How To Build The Perfect Capsule Wardrobe

You’re standing in front of your closet, surveying your options for the tenth time. Half of your clothes have already been tried on and now cover the floor around you. Maybe–just maybe–one more look through your closet will reveal the perfect top to match the skirt you have on. But it doesn’t. You’re running late now, and you’re wondering how you have so many clothes but nothing to wear. 

It’s a dilemma we’ve all faced. Whether you’re unsure how to style the pieces you already own or tempted to toss them all and start fresh, feeling disconnected from your wardrobe can shake not only your daily mood but also your sense of identity. Fashion micro-trends online don't help the problem either. Practicality and high-quality basics seem to have taken a backseat in everyday fashion, leaving you with a closet full of cute, yet fleeting styles you likely won’t want to wear a year from now.

What if, instead, you could curate a clothing collection that made you excited to get dressed in the morning? Whether you’re already an experimental dresser or don’t know where to begin, curating a true capsule wardrobe–that is, a tightly edited collection of versatile, timeless pieces you can reach for every day– begins with a few nonnegotiables. 

Here are the five items to build the base of your capsule wardrobe. Consider them a blank canvas to add your own personal touch to.

1.  Denim Blue Jeans

Why it earns a spot: Nothing beats that perfect pair of jeans. For your capsule wardrobe, it’s worth it to invest in a high-quality pair you can trust not to fall apart after a few washes. While any style you love will do–from straight leg to wide leg or a barrel jean–opt for a classic medium or dark wash. These reliable shades will give you the most freedom for styling, as they’re easy to dress up or down.

• For weekend errands, pair with sneakers, a basic crewneck tee, matching denim jacket, an oversized tote, and a trucker hat. 

• For a work happy hour, pair with loafers, an oversized button down, layered sweater vest, gold jewelry stacks, and a claw clip. 

• For dinner with your girls, pair with a black kitten heel, a black tube top or fitted knit sweater, a slouchy handbag, and statement earrings.

• For a fall market with the family, pair with sneakers, an open knit cardigan, your favorite baseball hat, and a cute belt bag.

Boem picks: The Arc Jean by Agolde ($258.00) and The Harper Straight Jean by Agolde ($228.00)

2. White Button Down 

Why it earns a spot: If there’s one quintessential capsule piece, it’s the white button down. Make it as dressy or laidback as you wish. For inspiration, search how fashion icons throughout history have made it their own: you’ll find Audrey Hepburn wearing one with an A-line skirt and necktie on the back of a motorbike, Reese Witherspoon on a 90s red carpet with jeans and a brown clutch, or Madonna pairing one with baggy linen pants and a chunky belt. 

• For a morning city walk, pair with a tennis dress, white sneakers, and a dad hat. 

• For a work conference, pair with black slacks, a cardigan, and kitten heels. 

• For an afternoon at the museum, wear tucked into jeans with ballet flats and chunky gold jewelry. 

• For an outdoor concert, wear unbuttoned over a cropped tank, brown belt, A-line shorts, boots, and sunnies. Throw an oversized jacket on top for cooler days. 

Boem picks: Elevated Poplin Button Up by Z Supply ($88.00) and the Sabine Tailored Shirt by Free People ($108.00)

3. Black Mini Skort

Why it earns a spot: For those days you’re just not feeling up for jeans, a black skort is an elevated neutral that’s easy to tailor to your look. More versatile than you might think, a skort can be styled countless ways for any occasion, from athleisure to a night out. The built-in shorts underneath add practicality– a necessary element of capsule wardrobe pieces. 

• For a coffee date, pair with a cropped, chunky knit sweater, sneakers, and tote.

• For a client meeting, pair with black tights, a white blouse and loafers. 

• For a cocktail bar, pair with a fitted tank, neck scarf, and heels. 

• For a mid-day mental health walk, pair with comfy sneakers, a tee, oversized sweatshirt, and sunnies.

Boem picks: Easy Skort by Rumored ($78.00) and the Agnes Skort by Nude Lucy ($120.00)

4. Little Black or Brown Dress

Why it earns a spot: The LBD has been a fashion staple for decades, and it’s not going anywhere. Not just for date night, this piece is a chameleon that effortlessly transforms into whatever you need it to be that day. Simply throw it on and allow your shoes and other accessories to do the work. 

• For a campus study session, pair with a chunky knit sweater, understated jewelry, sneakers, and a claw clip.

• For a country concert, pair with a fringe jacket, jewelry stacks, and cowboy boots. 

• For drinks at a rooftop bar, pair with chunky, gold earrings and rings, black heels, a small clutch, and an oversized jacket. 

• For a night at the theater, pair with sheer tights, kitten heels, pearl earrings, with a cardigan draped over your shoulders. 

Boem picks: Talli Asymmetrical Mini Dress by Runaway ($102.00), Camino Textured Mini Dress by Z Supply ($70.00), and the Jenness Satin Mini Dress by ASTR The Label ($110.00)

5. Barn Jacket

Why it earns a spot: The barn jacket–typically utilitarian in khaki tones, with large pockets, a boxy fit, and a structured collar–is outerwear that’s effortlessly cool yet timeless. While it is definitely having a moment this fall, it’s a classic that’s been around forever for a reason. Use it to dress down more elevated looks or dress up loungewear. 

• For an early morning flight, throw over a matching loungewear set and pair with your favorite slides or comfy sneakers. 

• For a shopping day around the city, pair with a white tee, pleated mini skirt, flats, and a silver necklace stack. 

• For a family outing to the park, pair with jeans, a lightweight sweater, and a slouchy handbag. 

• For a Saturday morning farmer’s market, wear over a fitted tank and maxi skirt, and pair with sneakers, a charm necklace, and a baseball cap. 

Boem picks: Catching a Break Cropped Jacket by Blank NYC ($168.00) and the Breaking Camp Jacket by Blank NYC ($168.00) 

Remember: the goal of a capsule wardrobe isn’t to mute your personal style, but provide you with timeless, versatile neutrals to complement those statement pieces you love. A few great basics can completely transform your relationship with your closet–making sure your outfits always feel like you, for as long as you want them to. Happy shopping!