Unlock the Secret to Effortless Style: How Top Stylists Build Capsule Wardrobes That Outsmart Fashion Trends Every Time

Ever stood in front of your bursting wardrobe thinking, “I have nothing to wear”? You’re not alone — and honestly, it’s kind of hilarious how our closets can turn into treasure troves of forgotten fashion faux pas. But here’s a little secret that might just rescue your mornings and sanity: the capsule wardrobe. Imagine your closet as a Swiss Army knife, packed with versatile, timeless staples that effortlessly mix and match to create countless killer outfits. According to celebrity stylist Elana Solomon, it’s not about buying more — it’s about buying smart. Plus, Stitch Fix’s Ashley Brevig highlights how simplifying your choices can slash decision fatigue and boost your confidence. Curious how trimming down can actually amp up your style game and save your time (and wallet)? Let’s dive into the must-have essentials that’ll turn your closet from chaos to curated charm. LEARN MORE

Let’s be honest: getting dressed shouldn’t feel like a chore. If you’re in a total style rut with an overflowing closet and nothing to wear, it might be time to invest in a few capsule wardrobe essentials.

So, what is a capsule wardrobe, exactly? It’s basically the “Swiss Army knife of closet needs,” says celebrity stylist Elana Solomon. It’s a collection full of timeless staples that you can mix, match, and accessorize to the max. That way you can create more outfits with less clothes that work for every occasion. The benefit is twofold, adds Stitch Fix stylist Ashley Brevig: you save time getting dressed by reducing decision fatigue, and always have reliable, confidence-boosting outfits at the ready. Whether you’re trying to simplify your mornings, or trying to spend less on fashion, a capsule wardrobe is the adulting upgrade your closet’s been waiting for.

Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

“I genuinely think that when people tell me, ‘I have nothing to wear,’ 90% of the time their closet is bursting,” Solomon says. “That’s because when you actually have less, you can be more creative with how you style those pieces.” Swapping out trendy clothes for a tightly edited wardrobe will save you from drowning in a sea of statement pieces without anything that makes you feel like you. That means no more panic buying sequined tops for one-time events (you know the ones).

When selecting pieces for your capsule wardrobe, quality matters. Brevig encourages you to look for premium fabrics that will hold their shape and wear well over time. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule, but 100% natural fibers like cotton, silk, wool, cashmere, or linen often signal durability and breathability. However, blends with a touch of elastane or polyester help clothing hold its shape and resist wrinkling. Brevig says a quick way to gauge quality is to feel the fabric and check that it has some weight to it, bounces back when stretched, and does not feel paper-thin or flimsy.

Also, pay attention to fit. In the past 20 years, silhouettes have ranged from skinny jeans to wide-legged trousers. A piece that skims and flatters the body without being too tight or too big will always be in style.

Ahead, we share the must-have items to build your capsule wardrobe with, piece by piece.

The White T-Shirt

A reliable white t-shirt is a true wardrobe chameleon. You can dress it up or down in a million different ways, either on its own or layered with other basics (like cardigans or button-downs). If you don’t already own a quality white tee, Brevig recommends you begin by searching for one in a flattering, body-skimming fit and standard length. Choose a t-shirt made with 100% cotton (especially pima or organic cotton), or cotton with a small percentage of elastane or modal for stretch. Solomon says it should have a bit of weight to it and not be see-through.

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Vince Vince Crew Neck Tee

Cos Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt

The Sweater

Go for a classic sweater with a relaxed fit, which looks great on its own, layered over t-shirts, or tied around the shoulders. Solomon recommends a cashmere sweater, as it is great for keeping warm and will look great forever. However, you could also opt for a cable knit sweater—hi, Rory Gilmore—made with merino wool or a cotton knit. Just be sure to avoid acrylic-heavy knits, as they pill quickly.

Aritzia Heritage Knit Merino Wool Crew Sweater

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

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Everlane The Cocoon Crew in Alpaca

The Leather Jacket

Leather is easy to style, especially in black or brown, and is a subtle way to play with texture that adds some serious flair and edge to a basic outfit (like your dark denim jeans and white t-shirt). It instantly gives “cool girl,” Solomon says, who suggests opting for a leather trench coat or leather bomber jacket—whichever is more your vibe. Full-grain and top-grain leather are the most durable and often look better with wear; lambskin is buttery and soft; and cowhide is a bit more structured. For vegan leather, Solomon says to opt for newer plant-based versions (like apple, mushroom, or cactus leather) rather than polyurethane, which tends to peel (and also isn’t environmentally conscious).

Mackage Barbara Leather Jacket

Donna Karan New York Leather Trench Coat

Anine Bing Kelanie Recycled Leather Jacket

The Button-Down

A button-down top is another must-have in both Solomon’s and Brevig’s capsule wardrobe. It’s versatile enough for travel, work, and weekend wear, and keeps you cool in warmer temps while remaining super easy to layer under sweaters or vests in fall and winter. Opt for one with a bit of an oversized fit for more versatility in styling (think: unbuttoned as a swimsuit cover-up, neatly tucked into a pair of wide-leg pants for the office, or with a few buttons undone and a pair of dark denim for dinner). Solomon likes a 100% cotton poplin button-down for a bit more structure, a cotton sateen for a soft shine, or linen, which is lovely for summer. Pro tip: a little elastane in the blend will help stop gaping at the chest!

