5 Closet Staples That Are Imperative to Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Here’s how to get started with curating the essentials.
Hailey Bieber, Kate Middleton and Sofia Richie.

Hailey Bieber, Kate Middleton and Sofia Richie.


As shopaholics and consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability and prioritize quality over quantity, capsule wardrobes are slowly replacing the days of overflowing closets. Forget about saying, “I have nothing to wear,” every time you need to leave the house.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of versatile pieces that last a long time—both physically and trend-wise. While for most people it means a lot of neutrals—think gray sweaters, blue jeans, black pants, white sneakers—it doesn’t have to mean boring.

Each person’s capsule wardrobe can look a little different, and should be reflection of your personal style, with a common thread of saving space, streamlining getting ready and reducing your carbon footprint.

Below are five must-have items to start your capsule wardrobe.

White T-Shirt

Banana Republic Timeless T-Shirt, $15 (bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com)

This classic white T-shirt is called timeless for a reason. Be sure to size up if you want a baggier, more loose fit.

Tillys Womens Crew Tee, $9.99 (tillys.com)

A baby tee is key to the model-off-duty look and it will be one of the most versatile pieces in your closet.

Blue Jeans

Mango Wide Leg Mid Rise Jeans, $69.99 (mango.com)

These medium wash jeans are high-quality and feature belt loops, five pockets and a button and zip fastening

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High-Rise ’90s Straight Jean, $90 (abercrombie.com)

There’s a reason these best-selling jeans are always sold out and all over your TikTok For You Page. Get them now, in a variety of blue shades, while they’re still available.

Black Slacks

Everlane The Organic Wide-Leg Pant, $79 (everlane.com)

Black non-denim pants are the secret behind any elevated daytime or evening look.

Abercrombie & Fitch Mid-Rise Tailored Relaxed Straight Pant, $67.50 (abercrombie.com)

Wear them to work or wear them on a night out on the town—the possibilities are endless.

Knit Sweater

John Galt White & Blue Striped Brianna Sweater, $38 (pacsun.com)

This cozy and dynamic oversized knit can be tucked into jeans, thrown on over sweatpants or tossed on top of a satin skirt.

H&M Zip-Up Cardigan, $36.99 (hm.com)

This cable-knit zippered cardigan comes in three neutral shades and we guarantee you’ll be wearing it all fall long, no matter what climate you live in.

Shop our non-basic white sneaker picks here.

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Published
Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a NYC-based Lifestyle & Trending News writer at SI Swimsuit. Before joining the Swim team, the Boston University Alum worked for culture & entertainment beats at Bustle, The San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When Ananya is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, she can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast.