Ready to start building your capsule wardrobe with staples that are affordable and timeless? Here are 8 of the best simple tops to invest in now to get you started on building a capsule wardrobe that is functional and stylish.
The best capsule wardrobe basics consist of simple tops that will go the distance in style throughout the years. Shopping for capsule wardrobe staples can seem difficult at times.
Many times we aren’t sure exactly what to purchase first or where to start when building a capsule wardrobe. Well, a great place to start is to shop for those simple tops that will offer a great amount of versatility in your wardrobe.
This is Post 2 in the Capsule Wardrobe Basics Simplified Series. This post will cover some of the best simple tops that mix and match with crazy versatility that you will be styling for years!
Best Simple Tops:
1. Tank Tops
MANGO Tank Top ($29.99)
Every girl needs a tank top in her wardrobe. It is a key capsule wardrobe basic piece that is ideal in its functionality and versatility. It’s the perfect year-round staple that styles seamlessly on its own and is a must-have for layering in cooler temperatures.
Mango has really great quality and affordable simple tops including tank tops. In fact, it is a great place to shop for any kind of capsule wardrobe basics and they don’t fall short in the quality of their tank tops either.
Zara is also a great place to buy those capsule wardrobe basics. The brand is loved and known for its sophisticated and elevated simple style at affordable prices.
And the Zara tank tops are great simple tops to invest in. I personally love all the neutral colors and ribbed textures that are easily mixed and matched with so many pieces that you already own in your closet.
Try styling tank tops under oversized pullover sweaters for added warmth or under button-down shirts or cardigans for a lighter layer.
Try the look:
Black Ribbed Tank Top | Amazon
2. Crop tops
ZARA Knit Crop Top ($25.90)
I know what you’re thinking… crop tops aren’t for everyone. And you are right, they’re not.
That said there are however certain styles that exist that really are cute and classic. I linked a few great options for you below on this one.
Shops like Aritzia and Everlane have some really great elevated yet simple options in their crop tops. Keep in mind that not all crop tops have to be super short.
Crop tops with decent lengths also exist and would style so well with those flare jeans and some booties or with a cute cardigan and some skinny jeans.
Try the look:
Black Bubble Crop Top | Everlane
[RELATED POST: CAPSULE WARDROBE BASICS | 11 BEST BASIC PIECES TO HAVE IN YOUR CLOSET TO MAKE GETTING DRESSED EVERYDAY INSANELY EASY]
3. T-shirts
GAP White T-Shirt ($20)
You cannot get any more simple than a white t-shirt. I don’t think anyone would argue that a white t-shirt is a classic staple that you can build numerous outfits off of.
T-shirts come in many styles. Short, long sleeve, ribbed, and so on. It really doesn’t matter the color or style the fact is that any neutral solid color or even stripped t-shirt will work in any capsule seamlessly for years in your closet.
Short sleeve options are perfect for year-round whether worn on their own or layered in cooler temperatures. However, do not forget about those long sleeve t-shirts that just as easily provide a crazy versatility in cooler temps that are truly classic and timeless pieces to style.
Try the look:
Ribbed Long Sleeve T-Shirt | Mango
4. Button-down shirts
MANGO Button-Down Shirt ($50)
By far one of my favorites and easily known as the staple capsule wardrobe basic. Another great must-have when building a capsule.
The simplicity of a button-down shirt makes it ideal for styling year-round.
Lately, I am particularly loving this style in satin and linen materials. A great simple top option is a satin neutral button-down.
It is the ultimate classic look any time of year. And the linen button-down is an absolute must-have for warmer weather!
Most think of a button-down shirt as a professional piece for work, however, trends these days style them over tank and crop tops. They also make really great swim cover-ups.
Regardless of how it will work in your closet, it is most definitely a great investment piece that you are sure to get tons of use out of throughout the year.
Try the look:
Chambray Ruffle Button-Down Shirt | LOFT
Olive Green Button Down Shirt | Lulu’s
5. Mock neck tops
BANANA REPUBLIC Mock-Neck Shirt ($44.50)
Mock necks are the ultimate simple tops and perfect for elevating the look of any outfit. They are ideal for the working woman and a great option for those like me that cannot wear a regular turtleneck.
There is sophistication about this style of shirt. I love the look of turtlenecks but they have never looked flattering on me personally. So the fact that a simple top like the mock neck exists is a great alternative.
The ribbed material adds a cool texture and a long sleeve is ideal for styling with layers in the colder times of the year. They style amazingly with mini plaid skirts and knee-high boots.
Another way to style it is with a pair of slacks and closed-toe heels. It’s also very stylish with straight-leg jeans and some booties.
Try the look:
Ribbed Mock Neck Tee | Everlane
Ribbed Mock Neck Bodysuit | Lulu’s
Mock Neck Long Sleeve Knitted Tee | Mango
[RELATED POST: CAPSULE WARDROBE BASICS SIMPLIFIED | THE 7 BEST WHITE SHIRTS AND TOPS YOU NEED THAT ARE TIMELESS & AFFORDABLE]
6. Linen tops
ETSY Linen Top ($99)
Linen tops have made a really strong comeback lately. This year was full of button-down linen tops in bright and vibrant colors along with the classic white shirt option.
They can be a little more pricey at times but are so worth it! Think of it as you get what you pay for.
Linen material is light and airy, breathable, and durable which makes it a great option for styling in warmer temperatures. It’s the perfect alternative for the traditional cotton button-down with its lighter weight material.
I also love supporting small shops so Etsy is a great place to find these specialized pieces like the linen top and pants option pictured about. A linen outfit is so cute and looks so stylish when adding all the right accessories that will really elevate the outfit.
Try styling in Summertime with a tank top and denim shorts or over a long maxi dress.
Try the look:
Casual Short Sleeve Shirt | Annie Cloth
Linen Puff Sleeve Shirt | Garnet Hill
Linen Button-Down Shirt | Annie Cloth
7. Tunic style
GAP Tunic Shirt ($45)
Tunics come with all the benefits of a simple top with just a little added extra length. This is perfect for girls who may not be comfortable wearing fitted clothing.
Tunics have been around for years and have evolved with many different style trends throughout the years.
They pair great with skinny jeans, leggings, or days when you want to look cute but are maybe not feeling your best. It’s a quick go-to when you want to be comfortable yet stylish.
A tunic styles really well with almost any kind of boots or with sneakers. A plus is that the trend on the tunic top today is that many can easily double as a dress. This makes it a great simple top option that makes a perfect capsule wardrobe basic.
Try the look:
Long Sleeve Tunic Top | Amazon
Turtleneck Tunic Sweater | Madewell
8. Bodysuits
ZARA Ribbed Bodysuit ($17.90)
Another option that may not be for everyone is the bodysuit. The great thing about a bodysuit I think is that they are great for layering for those who may not feel comfortable wearing one on its own.
Aside from the fact that they style so well alone is that they also look great under an oversized cardigan or jacket. So don’t ever feel like you cannot try one. Also, remember just because they come with bottom snap closures doesn’t mean they always have to be worn snapped.
I used to love them when I was younger and have just recently started to give them a try again and am so glad that I did!
Try the look:
Ribbed Henley Bodysuit | Abercrombie
To Wrap Things Up:
Simple tops are the way to go when purchasing tops for your capsule wardrobe. They seriously can make creating a capsule wardrobe effortless and easy.
Any of the simple tops in this post would truly be ideal staple pieces that would provide the best foundational options for an endless number of outfits.
This post is about simple tops.
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