27 Capsule Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own

Building a capsule wardrobe is all about figuring out what, exactly, you like to wear on a daily basis, and then tailoring your closet to those needs. Everyone does this to an extent, but investing in the right wardrobe essentials—and saving money on unnecessary purchases in the long run—requires some intentionality. “The idea of a capsule wardrobe can be completely different for everyone,” says Rent the Runway stylist Maeve Reilly, who structures looks around staples. “Your capsule is your go-to items that make you feel confident and comfortable,” whether that’s elevated tailored suits or simple white sneakers.

Liisa Jokinen, a street style photographer and founder of vintage shopping hub Gem, echoes that sentiment: “There isn’t just one capsule wardrobe; mine can look completely different from someone else’s, and you don’t need to add any trench coats or blue jeans,” she says. It’s really about setting yourself up with well-made pieces you’ll want to wear over and over again. Both experts agree that it’s best to invest in your hero items; meanwhile, seasonal trends and statement pieces can be cheaper, secondhand, or rented in case you fall out of love with them in a season or two.

Below, shop the capsule wardrobe items that fit in most women’s closets. Think of them as guideposts while you’re filling out your collection—and then branch out from there.

1. The white T-shirtRegardless of your personal style, you could use a nice white T-shirt in your wardrobe. It’s a hardworking piece that goes with everything—wide-leg jeans, blazers, you name it—and is crucial for layering during every season. Find a cut that speaks to you, then buy multiples so you’re never without a crisp tee on hand.

Everlane The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

Uniqlo Supima-Cotton T-Shirt

Hanes Perfect-T T-Shirt

J.Crew Vintage Jersey Classic-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

2. The everyday sneakersSneaker trends come and go, but slim, sporty kicks are timeless. While you might assume that you should go with a white pair, that’s not necessarily the case. Your best bet for a capsule, Reilly says, is a pair in a neutral shade that’ll complement most everything in your closet; these minimalist styles will do the trick.

Adidas Samba OG Sneakers

Soludos Original Ibiza Sneakers

Everlane The Day Sneakers

Quince Italian Suede Everyday Sneakers

3. The straight-leg jeansClassic straight-leg jeans (preferably in a mid-blue wash) will more than pull their weight in your capsule. Unlike some other cuts, they’re completely trend-proof, so you can feel confident investing in a pair that’ll last you years to come. Style them with everything from a sweater and heels to a blazer and booties.

Madewell The ’90s Straight Jeans

Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans

Levi’s Premium 501 ’90s Selvedge Jeans

J.Crew Point Sur Low-Rise Straight Jeans

4. The blazer“A good blazer always goes a long way,” Reilly says. The key is getting the right fit; we suggest going for a slightly relaxed (but still trim) cut for your capsule blazer. Black, tan, and navy look great with matching trousers, silk skirts, and well-worn jeans, whether you’re headed to drinks or to the office.

Mango Selection Wool Suit Blazer

H&M Fitted Blazer

Banana Republic Relaxed-Slim Lightweight Wool Flannel Blazer

J.Crew Collection Double-Breasted Blazer

5. The tote bagYour investment accessory should be a tote bag. Make sure your pick is big enough for whatever you have to carry most of the time, whether that’s a laptop or a bunch of baby stuff; you’ll find yourself using it for everything from weekend shopping to weekday commutes. These high-quality leather pieces are especially worth your time—and by the way, Katie Holmes is spotted running errands with that exact Madewell tote all the time.

Cuyana Small Easy Tote

Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39

Polène Cyme Tote

Madewell Essential Medium Bucket Tote

6. The heelsComfortable heels take dresses and jeans to the next level, so make sure you have a nice pair in your rotation. “I would suggest a mid to low heel for versatility,” Reilly says; these cute, easy picks are available in plenty of colors and aren’t too trendy. Your work wardrobe has never been quite so chic.

Sam Edelman Vienna Pumps

Steve Madden Maegan Heels

Madewell Debbie Slingback Pumps

Tory Burch Double T Buckle Kitten Heel Pumps

7. The cardiganHigh-quality knits deserve a spot in your year-round closet for chilly evenings and overactive office air conditioning. We suggest a timeless crewneck cardigan in a neutral color to start; layer one over a tank top in early summer or a sleeveless dress during autumn.

