The Perfect Capsule Wardrobe—Built Around 6 Nonnegiotables

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Photo: Courtesy of The Row

Curating the perfect capsule wardrobe looks a little different for everyone, but there are a handful of staples that will benefit nearly every closet. Having a reliable collection of basics makes getting dressed easier, whether you’re a staunch minimalist who sticks to simplicity or an experimental dresser building looks upon a foundation. True luxury can be found among the classics, whether it’s a perfect white T-shirt, well-fitting button-up, or a pair of the best jeans for women.

As we start to (gradually!) think about fall dressing, now is a great time to refresh your closet staples with timeless pieces (across a range of prices) you’ll gladly wear on repeat. Versatility and a neutral color palette will be essential to unlocking your own sense of style, and the below six key clothing items are the essential building blocks for any capsule wardrobe.

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The Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

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The Crisp White Shirt
Alex Mill Jo shirt
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The Straight-Leg Jean
Frame The Vertical jeans
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The Goes-With-Anything White Tee
Leset The Margo tee
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White Shirting

A crisp white button-down shirt is the ultimate wardrobe essential, equally at home under a blazer for meetings or on the weekend with leggings, white sneakers, and oversized outerwear. Look for cotton poplin or linen styles that breathe and hold their shape.

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Toteme

Garderob organic cotton-poplin shirt

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Dries Van Noten

cotton-poplin shirt

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Cos

oversized linen shirt

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Alex Mill

Jo shirt

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J.Crew

Étienne oversized shirt

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The Row

Sisilia oversized poplin shirt

Straight-Leg Blue Jeans

The most versatile denim silhouette offers endless styling possibilities. For an everyday pair of jeans, choose a mid-rise cut in classic indigo that you can team up with ballet flats and a leather jacket or loafers and a trench coat.

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Agolde

Kelly high-rise straight-leg jeans

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Toteme

Garderob low-rise straight-leg jeans

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Khaite

Abigail jeans

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The Row

Riaco mid-rise straight-leg jeans

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Levi s

501 original fit jeans

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Frame

The Vertical jeans

Classic Knits

Nothing beats the luxurious feel of high-quality cashmere or wool that improves with age and wear. Our favorite knitwear brands (a sampling below) offer a range of styles that are perfect for layering—crewnecks, V-necks, cardigans, and turtlenecks in neutral colors are among the most versatile pieces to make your fall capsule wardrobe work that much harder.

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Allude

cashmere sweater

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Loulou de Saison

Anaa oversized cashmere sweater

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Buck Mason

featherweight silk cashmere cardigan

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High Sport

Lara cotton sweater

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Donni.

The Cotton cashmere turtleneck sweater

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Everlane

The Boxy sweater

Simple Black Dresses

The black dress remains unmatched in its ability to transition from day to night with just a change of accessories. Invest in a flattering silhouette that makes you feel confident every time.

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Matteau

pintucked organic maxi dress

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Staud

Hanna cotton-gauze maxi dress

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Toteme

Garderob stretch-jersey midi dress

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The Row

Essentials Mirna crepe midi dress

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Vince

sleeveless cami dress

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Another Tomorrow

hemp-blend midi dress

Tees and Tank Tops

Basic tees and tanks will form the foundation of countless outfit ideas. Stock up on a few in white, black, grey, and navy—you’ll reach for them more than anything else in your closet.

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Leset

The Margo tee

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Toteme

Garderob jersey T-shirt

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Uniqlo

mini T-shirt

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Cos

clean cut T-shirt

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Flore Flore

May camisole

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Nili Lotan

Lottie ribbed silk tank

Black Trousers

A well-tailored pair of black trousers bridges the gap between casual and formal with sophisticated ease, and they play nicely with various pairs of shoes. Choose a cut that flatters your silhouette and works for office presentations and dinner dates.

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Cos

tailored wool slim-leg pants

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Madewell

slouchy straight pants

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Banana Republic

high-rise straight refined pants

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Leset

Rio flare pants

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Róhe

Pleated grain de poudre pants

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Theory

Demitria 4 stretch-wool flared pants