Whenever I read about capsule wardrobes I always get so overwhelmed by all of the pieces that are suggested in the blog posts. That’s why I’ve decided to break down the pieces you need for your capsule wardrobe into a series of posts. Today’s post is all about the basic tops you need to create not so basic looks!
Keep in mind that I am not including activewear, lingerie, or sleep wear into these posts. Although, I can address these categories in the future, just let me know in the comments below.
If you’re not sure what a capsule wardrobe is check out this post: What is a Capsule Wardrobe? And Why You Need One. It explains what a capsule wardrobe is and why you should have one.
Today we are getting into all of the basic tops that you can include in your capsule wardrobe. Keep in mind that each purchase should be kept in a neutral color (or a color you can wear often) so that you can easily pair it with all of the other items in your closet. Think white, black, gray, navy, tan, and maybe even light blush pink.
White Tee
Never underestimate the power of the basic white tee. It’s the one piece that you can make look so chic by adding the right accessories. One of my favorite things to do is to pair denim jeans with a white tee and lots of gold jewelry. I prefer a looser-fitting tee to wear with skinny jeans and a body-hugging tee to tuck into wide leg pants or skirts. Some brands that make great tees are Everlane, Uniqlo, and Madewell.
White Button Down
A white button down shirt is such a versatile piece to have in your closet because you can dress it up or dress it down. For example, you can tuck it into your dress pants for work or pair them with your favorite ripped jeans. The key is finding a fit you love and the right brand. I currently own one by Uniqlo which you can see in my lingerie as outerwear post. I’m currently looking for another white button-down to add to my wardrobe. The style from Uniqlo is fitted and I think that a more relaxed style would be a great addition to my collection. As always when I find a good one I will let you know!
Striped Shirt
A striped is a classic piece and works so well with many different outfits. If you’re not one for classic style you can always pair your striped top with a patterned bottom for a more unique style. A lot of people are against horizontal stripes as they say it makes you look bigger but I actually think they are flattering on most people. Just look for stripes that aren’t too thick especially if you’re petite.
Graphic Tee
Graphic tees are everywhere these days but for good reason. They let you show off a bit of your personality in a fun way and look great with so many different pieces. You can pair your graphic tees with jeans, skirts, dress pants, or shorts.
Chambray Long Sleeve Top
Another classic piece IMO is a chambray top. These tops look amazing with the sleeves rolled up just a bit and lots of layered necklaces. Pair them with blue jeans for an all-denim look or take your white pants into fall with this top and a pair of booties!
Long Sleeve Bodysuit
Bodysuits have become a staple piece in my wardrobe over the past few years. They are perfect for the fall and winter because you can easily layer jackets, cardigans, and sweaters over top for a chic look. I would recommend purchasing at least one white and one black long sleeve bodysuit.
Asos has great options especially for petite women but don’t underestimate Amazon. I’ve made several bodysuit purchases on their for under $20 and they have been holding up really well!
Cami
Another great layering piece is a cami. More specifically a silk cami. I like to layer these under a blazer, cardigan, or even a thick sweater for the winter. If I were to choose one color cami I would go with black but look out for any shade that you think you will get the most out of. White, nude, or brown would all be great options.
Get link for blazer and cardigan
Sweaters
You can’t forget to have a few different sweater options in your closet for the fall and winter months. I like to have a cable knit sweater and a lightweight cardigan. This variety will have you covered no matter what the temperature happens to be!
Cable Knit
Lightweight Cardigan
What do you think of this list? Did I leave anything out? Comment below with your must-have basic tops in your wardrobe!
I love this! All these picks would be part of my capsule wardrobe. However, I would include silk tops.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Oooh! I love that. I don’t think I have a silk top in my wardrobe but now I want to find one. Thank you for the tip! xox
This is such a great post – having all these capsule wardrobe tops are a must! I especially love white button downs!
Life is a Shoe
I never used to wear them but now I think that they are so chic!
I love all of these wardrobe staples! All of them are so versatile and will make anyone’s wardrobe go farther.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I’ve been trying to simplify my wardrobe!
Yes to all of these!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Love my staple pieces!
Such a helpful post! Love all of these wardrobe staples.
Thanks for sharing
Julia xhttps://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
I’m happy you found it helpful! Thank you for stopping by!
Theses tops are my favorite.
I especially white tee-shirts which can absolutely go with everything and the graphic ones.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Yes! A simple white tee can look so chic with a few accessories!
YAS! I love any kind of button down and sometimes tying it up.
XX angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
Style staples are something I can never have enough of, I’m always in the mood for getting more basic white tops! <3
http://www.couture-case.com/
So true! White tops are a fave because of how chic they look!
So many staples! One of my goals this year is to work on my capsule wardrobe so this is so helpful!
Molly xx
https://volumesofbeauty.com/
I’m so glad that you found it helpful, Molly! xoxo
These are all great tops for a capsule wardrobe! For me personally, I would swap the graphic tee for a more feminine blouse. =)
I hope you are having a great week!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
Follow Avec Amber on Bloglovin
I love that Amber! It’s all about choosing pieces that work best for you!
I am such a capsule girl! Fits in with my busy schedule, my love for styling and – how to keep rotating that wardrobe. So count sustainability in that too! Love this post!
Thank you Lucy! I am trying to get better at buying quality classic pieces that will last and also make getting dressed easier!
Yes to all of these! They are all such great picks!
Ah these are no brainers for a solid wardrobe and LOVE the RBG tee!!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you! I saw it on Amazon and knew I had to have it!