Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

Less is so much more when you wear expertly crafted and thoughtfully designed clothes from your favorite brands. With a capsule wardrobe, you can cultivate outfits that not only look good, but spark joy. Eliminate the dread of having to decide what to wear and streamline your closet with staple looks you’ll love season after season. Introduced in the ’70s by London boutique owner Susie Faux, editing down your wardrobe isn’t anything new. Fashion aficionados have been in search of a trend-proof collection of timeless pieces since the dawn of the little black dress. And now, with minimalism on the rise, there’s nothing more luxurious than slipping into your favorite pair of classic straight-cut jeans and a white tee. Luckily, we’ve rounded up styles that are not only ageless but can be worn with almost anything. Which just goes to show, you can still serve looks while serving simplicity.

Capsule Wardrobe Tops. When creating the ultimate capsule wardrobe, it’s important to find styles that look good together. Choose 10 to 20 pieces in mutual hues so that everything coordinates. Though people tend to go for neutral tones for the added versatility, it can look like almost anything, as your wardrobe is ultimately designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A crisp white collar shirt, for one, is a great option for those who want an office look as well as a top that looks good after work at happy hour. Or go for a cashmere sweater. Lightweight and luxe, cashmere is the perfect knit for any season. Wear a sleeveless cashmere top in the spring for a cozy yet classic feel, and in the winter wear that same cashmere top under a Ralph Lauren blazer. Explore our own curated selection, C By Bloomingdale's Cashmere, for the best in this lush material.

Capsule Wardrobe Bottoms. The key to any minimalist wardrobe is mindfulness. When you start to curate outfits, you pay closer attention to how much you shop and how much you buy. Instead of focusing on quantity, you focus on quality and investing in well-made clothing that might even last a lifetime. Think: your mom’s passed-down high-waisted jeans, adaptable and durable enough that they can span a generation. So when you browse through our collection of investment pieces, be mindful of always-in-style bottoms like our wide-leg jeans, perfect for matching with boots, heels, sandals, or sneakers. Or, for days when you want a touch more elegance and structure to your look, try on a pair of trousers. Tailored and sculpted to perfection, they're great for wearing to the office, nights out with friends, and even during daytime events. For perennial jeans and pants that fit and feel amazing, shop designer brands like Sandro, rag & bone, or Good American jeans.

Capsule Wardrobe Shoes. Nothing completes an outfit quite like the shoes you wear it with, and when striving for a capsule wardrobe, you want a curated edit of comfortable and chic shoes you can use to complete every look. Simplify your closet with a few pairs of shoes that match everything. Invest in a pair of black heels you can wear to work and to a fancy event. For days that call for casual dress, wear comfy Birkenstock sandals. Sandals are especially good options for when it’s warmer out, as they make it easy to quickly round out your outfit before you head out for the day. But be sure to check out trans-seasonal options like a black boot, or loafers that can be worn whether the temperature drops or spikes.

Capsule Wardrobe Accessories. Pull everything together with the perfect accessory that works with denim or satin. Instead of a plethora of handbags and clutches that clutter your wardrobe, choose one or two crossbody bags that go from day to night with ease. Not only are you saving time in the mornings—or in the evenings—when you’re getting dressed, but you’re saving the environment one purse at a time. When you put money into fewer pieces, you help eliminate waste—e.g., all the handbags in the back of your closet.