s bestselling denim jackets so if it’s out of stock make sure to check back with them later.  Also, make sure to skim through their site for other great denim jacket options as well.

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #5: Cardigan

BOOHOO Boyfriend Cardigan ($23)

Layers!  Don’t forget the layers!  I swear by cardigans and not only are they great for layering, but a cardigan with buttons can also look amazing when worn alone as a top. 

Chunky, lightweight, long, or short really any style you prefer is great to have.

These pieces are all-year-round staple core pieces.   I live in Texas where days can start off chilly and by noon the sun will be shining brightly and suddenly it is super-hot out! 

Cardigans offer the perfect solution for this kind of weather. 

Any neutral-colored cardigan will last you years and create such a variety of outfits.  They will easily work well with a pair of jeans and denim shorts and at the same time look just as cute as a top layer with a dress. 

This cozy yet stylish add-on will go the distance!   Start with one or two that you will love and add a few every year and you are set!

Other Options To Try: 

V-Neck Button-Down Cardigan | I think Amazon always offers some of the cutest, trendiest sweater options every year.  This one offers this year’s trendy button-down chunky option. 

This style of sweater is perfect as a layer or worn as a top on its own.

Open Front Cable Knit Cardigan | Absolutely love this cardigan! It is the cutest! I have one very similar that I have owned for years and always receive so many compliments on it. 

It is truly ideal to style with a Summer maxi dress or as a top layer on a cool Fall day.

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #6: Blazer

LULU’s Blazer ($45)

I’m a firm advocate for filling your closet with only things that you love and things that you need!  And a classic blazer is an absolute must-have for any capsule wardrobe! 

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a staple blazer! As a timeless piece, it is no doubt a great investment into your capsule. 

They are so fun to incorporate in any outfit from day to night, dressy to casual. And the patterns and styles these days are endless. 

Whether you prefer a plaid, brown, black, oversized, or a fitted blazer they are all so easy to mix and match with boots, heels, and even sneakers for a more casual look.

Other Options To Try: 

Wrap Check Blazer | This check plaid pattern type of blazer is my personal favorite and this one from Mango is gorgeous! So aside from your solid-colored blazers, I truly believe adding one like this check blazer would most definitely elevate any outfit. 

It’s a timeless must-have capsule staple!

Casual Blazer | And here is an ideal budget-friendly option from Amazon.  It’s the perfect option to try adding a blazer to your capsule if you don’t own one yet. 

And with a great price tag and so many color options to pick from you literally cannot go wrong!

[RELATED POST: CAPSULE WARDROBE TOPS | THE CUTEST TOPS THAT EVERY GIRL NEEDS IN HER CLOSET THAT ADD INSTANT STYLE TO ANY CAPSULE WARDROBE]

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #7: Duster cardigan

LULU’S Duster Cardigan ($44)

Dusters are the lighter and longer version of the classic cardigan, making it the perfect layer year-round! This lighter layer is the perfect capsule wardrobe basic piece for days when you’re in a hurry and don’t have too much time to think about an outfit. 

I swear by this longer-layer cardigan when I’m on the run and need to put together a quick, cute outfit!  It’s easy to dress up with heels for work or down with a cap and sneakers.

Duster cardigans are especially great for transitioning into cooler seasons and are seriously so versatile that it is sure to add that little touch of special to any outfit! 

Other Options To Try:

Long Button-Down Cardigan | I absolutely love this option from Amazon! It is very similar to the ones that I own and always receive tons of compliments on.  It’s lightweight literally making it perfect to style year-round. 

And of course, you can always count on Amazon to offer their pieces in so many color options.

Openwork Long Knit Cardigan | And here’s a beautiful one from Mango that is a little more of an investment piece.  The color and knitwork on this one make it the perfect duster for a capsule wardrobe. 

This one would style beautifully dressed up over a maxi dress or casually with boots and jeans.

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #8: Little black dress

SHOPBOP Ribbed Black Dress ($78)

A little black dress or any neutral-colored dress really is a perfect addition to any capsule.   This staple has evolved through generations and still holds its place as the best-known capsule wardrobe basic for every woman. 

It is a piece that will serve you for many purposes and can be worn countless times in many different ways. 

So easy to style, this basic looks great when worn alone or layered with a denim jacket, cardigan, or kimono over top, and for some cool contrast just add your favorite jewelry accessories and you will be ready to go!

