How to build a capsule wardrobe: 5 staples you need in 2024
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We’ve all been there. We’re staring at a wardrobe full of clothes but we just can’t seem to put an outfit together. Nothing goes together or seems to be the right fit for the occasion. I can’t count the number of times during my teenage years that one of my sisters or I had a breakdown and decided we weren’t going out because we had nothing to wear.
Fast forward to almost a decade later and although the dramatics may have been left in high school (for the most part), the struggle of what to wear has endured.
Enter: the capsule wardrobe.
In recent years, a capsule wardrobe has not only significantly reduced my amount of outfit breakdowns but also seriously helped me figure out my sense of style.
Sara Crampton, Owner and Buyer at theUNDONE, also known by her incredibly successful fashion blog turned Instagram Harper and Harley, has built her brand on the very notion of a capsule wardrobe and the idea of style that lasts.
“A capsule wardrobe is an edit within your broader wardrobe of foundational pieces that you can effortlessly mix and match,” Sara tells news.com.au checkout.
According to her, the intention is “to create multiple outfits with a relatively small number of items.”
These pieces are all designed to be styled together so that when you wake up in the morning you can easily pick any bottoms with any top and know that they’ll work together.
While a capsule wardrobe can, and arguably should, be indivualised so that it works for you I’ve broken down five different items in my capsule wardrobe that I can’t live without including the Cotton On dress that’s gone viral on TikTok for suiting everybody.
Available up to size 22, TikToker @heidilou calls this the “dress of (my) dreams, curvy girl edition”. If you’re looking for something that is sure to get you a compliment every time, this is the way to go.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST WHITE T-SHIRT
For me, a white T-shirt is as essential in my wardrobe as undies or socks. I wear one at least twice a week whether with trousers to work or more casually with shorts on the weekend. In recent times, the oversized fit has definitely become more on trend and one I tend to gravitate towards but don’t let that stop you from wearing a more slim fit if that’s more your style. You always look your best when you feel most confident.
AIRism Cotton T-shirt, $19.90 at Uniqlo
This is the tee I am wearing above and I couldn’t recommend it more. It sits so perfectly and it's the perfect slightly oversized look. If you prefer a tee to be even more oversized, my colleague Marina Tatas loves the Uniqlo U AIRism Cotton Oversized Crew Neck Half Sleeve T-shirt, while if a more regular fit is your go-to you can’t go wrong with the best-selling Uniqlo U 100% Cotton Crew Neck T-shirt.
COS Regular Fit T-shirt, $45 at THE ICONIC
If you’re looking for a classic white tee, this one from COS is the way to go. Crafted from pure organic cotton fabric with a crew neckline, it’s sure to soon become a regular staple in your wardrobe.
Australian Cotton Classic Crew Neck T-shirt, $8 at Target
For a capsule wardrobe on a budget, Target is a great place to look. This picture perfect tee is made from Australian cotton so will be super breathable in the summer months.
Some other favourites include the RE/DONE Classic Tee, the Cotton On Classic Organic Tee and the Country Road Australian Cotton Fitted T-shirt.
BEST BLAZER
Although in years gone past, blazers were strictly reserved for boardrooms, in recent years blazers have moved away from tight fitted corporate style jackets to more oversized, fluid pieces. And while you can never go wrong with a black pick, other neutral options like brown, tan or cream are also increasing in popularity too.
Atmos&Here Bella Blazer, $99.99 at THE ICONIC
Personally, I love the look of a super oversized blazer but for someone not overly tall they never seemed to fully suit me. This one from THE ICONIC’S in house label Atmos&Here is a bestseller and great for those who can’t quite rock the oversized look.
AERE Oversized Linen Blazer, $150 at THE ICONIC
Swap my look from above with a neutral linen blazer and pair it with black pants for the ideal work fit.
Country Road Wool Single-breasted Blazer in Black, $399 at Myer
If you’re going to splurge then you definitely won’t go wrong with a sleek woollen blazer from iconic Aussie brand, Country Road.