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The Wide-Leg Pant

If you want a pant that will keep you feeling comfortable while looking put together, find a wide-leg cut you love made with wool (or a primarily wool blend) or cotton twill. Pair yours with a button-down and ballet flats or an oversized blazer and heels for an any-occasion ensemble. Solomon says that not only is a wide-leg cut fashionable and visually appealing, but it’s especially great for those times when we’re not feeling the most in our skin (hello, Aunt Flo…). For comfort, you want a little stretch in the fabric, but the pants should hold their shape and drape fluidly from hip to ankle. Wide-leg pants are a key piece in your closet, just remember to stick to those body-skimming fits and avoid anything that resembles a balloon pant.

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BOSS Relaxed-Fit Wool Trousers

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J.Crew Essential Wide-Leg Wool Blend Pant

The Trench Coat

Outerwear is often overlooked in a capsule wardrobe, Brevig says, but that’s a big mistake. “Reliable layers are key,” she says, and a prime example of that is a classic trench coat in a tan, beige, or black color. Opt for a long or slightly oversized cut for a stylish vibe and use it to upgrade all your cool-weather outfits with minimal effort. A trench should ideally be made from a tightly woven cotton gabardine (a durable twill fabric), Solomon says. If you’re looking to add a heavier coat to your winter wardrobe, wool or a wool/cashmere blend is top-tier.

Mackage Winn Trench Coat

Banana Republic Timeless Trench Coat

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Reiss Maddox Trench Coat

The Oversized Blazer

I might sound like a broken record, but layering correctly will save you when it comes to maximizing your capsule wardrobe potential. And an oversized blazer (I’m partial to black and/or taupe) will always do the trick. It’s also the perfect way to slay the office meeting to happy hour transition or nail the effortlessly chic “power prep” aesthetic, Brevig says. Wool suiting fabric is the standard for blazers, and Solomon says to choose one with at least 95% wool or a wool blend with silk or elastane for comfort. Linen blazers are also nice for warmer weather, but opt for a blend with a touch of elastane or polyester for less wrinkling.

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Theory Oversized Cinch Waist Blazer

The Dark Denim Jean

Dark jeans, in my opinion, are non-negotiables for your wardrobe. But don’t just take my word for it: Solomon calls them the “perfect neutral base” that rivals that a black trouser. Just be sure to choose a pair made with 100% cotton denim, which are timeless-looking and will drape nicely on your body. But, if you like a little give, look for a pair with under 2% elastane—anything stretchier won’t age well. She loves pairing dark denim jeans with season-proof tones like olive, burgundy, mocha, and butter yellow. Try on a few pairs and opt for one with a slightly wider leg, which will always be in style (unlike skinny jeans or super baggy jeans).

Agolde Ren High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

Gap Low Rise ’90s Loose Jeans

Frame Slim Wide-Leg Jeans

The Maxi Skirt Or Dress

For a “dash of feminine flair,” Brevig says to rotate in a maxi dress or maxi skirt in a neutral color like white, black, or navy that will seamlessly pair with a variety of other items in your closet. Solomon says to opt for a silk charmeuse skirt or dress for a more elegant look, a cotton poplin material for everyday polish, or viscose for flow and drape. Just be sure to avoid polyester, which feels stiff, looks shiny, and lacks breathability. Brevig loves that while maxi skirts and dresses are typically warm-weather staples, they easily transition into a fall wardrobe with a bit of layering. You can try your hand at this by wearing a fitted long-sleeve top under a maxi dress and pairing it with boots, or styling a skirt with a chunky cable knit sweater.

Staud Ari Poplin Drop-Waist Slipdress

LilySilk 100% Silk Maxi Skirt

Amazon Essentials Sleeveless Maxi Dress

The Structured Hand Bag

A quality, structured (think sturdy, not slouchy) handbag will never go out of style, Solomon says. Start with a neutral shade like brown, tan, or black that won’t clash with your other capsule wardrobe pieces—but feel free to add in a pop of color down the line with a bag in a chartreuse or red tone. The key is a material that holds shape and doesn’t collapse when set down, like full-grain leather, which is durable and resists scratching, or plant-based leathers rather than plastic faux-leathers.

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Hyer Goods Upcycled Leather Mini Shoulder Bag

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The Tall Black Boot

Of course, no capsule wardrobe is complete without the right shoes. “Instead of splurging endlessly, stick to a few versatile pairs,” Brevig says. A tall black boot is essential, she adds, noting that it pairs just as easily with dresses as it does with a wide-leg jean. Opt for a leather or suede boot for a high-quality look and feel.

Stuart Weitzman Finn Leather Knee-High Boots

Sam Edelman Lyla Boot

Staud Harlow Riding Boots

The Ballet Flat

I love a good ballet flat or Mary Jane, and Brevig also suggests having a comfortable yet cute pair or two in your own closet. They’re the perfect shoe for the office or date night or running around the city. Pair this polished flat with jeans, skirts, or dresses—and don’t underestimate how much a mesh or studded pair can amp up your outfit.

Dolce Vita Reyes Flat

Madewell Greta Mary Janes

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Shannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.

Christian is the deputy commerce editor at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.