Developing a style and a closet that reflects that style can be really tough. I have struggled for a long time to figure out what style really reflects me and speaks to me. I have always had these visions in my head of what I would like my style to be. Outfits that I have composed that are classic, elegant but still modern. Outfits that make me feel confident while still being comfortable. However it has taken me a long time to put into words what that style is.
I wanted to create my version of a capsule wardrobe that captured the style that I go for on a day to day basis (at least when things are normal). It has been fun for me to figure out what I would include and what are the pieces that I wear over and over again that would need to be included. Most of the pieces I found myself wanting to include are ones that I have had for years. It has been so fun finding updated versions of those pieces and realizing just how timeless they are. Ultimately, my capsule came out to be 30 pieces that created a comprehensive wardrobe, fit for both casual and work wear.
Note: I am including a couple of options for each item. My personal pick will always be the first item shown and listed.
TOPS
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Classic White Button-Up. This is potentially one of my favorite items in my closet. I wear it at least once a week. I love that it can be dressed up or down depending on the situation. I strong recommend investing in a high quality piece that will stand the test of time. At the end of the day, a white button up is never going to go out of style.
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Sleeveless White Blouse. Another favorite in my closet. I will admit that I have accumulated a couple of different white sleeveless blouses over the year. I love these because they can be worn by themselves in the spring and summer and layered in the fall and winter!
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All Year Printed Blouse. I truly believe having fun pieces you love in your closet is essential. They can automatically elevate an outfit and your mood. Having a great top with a neutral print is a great addition to any closet.
Chambray Button-Up. I love the versatility of this piece. It can be layered with a sweater in the winter or used as a cover-up at the beach in the summer or worn by itself with some white jeans in the spring.
White Short Sleeve Tee-Shirt. The perfect item to throw on and run to the grocery store, or it can be dressed with a blazer, accessories and heels. Having a white tee-shirt you love is an absolute must.
Stripped Tee-Shirt. Again, I love the versatility of this piece. I also love that it is just a bit more interesting that your standard white tee. For fall or winter, layer it with a great blazer and scarf or wear it with simple white jeans for summer and spring.
Tan Sweater. My favorite winter staple, you can never go wrong with a good classic sweater. Layer it with the white chambray button up to elevate it or wear it alone for a simple and easy look. A sweater that is not too thick could also be worn on chilly summer nights.
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Cream Sweater. Another winter staple of mine. Style it similar to the tan sweater, but the clean white or cream sweater automatically creates a chic look. I love the look of a simple white sweater with a great pair of blue jeans.
BOTTOMS
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Blue Jeans. My go to, everyday item. I wear blue jeans almost everyday in the fall and winter. Sure, somethings I will put on a dress or skirt, but my jeans are my favorite. Finding a pair that you love and fit great is imperative.
White Jeans. A second to my blue jeans are my white jeans. A great staple year round, I love pairing these with other neutrals and prints. Just make sure to have some bleach on hand. I highly recommend using it every couple of washes.
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Black Trousers. A great option to have in your closet for work or a nice night out to dinner. I love that you these can also be dressed down if you choose the right pair.
Neutral Skirt. Having a great skirt in your wardrobe is essential for all of those more formal days at the office. Choosing a skirt that can be worn as a part of a suit or on its own, as well as in a neutral color, will make this skirt go far.
DRESSES
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Little Black Dress. No wardrobe is complete without a little black dress. The perfect option for a day at the office, a more formal event or date night. Or dress it down with a pair of sneakers for a more casual weekend look.
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Casual Patterned Dress. I love the idea of a casual dress in a fun pattern. I truly believe almost any dress can be dressed up or down based on what you pair it with, I believe this item is no exception.
JACKETS
Tan Trench Coat. A classic that has been in my closet for years. The versatility of this coat is what I love about it so much. It instantly elevates a more dressy look. I also love to wear this jeans, sneakers and a tee shirt for a more casual look.
Black Wool Coat. The timelessness of a simple black wool coat is what I love about this piece. A coat that my grandmother wore, would still be fashionable and in style today. Investing in a great, quality coat is definitely worth it in my opinion.
Jean Jacket. Who doesn’t love a good jean jacket? I think it is important to have a casual jacket that can be thrown on to run to the store or on a cold summer night. This is another staple that can last a lifetime. It may go in and out of style, but it will always come back around.
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Classic Blazer. The staple of every professional wardrobe. Something that can be thrown on and give you an instant confidence boost before any meeting. When done right a great blazer can go from the boardroom to a fun dinner.
SHOES
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Beige Heels. A good pair of nude heels will serve you well for a long period of time. This is another item I would strongly recommend investing in, rather than getting something less expensive from Target. Even just spending $100-150 on a good pair is the way to go in my book! Personally I love a Sam Edelman pump!
Classic Loafers. This is the place where you can put a little bit of personality into your capsule wardrobe. You can go for a classic loafer or a mule loafer. You can do a neutral, like a black or tan, or go for a statement color/pattern that would still complement the rest of your wardrobe.
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Espadrilles. A classic espadrille wedge is the perfect more formal events in the warmer months. I love my lace-up Castener wedges, whether they are paired with white jeans or a great summer dress. Truly one of my favorite items!
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Classic Sandals. This is another place to put a bit your personality into your wardrobe. Whether it is classic Jack Rodgers or a sleek leather sandal, finding the perfect sandal that is comfortable and totally you is essential!
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Comfortable but, Cute Sneakers. I didn’t realize the power of a great pair of fashionable sneakers until a few years ago. I was going to NYC and needed a great pair of shoes that were comfortable and fashionable. I have finally honed in on a clean white pair being the perfect option! They go with everything and are easy to clean.
ACCESSORIES
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Tote Bag. Everyone needs a great bag they can carry to the office or when they are running errands around town. A sturdy bag made with quality materials in a classic color is something you will be able to use forever.
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Crossbody Bag. We don’t always want to carry a big huge bag around. A neutral crossbody can be dressed up or down and be a lighter and more efficient option. I love my simple Kate Spade bag because I can use it run to pick up dinner or to go out for drinks for the night.
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Pearl Earrings. I the earrings that I wear every single day are pearl studs that I have had since at least high school. They are a classic and beautiful piece of jewelry that literally go with anything you could wear. They can be an investment and a great thing to ask for, for a graduation or birthday gift.
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Basic Gold Necklace. This is another place to really show your personality. There are so many great simple gold necklaces that can really reflect your interests or the people/things that are important to you.
Thick Scarf. I live in a place that is fairly cold for a good part of the year, so a great thick scarf is an absolute must. Finding a beautiful scarf that is also warm can be difficult at times. Finding a beautiful wool or cashmere scarf is always a great option.
Lightweight Scarf. A love the idea of a beautiful lightweight silk scarf as a way to elevate simple outfits. Throw it on with a simple tee-shirt and jeans to elevate a weekend outfit or add it to your hair as a part of a great work outfit. It is a versatile and beautiful piece.
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Timeless Sunnies. A pair of great sunglasses can instantly make you feel cooler in any outfit. More of a practicality than anything, finding a pair of sunglasses you love can make this practicality a fun piece in your wardrobe. And, yes. All of the items I picked out are from Ray Ban. I girl knows what she likes.
How would you describe your style? Are you more classic or trendy? Style is something that is so personal and can tell such a great story. Next week I will be showing how I would style all of these items together. Until next time, friends… CML