Other top blazer picks include the Witchery Hourglass Double Breasted Blazer, Target Classic Blazer and the Glassons Oversized Tailored Blazer.
BEST PANTS
Black trousers, in particular wide leg black trousers, are the 2020s answer to jeans in the 2010s. The pair I have on here I bought from The Frankie Shop a couple years ago and I wear them just as much now as I did back then. I love how they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and they’re honestly so comfy too.
Preview Wide Leg Pants, $50 at Target
Similar in design to my Frankie Shop pair, these pants from Target feature a tailored waistband and several pleats that are sure to suit everyone.
Pleated Wide Pants (single tuck), $59.90 at Uniqlo
These pants have gone viral on TikTok and for good reason. The wide cut paired with the pleated tuck all in a two-way stretch fabric, chef’s kiss. Plus, no ironing necessary.
Marle Renee Pant, $320 at theUNDONE
If you’re looking to spend a little bit more, these luxe pants from New Zealand brand Marle are the way to go. Unlike the two above, these trousers have an elasticated waistband and are a straight leg semi-cropped cut.
Other black pants we’ve spotted include Atmos&Here Ankle Grazer Recycled Polyester Pants, AERE Straight Leg Linen Pants and Cotton On Haven Wide Leg Pant.
BEST BUTTON UP SHIRT
Ah, the classic button up. The humble shirt has had a further resurgence in the past year or two and I am absolutely loving it. From a crisp white to this sweet sky blue pick, the options are truly endless. As are the styling opportunities. Whether you roll the sleeves or leave them done up at the wrist, to if you tuck or untuck the shirt and then there’s the decision of how many buttons to leave undone. The world (of shirt styling) is truly your oyster.
Cotton Long Sleeve Shirt, $49.90 at Uniqlo
The shirt I’m wearing above I bought on a trip overseas but this Uniqlo shirt is an almost perfect replica. It’s also available in white, baby pink and light green.
Seed Heritage Poplin Classic Shirt in Whisper White, $99.95 at Myer
A white button-up shirt is a staple in a capsule wardrobe and this one from Seed is a great one to invest in.
Forcast Manhattan Striped Cotton Shirt, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
Or why not go for a striped shirt like this one from Forcast. Similarly cut in a relaxed fit from 100 per cent crisp cotton, this shirt will see you through work days and long weekend lunches.
For more shirts we have our eyes on the Cotton On Haven Long Sleeve Shirt, the Cos Wide-Sleeved Linen Shirt and the H&M Oxford Shirt.
BEST EVERYDAY BLACK DRESS
An easy to wear black dress is a must-have in any modern capsule wardrobe. I love the ease of a dress, simply throw it on and you already look half put together. From there, depending on your accessories, you can dress it up or down and it will soon become your most worn piece of clothing.
Cotton On Romee Maxi Dress, $69.99 at THE ICONIC
The first time I saw this dress on my TikTok I couldn’t believe that it was from Cotton On, it looked so much more expensive. The slight drop waist is so flattering while the black colour keeps it looking so chic. Plus, it is available up to size 22 and TikToker @heidilou calls this the “dress of (my) dreams, curvy girl edition”. If you’re looking for something that is sure to get you a compliment every time, this is the way to go.
It’s also available in white/buttermilk.
I also have the Cotton On Haven High Neck Maxi Dress that I bought last summer and still love if you’re looking for an alternate option.
Atmos&Here Olaria Contrast Knit Midi Dress, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
A classic ribbed midi dress is perfect for the Australian climate because you can wear it by itself in summer or with a jumper or jacket in winter. Plus, the stretchy slim fit silhouette is not only incredibly flattering but also so comfy.
Country Road Organically Grown Linen Pocket Detail Dress in Black, $179 at Myer
A shirt dress is another staple style that will see you through both work and weekend activities. The 100 per cent linen pick is super breathable on hot days too.
Three other black dress picks we love include the Cos Pleated Racer-Neck Maxi Dress, the Aere Linen Button Down Midi Dress and the Piper Tie Waist Jersey Dress in Black.
