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Closet Staples Capsule Wardrobe // 16 Timeless Pieces to Have in Your Closet

June 15, 2020

By:

Erin Schrader

What do the LBD, the classic white tee, classic denim jacket have in common? They never, ever go out of style. Yes, trends come and go, but pieces like these are constants that were in your grandmother’s closet, and will someday be in your granddaughters closet as well!

The more timeless pieces you have in your closet, the less you’ll be spending each year on trendy filler pieces – like snakeskin flats or tie-dye sweatshirts [don’t get me wrong – I love snakeskin flats and tie-dye sweatshirts. I just might not in 5 years]. Plus there’s something fun about the possibility of handing down classic closet items to your kids, and their kids! Who knew future grandma me was so cool!

We’re breaking it down for you, so you can see which classic pieces are worth investing in, and hopefully it’ll save you some hard-earned money in the long run. Let’s take that extra spending money and head to the Caribbean – sound good? 😉

As we started looking at these pieces, we realized they actually came together as sort of a capsule wardrobe, where they all coordinate in so many ways! So I’m going to show you how you can style each piece in several ways, wearing only these pieces together – again, more bang for your buck!

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

If you aren’t familiar with what a capsule wardrobe is, I’ll quickly explain – a capsule wardrobe is where you take several pieces (15-20) that all work together within your wardrobe to interchange and get creative with. The point behind a capsule wardrobe is to minimize the number of items you have on hand while maximizing the number of ways you can wear each piece. From a creativity standpoint, it’s awesome – a capsule wardrobe will force you to be more intentional about making sure all items work together in multiple ways, which really will make you feel like you have a closet full of options with just a few pieces! This not only creates a lot less headache and time in the morning when deciding what to wear but also saves you money as well. I think we can agree that we like saving on all of the above.

Meet the Pieces in the Closet Staples Capsule Wardrobe

Tops

  • Halogen Side Slit Cardigan [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]  One of my all-time favorite cardigans! I love the fit, the length, the weight of the material, and the color options. Once you get one, you’re going to be tempted to go back for more.
  • Old Navy Luxe V-Neck Tee [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small] Simple and affordable – a great white tee to have in your closet.
  • Express Original Fit Portofino Shirt [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small] What’s a classic closet without a traditional white button up?

Bottoms

  • Liverpool Bridget High Rise Ankle High Performance Denim [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size 2] Liverpool has become one of my favorite jeans brands for good reason, and this classic pair continues to be a pair I turn to year after year!
  • Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Skinny Ankle Jeans [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size 2] If you haven’t tried these jeans before, now is the time. They’ve got the perfect amount of stretch and are a great black jean to keep in your closet
  • Liverpool Kelsey Knit Trousers [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size 2] Remember when I said Liverpool has become a favorite for jeans? Well, here I am again for their work pants! I love ’em, and can’t get enough of ’em!

Dress

  • Chelsea28 Crepe Shift Dress [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]: An LBD for your CSCW [closet staples capsule wardrobe, of course!]!

Jackets

  • Kut from the Kloth Amelia Denim Jacket [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]: There might not be anything I wear in my closet than a denim jacket. Seriously. In fact, here are 20 ways I wear them!
  • Vero Moda Berta Trench Coat [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]: A classic trench works with any outfit, from dressy events to the office to simply running errands. Although, I’m not so sure I’d wear it to the gym… so maybe not ANY outfit.
  • Gibson Notch Collar Cotton Blend Blazer [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]: Let’s just say I have this blazer in more colors that it comes in than I don’t. The fit and feel are both amazing!

Shoes

  • Sam Edelman Hazel Pointed Toe Pump [Fit tip: true to size] These are my go-to closed toe heel [I shouldn’t admit how many colors I have them in]. They’re so comfortable, the perfect height, and work with so many outfits!
  • Steve Madden Feather Flat [Fit tip: true to size] A classic black flat works with a pair of jeans for running around town or with pants at the office.
  • Sam Edelman Penny Leather Riding Boot [Fit tip: true to size]: While boot and bootie styles come and go, the classic riding boot is here to stay and these have been a staple year after year!
  • Adidas Advantage Sneaker [Fit tip: size down .5]: Want to know how timeless these athletic shoes are? I’m pretty sure I had this exact pair in middle school as well, and they’re still all over the internet shelves!

Accessories:

  • Sole Society Women’s Willow Tote: The classic shape and color will have you using this tote year after year, and season after season. Load it up with your laptop or simply your purse necessities and head out the door!
  • Medium Endless Hoops: A little bit of bling for you ears, without being over the top. The classic gold hoop never goes out of style!

How to Style the Pieces in the Closet Staples Capsule Wardrobe

Halogen Side Slit Cardigan [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]

Old Navy Luxe V-Neck Tee [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]

Express Original Fit Portofino Shirt

Liverpool Bridget High Rise Ankle High Performance Denim [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size 2]

Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Skinny Ankle Jeans [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size 2]

Liverpool Kelsey Knit Trousers [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size 2]

Chelsea28 Crepe Shift Dress [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]

Kut from the Kloth Amelia Denim Jacket [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]

Vero Moda Berta Trench Coat [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]

Gibson Notch Collar Cotton Blend Blazer [Fit tip: true to size, wearing size small]

Sam Edelman Hazel Pointed Toe Pump [Fit tip: true to size]

Steve Madden Feather Flat [Fit tip: true to size]

Sam Edelman Penny Leather Riding Boot [Fit tip: true to size]

Adidas Advantage Sneaker [Fit tip: size down .5]

Sole Society Women’s Willow Tote

Classic Favs

Take a peek at the widgets below [use the arrows to move side to side!] to see several more suggestions for timeless pieces we’re loving!

Timeless Tops

Timeless Bottoms

Timeless Dresses

Timeless Outer Layers

Timeless Accessories

Timeless Shoes

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