Other Options To Try: 

Cut-Out Bodycon Dress | This is an ideal bodycon dress from Mango that would live for years in a capsule wardrobe.  The quality would hold up for years making it worth the investment. 

It’s the perfect dress that would look amazing on its own with sneakers or heels but would also be an amazing layering piece with a duster or blazer in cooler seasons.

Casual Black T-Shirt Dress | A casual t-shirt dress will also go a long way as a staple capsule piece.  This is a piece I go to often when I want something cute and stylish but also comfortable. 

The style well with a duster cardigan and espadrilles for a dressier look.  But I love styling them with my converse sneaker for running errands just the same.

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #9: Skirts

J CREW SLIP SKIRT ($89.50)

Skirts are another obvious great staple to include in your capsule. With so many styles and colors to choose from, including a few skirts will most definitely complete your closet!

Any kind of skirt style you prefer will be sure to add another level of style to your looks.  Pencil skirts, bodycon, A-line, maxi, leather, or denim skirts, there is really no limit to how many outfits you can create with any one of these styles. 

They’re just as easily dressed up for a more business casual look as they are for a weekend out running errands.  The skirt has been around for decades, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon either! 

So, if skirts are your thing, the sky’s the limit with this look!  

Other Options To Try: 

Faux Leather Pencil Skirt | This is another piece where Mango excels in capsule wardrobe staples.  They have some chic and classic styles that are on par for creating many classy outfits. 

This black leather pencil skirt is a beautifully versatile skirt that you are sure to love and use for years!

Ribbed Skirt | Per usual Amazon is always a great go-to option to get the look for less.  This ribbed option is trending at the moment but its classic silhouette is sure to offer endless style in the future just the same!

[RELATED POST: CAPSULE WARDROBE DRESSES | 5 MUST-HAVE BLACK DRESSES THAT WILL SEAMLESSLY TRANSITION FROM SUMMER TO FALL]

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #10: Kimonos

CHICMONY Printed Kimono ($40)

The kimono is not one most people think of when they think capsule wardrobe, however, it is an awesome capsule wardrobe basic to include in your closet. 

Its effortless look makes the kimono the perfect layer for Spring and Summer.   Kimonos are the ultimate light and breezy accessory that add always adds instant style to any outfit! 

So, if your outfit ever feels too dull, then throw on a kimono for a print or pop of color and style. 

The best thing about the kimono is they are also great to use over swimwear.  They pair well with denim shorts, distressed jeans, and over the classic little black (or any solid neutral-colored) dress. 

Add some cute shoes and jewelry to complete this look.

Other Options To Try: 

Floral Kimono | A good kimono can sometimes be difficult to find. This option from Amazon is perfect with so many prints to choose from.  I personally prefer a longer

Ethnic Print Kimono | I recently found these beautiful long kimonos from Chicmony and I think they are gorgeous!! Aside from that the prints and colors add the versatility to wear them all year long. 

And… kimonos are a great layering option in the Fall for areas with warmer temperatures.

Capsule Wardrobe Basics #11: Jumpsuit/Romper

LULU’S Cream Jumpsuit ($40)

The jumpsuit is probably one of the cutest styles that continues to be a great staple piece to have. With its uniform look, it provides the answer to getting dressed quickly. 

It is literally instant style worn alone but when you add a cute cardigan or a leather jacket for a more edgy look then you are sure to draw attention and compliments.  

The romper is the “shorts” version of the jumpsuit and is also a great option for warmer seasons. 

I have always loved the simplicity of the romper.  The great part is it looks like a dress but is a dressy and comfortable alternative to shorts.

Other Options To Try:

Strapless Belted Jumpsuit | I love the versatility of this jumpsuit from Amazon. The olive color makes it easy to style in Fall with a chunky cardigan.  In Summer it would style beautifully with a denim jacket.

Navy Blue Jumpsuit | I’ve been eyeing this jumpsuit from Lulu’s.  It seriously looks like the softest, most comfortable jumpsuit that would be an ideal capsule piece to style in so many different ways and in any season of the year!

To Wrap Things Up:

Capsule wardrobe basics should mix and match with extreme versatility all while making life easy and transforming the way you get dressed!

Investing in any of these capsule wardrobe basics now will not only elevate your look but will add tons of styling options to your closet!

This post is about capsule wardrobe basics.