OTHER ITEMS YOU NEED IN YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE
Jeans
A great pair of jeans will last you for years and see you through cold winter mornings as well as chic dinner dates and everything in between. Pick a style not simply because of a trend but because of how it looks and how it makes you feel.
Coat
We may live in Australia but a great coat is definitely a necessity in winter. Whether it’s a lighter style trench coat or a heavier woollen one, investing in a quality coat is something we would 100 per cent recommend.
Tank singlet top
Summer in Australia = tank tops. From ribbed to soft cotton, from high neck to scoop neck, the options are truly endless but best believe they are an essential. Plus, tuck it into some black pants with a belt and some chic accessories and the once casual top is now office appropriate.
- ST. AGNI Organic Cotton Singlet
- Witchery Crew Rib Tank in Fresh White
- Atmos&Here Organic Cotton Scoop Tank
Sandals
A pair of black sandals that you can wear to the shops, to coffee and out for dinner are an essential in an Australian capsule wardrobe. Whether you love a more sleek thin strap, a slip on slide or a chunky sandal, you definitely need some sandals in the warmer months.
Sneakers
Sneakers are a great way to show off your personality a little bit. Of course, white sneakers will never go out of style but a pop of colour in your shoes is a way we like to add some fun into a more neutral wardrobe.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you create the best capsule wardrobe for your needs and budget, we asked Sara Crampton, owner and buyer at theUNDONE, for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a capsule wardrobe. Sara has been an advocate for capsule wardrobes and creating a style that lasts for years now through her incredibly successful fashion blog turned Instagram Harper and Harley. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best products from premium to budget to help you create the best capsule wardrobe. We also included pieces from our own wardrobe that we’ve loved and worn.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A CAPSULE WARDROBE?
“The main benefit of creating a capsule wardrobe is that it streamlines the process of getting dressed,” Sara says.
“Eliminating that feeling of having a wardrobe of clothes but nothing to wear, a capsule wardrobe is exactly the opposite, providing you with pieces that can be styled together easily and that always make you feel the most comfortable and confident.”
HOW DO I START A CAPSULE WARDROBE?
According to Sara, you might actually already have one without knowing it.
“Look through your wardrobe for the items you wear the most often, creating a separate section from the rest of your closet, then add additional tops and bottoms or dresses that can be styled back with these items.
“Look up helpful resources like our workwear capsule list, or wardrobe essentials list to help fill in some blanks if you’re not too sure.”
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT I’M MISSING IN MY CAPSULE WARDROBE?
“When you get dressed and think, ‘Oh if only I had a X or Y to complete this look’, or style back with this item and have it become a recurring issue is when to take note that you might have a missing essential in your capsule wardrobe,” says Sara.
“You can also look at wardrobe essentials lists as these highlight the most worn items that have become a staple and check if you have or don’t have these in your wardrobe, then reflect if adding these would be helpful in the way you dress.”
HOW CAN I WEAR TREND PIECES AND STILL HAVE A CAPSULE WARDROBE?
“If you’ve seen a trend that really resonates and you think you’ll be wearing it for years not months, then absolutely incorporate it into your capsule,” Sara says.
“As long as that piece can be styled with the rest of your wardrobe easily, without the need to buy additional items and you can hit repeat on wearing it weekly, then go for it.”
HOW MANY CLOTHES SHOULD BE IN A CAPSULE WARDROBE?
Sara says that this is definitely a personal choice and really up to you.
She does not that the capsule wardrobes lists put together for theUNDONE land around 15-25 items of clothing and then with accessories the list would max out at 40.
IF YOU HAD TO ONLY HAVE FIVE TYPES OF CLOTHING ITEMS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Similarly this is again a personal choice, my five items listed above are a white tee, black trousers, button up shirt, everyday black dress and a blazer.
Sara says her five essentials are a blue shirt, black trousers, white jeans, white T-shirt and a great coat.
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