A Guide to the Capsule Wardrobe: How to Pack Comfy Essentials
Create a wide variety of outfits with a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is simply a collection of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. You can put one together for every member of the family, as there are basics for women, men, boys, and girls that can be worn in a variety of ways. Here are some tips to help you create a capsule wardrobe of comfy-yet-fashionable pieces for every occasion.
Building a Capsule Wardrobe for Women
There are lots of ways to put together a woman’s capsule wardrobe. When it comes to tops, no capsule wardrobe is complete without a white T-shirt. If you want something a bit dressier, look for a Supima cotton knit top with short sleeves. Supima cotton is prized for its long-staple fiber, which makes it soft and sturdy. A sleeveless blouse is another item to have in your capsule wardrobe, as it can be layered under sweaters and jackets.
Every capsule wardrobe should also have a few dressy tops. A lightweight summer blouse in crisp white is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. You’ll also want tops in other neutral hues such as black and gray. For the warmer months, look for tank tops and short-sleeve women’s tops crafted from performance fabrics. An acrylic/nylon-blend fabric is a good choice because it’s wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable.
You’ll also want one or more lightweight sweaters for your summer capsule wardrobe. There are Supima cotton sweaters in a variety of styles, along with lightweight cotton-modal sweaters that are great for layering. Women’s cardigan sweaters are a good addition to any capsule wardrobe; they come in materials such as cotton and cashmere and they layer well over casual and dressy outfits.
One or more solid-color dresses are a good addition to a woman’s capsule wardrobe. Also, look for a maxi skirt or midi skirt in a neutral color, which can be worn with a wide variety of tops and blouses. When it comes to pants, a few pairs of dark-wash women’s jeans are a must-have. You may also want jeans in black and white, both of which go with any other colors. Capri pants are good for summer and come in an array of styles and colors. Opt for a stretchy fabric and/or elastic waist for optimum comfort.
Athletic wear can also be part of your capsule wardrobe. Women’s yoga pants are great for working out, but they’re also a stylish, comfortable choice for lounging around the house or running errands. Black yoga pants can be worn with any color top, whether you prefer a loose tunic top or a formfitting tank top.
Building a Capsule Wardrobe for Men
Men can also benefit from putting together a capsule wardrobe. For summer, there are chino shorts and cargo shorts that work with lots of shirt styles. Men’s jeans are another item that can be worn with all kinds of shirts, so you’ll want at least one pair. Guys can also have sweatpants and track pants in their capsule wardrobe, which coordinate with any style of T-shirt or sweatshirt.
A few dressy items can round out any man’s capsule wardrobe. An Oxford button-down is a wardrobe staple that can be worn on its own with dress pants, or with a sweater vest and/or blazer. Speaking of sweaters, a lightweight sweater in a high-performance fabric is also a versatile item that can be worn with everything from jeans to khaki pants.
Kids’ Capsule Wardrobe Ideas
You may also want to build a capsule wardrobe for the kids. The same guidelines apply when choosing pieces — look for neutral-hued items that can be worn with almost any other colors. For example, a pair of black leggings are a must for any girl’s wardrobe because they go with any type of top. When it comes to jeans, choose dark-wash skinny jeans or jeggings for plenty of comfort and an on-trend look. Girls’ tunics and blouses are also good additions to a capsule wardrobe, as they go with everything from pants and shorts to skirts and skorts.
Boys can wear jeans with lots of different shirts, too. A pair of boys’ jeans go with everything from a graphic tee to a polo shirt. Speaking of polos, every member of the family should have one or more lightweight polo shirts made from cotton or polyester. Boys’ polos can be worn on their own or layered underneath a light sweater. Other items for a boys’ capsule wardrobe include chino pants and/or shorts, cargo shorts, and one or more button-down dress shirts for special occasions.
One of the easiest ways to put together a summer capsule wardrobe is to choose pieces you know you’ll wear all the time, in colors that coordinate with anything. Shop around to find the apparel basics you need to create a wardrobe that works for you.