Alex Mill Paris Stripe Cardigan

Jenni Kayne Cashmere Finley Cardigan

Gap CashSoft Cropped Cardigan

J.Crew Cardigan Sweater in Tencel

8. The black leggingsBlack leggings are so versatile and comfortable that you should make sure you have a proper pair at all times. The athleisure staple can take you from the gym to low-key lunches, depending on your styling; throw on a hoodie, a trench coat, and big sunglasses with one of these top-rated pairs to channel some Parisian chic.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pants (25″)

Athleta Rainier High-Rise Leggings

Vuori Daily Leggings

Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Basic Leggings

9. The dinner dressUse these easy, elevated numbers as wedding-guest dresses, date-night go-tos, or pieces you pull out of your closet when you need to look nice at a moment’s notice. They’re versatile enough to work with any shoe, jewelry, and hair choices, and the cuts and materials work well across any season.

Zara Draped Midi-Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch Strapless Bow Detail Maxidress

H&M Pleated Chiffon Dress

Zoe and Claire Long Sleeve Midi Sweater Dress

10. The button-down shirtAn oversized button-down shirt forms the backbone of Jokinen’s personal capsule wardrobe, and she recommends the all-season piece because it’s so easy to layer. Pack it in your vacation carry-on; wear it to work; throw it on under a jacket. You really can’t go wrong here.

J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt

Banana Republic The Perfect Shirt

Everlane Must-Have Oxford Shirt

Madewell Relaxed Button-Up Shirt

11. The crew socksThis might be controversial, but in the vast majority of cases, we prefer visible socks to hidden ones; they add just a touch of preppy, sporty style to any outfit, from fall dresses with slingbacks to sweatpants with sneakers. These not-too-tall picks will zhuzh up your shoe collection.

Magiarte Mini Crew Ankle Socks (6-Pack)

Offline by Aerie Crew Socks

Uniqlo Crew Ribbed Socks, 3-Pack

Bombas Lightweight Bow Quarter Socks

12. The suede jacketWe’ve often recommended plain black leather in the past, but it’s officially time to switch to suede jackets. The soft, textured material lends a relaxed elegance to any outfit, especially when you need a layer that’s interesting but also easy to style. Don’t be afraid to borrow from the boys; these are all unisex picks that

Schott NYC Roughout Cowhide Suede Trucker Jacket

Massimo Dutti Suede Jacket With Buttons

Madewell Kline Blazer

Buck Mason Rambler Suede Sportsman Jacket

13. The everyday sunglassesEver notice how every celebrity and style influencer almost always wears sunglasses on the street? Beyond protecting your eyes, they also punch up any outfit; go with a black pair for your capsule, since they look good with everything. Ovals and cat-eyes have plenty of personality and look good on everyone.

Ray-Ban State Street Sunglasses

Gucci Square-Frame Sunglasses

Celine Triomphe Sunglasses

Sojos Retro Oval Sunglasses

14. The trousersYou might be tempted to wear only jeans on your day off, but slouchy trousers can be just as comfortable—not to mention incredibly versatile. If you’re off to brunch, for example, style yours with an elevated top or a breezy button-down, then take your pick from sneakers or chunky loafers.

Reformation Mason Pants

Everlane Draper Pleated Pants

Uniqlo Pleated Wide Pants

Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide-Leg Pants

15. The black dressThe LBD is a staple for a reason—and if you somehow don’t have a black dress waiting in the wings for your next elevated occasion, it’s time to fix that. These picks work for virtually any season and fête, whether it’s a fall wedding or a spring birthday party. Don’t overdo it on styling; less is more with these minimalist beauties.

ASTR the Label Off-the-Shoulder Poplin Midi-Dress

Adrianna Papell Mesh Overlay Dress

Mango Flared Dress with Ruffled Hem

Hill House Home Scarlett Long-Sleeve Nap Dress

16. The ballet flatsIt’s possible to dress ballet flats up or down, making them some of the most versatile footwear around. Go with a classic bow-adorned pair or a new-school pair of Mary Janes; either way, they’ll make your denim, trousers, and skirts sing.

J.Crew Quinn Square-Toe Ballet Flats

Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerinas

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flats

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats

17. The topcoatWe could debate the different types of outerwear one needs endlessly, but you really shouldn’t attempt to do cold weather without a topcoat. Every fashion person owns at least one long, sleek coat, and these warm options will lend you an old-school elegance whenever you need an extra layer that’s not too bulky.

Wilfred The Only Coat

COS Oversized Double-Breasted Wool Coat

Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Tailored Topcoat

Uniqlo Double-Face Wrap Coat

18. The hoodiePaired with leggings, sweatshirts make the perfect day-off uniform. They can also help ground jeans, denim skirts, and more adventurous bottoms like pajama pants; play around and you’ll prove to yourself just how versatile these tops really are.

Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Ribbed Sunday Hooded Full-Zip Sweatshirt

Skims Cotton Fleece Classic Hoodie

Champion Reverse Weave Hoodie

Everlane Off-Duty Terry Hoodie

19. The stackable chainThere is absolutely a time and a place for statement jewelry, but the most stylish women we know are almost always wearing a simple chain or two that stacks well with other pieces. Whether you’re more of a gold person or a silver one, these affordable jewelry picks are the perfect foundation for your other favorites.

Ana Luisa Gold Mini Box Chain

Mejuri Chain Necklace

BoutiqueLovin 14k Gold-Plated Dainty Paperclip Chain

Monica Vinader Twisted Curb Link Station Chain Necklace

20. The denim skirtAlthough they’re available in every length, we prefer our denim skirts as midis. A refreshing alternative to jeans, these picks project a sense of ease; pair them with a cardigan and leather slides around the neighborhood or a ribbed tank, a suede jacket, and knee-high boots for shopping days. (And yes, you can totally wear one to the office.)

H&M Denim Midi-Skirt

Madewell Denim Western Maxiskirt

Zara TRF Mid-Rise Long Denim Skirt

Mango Slit Denim Skirt

21. The slim loafersWhile chunkier silhouettes are trending, go slim for your hero pair of loafers; they’ll never go out of style and look smart with jeans and suits alike. G.H. Bass makes perhaps the most classic pair on the market, while Sam Edelman and Gucci offer even slimmer models decked out with chic hardware.

G.H. Bass Whitney Easy Weejuns Penny Loafers

Steve Madden Madison Loafers

Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers

Gucci Brixton Horsebit Loafers

22. The cashmere sweaterLots of sweaters these days are made from plastic, which is fine—but if you’re investing in a proper capsule wardrobe, we can’t recommend anything but cashmere. The wool is produced by goats and spun into ridiculously soft knits, which can last for years or even decades with proper care. They start at $100, but trust us: You’ll feel the difference. (Don’t blame us if you can never go back to the lower-quality stuff.)

J.Crew Cashmere Relaxed Crewneck Sweater

Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater

Jenni Kayne Cooper Cardigan

Everlane Boxy Crew in Cashmere

23. The elevated topDon’t save your nice tops for special occasions; by pairing something elevated with, say, jeans or black trousers, you’ll look like you know what you’re doing. There’s no one answer; each of these gems brings a different vibe, but they all look cool (and, let’s be honest, expensive).

Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve Off-the-Shoulder Draped Top

Wilfred Linnea Blouse

Mango Turtleneck Draped Satin Blouse

COS Twist-Back Sleeveless Top

24. The beltWe love a good statement belt here at Glamour, but your collection should start with a belt that’s nearly invisible. Neither too thin nor too wide, these picks look great with jeans and trousers alike, especially when you’re tucking in your top. It’s a subtle way to make your ’fit feel just a touch more polished.

Calvin Klein Square-Buckle Belt

We the Free Gallo Leather Belt

J.Crew Classic Belt

Madewell Oval-Buckle Distressed Leather Belt

25. The clogsEvery woman could use a pair of these boho staples—you just need to figure out the right flavor. If you’re one to take leisurely strolls around the neighborhood, low clogs from Birkenstock or Tory Burch are your best bets. If you live in jeans and flowy dresses, meanwhile, pick up a boosted, walking-friendly pair that’ll sub in for fancier heels.

Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clogs

Tory Burch Mellow Mules

The Drop Francine Clogs

Chocolat Blu Genoa Clogs

26. The sweatpantsLike leggings, sweatpants are deceptively chic bottoms that come in clutch for low-effort outfits. When you pair them with more special pieces (even just a trench, suede sneakers, and a graphic baseball cap), you’ll nail the woman-about-town look that’s so popular on both coasts right now.

Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Sunday Sweatpants

Alo Accolade Sweatpants

Hanes Originals Midweight Fleece Joggers

Vuori Performance Joggers

27. The baseball capBad-hair days are no match for a classic baseball cap. Beyond hiding greasy roots—we’ve all been there—hats also add just a touch more personality to any ensemble. When you’re not entirely sold on your outfit, these picks will come in clutch.

Madewell Suede Baseball Hat

Clare V. Oui Baseball Hat

Datoni Corduroy Baseball Cap

Old Navy Canvas Baseball Cap