5 Tips for Building a More Timeless, Classic (Capsule) Wardrobe

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Hey y'all! So today I'm just going to jump right in to my post because I'm so excited to share my tips and tricks for building a classic "capsule" wardrobe.

Let's start with my reasoning for this wardrobe "strategy." I have noticed especially transitioning from season to season that there are SO many items that I purchase on a whim because they're "trendy" and then I NEVER wear them again. These aren't cheap pieces either--I'm talking $90 floral dresses from Free People or a $100+ pair of shoes. It really wasn't until the last few months that I felt sort of sickened by this! That's when I decided to make a change.

These are my tips for building your own "capsule" wardrobe and investing in pieces that you're actually going to wear time and again.

1.) Assess what pieces you wear most and WHY. For me, during fall, winter and early spring I am always reaching for simple sweaters, turtlenecks, basic long-sleeved tees, blazers, cardigans, and the same pairs of simple booties or slides. There are LIMITLESS ways to style pieces like this just by adding a fun accessory like a scarf or sunglasses or a colorful bag + fun shoes. Style should be fun but it also shouldn't be something you have to think TOO hard about so sticking to pieces like these will save you time and MONEY because every year they will be "on trend."

2.) Stick to 85% neutrals + basics and add 15% prints/florals/patterns/trendy pieces. I went through a phase of buying really fun printed tops from Zara or H&M and I noticed this year that I ended up moving them into my "get rid of" pile. I kept one or two so my wardrobe wasn't filled with just basic white tees and plain sweaters but overall I found that I was no longer drawn to these prints because they weren't "trendy" this year. If you're going to spend more on something trendy, try purchasing a basic piece that has a fun twist like this ruffled sweater. It's a simple sweater but the ruffle detail makes it a little more fun! It isn't so over the top that if ruffles aren't in next year you wouldn't still want to wear it.

3.) Spend more on the classics, less on trends. For me, it's so worth paying more for quality knitwear (turtlenecks, sweaters, cardigans), jackets, blazers, everyday handbags, etc. I'm not talking always spending hundreds of dollars but I typically spend anywhere from $50-$150 on classic pieces. Nordstrom, Revolve, Shopbop, Asos, Zara and actually H&M as of late (their quality has really stepped up the last year) are great places to shop.
4.) When it comes to accessories I'll break it down by season as far as what I think are some essential pieces:
Summer--simple strappy sandals, a good crossbody bag, classic aviator sunglasses
Fall--Chelsea booties, OTK boots, classic neutral tote, simple sleek scarves (invest in 1 cashmere)
Winter--same as Fall (you'll just be pairing these pieces with a classic coat)
Spring--peep-toe booties, tan pumps, a good crossbody bag
You can see that there is a lot of overlap between summer/spring and fall/winter which is great because that's definitely a money-saver for you!
5.) When it comes to bottoms--something I actually didn't mention above, I like to invest in different washes of jeans that will last a VERY long time and also in good work pants. My personal favorite jeans are either Joe's Jeans or Topshop Jamie jeans (which actually are relatively affordable). I know a ton of other people LOVE Express but they just don't fit me correctly. I also recently have fallen in love with some of Zara's jeans which are more affordable and the pairs I have actually are pretty good quality. I like to have a good balance of jeans with distressing and without. As far as work pants go or just "dressy" pants, I HIGHLY recommend the J. Crew Martie pants. They are the only pants I wear for work and come in so many different colors. They fit me so well and look SUPER tailored. I'm not a big fan of shorts so for me, it's pants year-round or dresses/skirts in summer.

I could write so much more and definitely can do a follow-up post! Transitioning my wardrobe to a more "capsule"-style is something I've really been working on over the last few months and you will definitely be seeing a little bit of a change in my wardrobe if you haven't sort of noticed already. I cleaned out my closet and got rid of pieces that I know I won't be wearing again, keeping my more timeless, staple pieces. I added a ton of classic sweaters, blazers, jackets, etc. during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and also here and there since then.
I hope y'all found this post helpful whether you're looking to create a more capsule-style wardrobe OR whether you're just trying to clean out your closet and limit frivolous spending!!
Have a great weekend!