If you’ve been around long (or not long in fact), you know I love a capsule wardrobe. Sometimes I think capsule wardrobes can get a bad rep as being boring, but, in my opinion, they definitely don’t have to be! The process of putting together a capsule teaches you how to mix and match your clothing to get the most out of your wardrobe. It also helps to guide you in making intentional purchases you know you’ll wear and that go with the rest of the items in your closet. I’m often asked where to shop for a capsule wardrobe, and in this post, I’m listing out my top five brands (plus a few honorable mentions!). In addition, I’m linking my capsule wardrobe recommendations from each of those stores. Each brand does different items well.
An alternate title to this post is ‘where to shop for basics’ because, essentially, a capsule wardrobe is a small collection of basics you can mix and match. You’ll see several very basic capsule wardrobes online, but my recommendation, to ensure that your capsule wardrobe allows for creativity and to keep it from looking dated, is to add in a few trendy pieces to your capsules. Each season, I assess the trends and make one or two purchases that align with my personal style and are practical for my everyday life. This strategy allows my style to evolve and brings some fun into my capsules.
But first and foremost, you’ll want to fill your closet with some foundational pieces like tees, tanks, trousers, jeans, sweaters, and practical footwear. This post will help you do that. Trends come and go, but good basics last for years and years.
Where To Shop For A Capsule Wardrobe
Everlane
If you’re looking for sustainably made basics that are high quality, fit well, and are made to last, Everlane is my top choice. I have done several partnerships with them, but I’ve been shopping there for ten years with my own money. I’m always impressed with how the clothing is made, the materials used, and the thoughtful design. Some of my most worn items are their sweaters, tees, blazers, and jeans. I’ve linked my favorites below. In terms of sizing, I find their tops and jeans to run true to size (although definitely size up at least one in the Box Cut Tee), and their other bottoms to run slightly big. They also carry multiple inseam options in most of their bottoms which is nice for petite women like me.
More Everlane Posts:
A Week’s Worth of Bottoms For Summer From Everlane
Three Spring Looks From Everlane
Three Elevated (But Simple!) Workwear Looks From Everlane
Casual Chic Mini Summer Capsule From Everlane
Capsule Wardrobe Recommendations From Everlane
Quince
If you’re looking to build a capsule wardrobe, but you’re on a tight budget, Quince is a great option. They carry tons of high quality basics at really affordable prices. They are a direct to consumer brand so their markup is significantly lower. My favorite items from Quince are their cotton sweaters, dresses, outerwear, and sunglasses. I do find their cashmere (although very affordable) to be on the itchy side so keep that in mind. For sizing, I find most things run true to size, although the items that are made to fit slim do run small (i.e. their sweater tanks and bodysuits.)
More Quince Posts:
My Top Ten Summer Essentials From Quince
Three Easy Breezy Summer Looks From Quince
Five Pieces Styled Eight Ways With Quince
Fall Roundup From Quince
Capsule Wardrobe Recommendations From Quince
Sézane
If you love effortless Parisian style for your capsule wardrobe, Sézane is the best. Their basics are made to last and always have special touches that set them apart. Everything I own from Sézane is simply beautiful. Some of my favorite items are their knitwear, tops, outerwear, dresses, bags, and shoes. I have several posts on the blog with reviews of their most popular items. They are at a higher price point so if you want more detailed recommendations before purchasing check out those posts. In terms of sizing, I find tops and dresses to run true to size, and their outerwear and bottoms to run small. I typically size up in those although it varies a bit. The sizing on the website is pretty accurate.
More Sézane Posts:
Sézane Tops For Spring & Summer
Sézane Léontine Jumper Review
Sézane Clyde Trench Review
Sézane Emilie Cardigan Review
Review Of The Sézane Max Shirt
Sézane Barry Cardigan Review
Sézane Betty Cardigan Review Plus Outfit Ideas
Review Of The Sézane Christie Jacket
Review Of The Sézane Scott Trench Coat
Capsule Wardrobe Recommendations From Sézane
J.Crew
For classic Americana style, J.Crew is one of my top choices. The brand carries tons of basics with a modern fit. My favorite styles are their sweaters, jeans, pants, dresses, and bags. All their sweaters are really nice quality, and their button downs are some of my favorites. They always have a chic collection of dresses, too, from casual to formal. Their pants and denim also come in petite and tall size options. Items tend to sell out fairly quickly so if you find something you love, don’t wait. J.Crew typically runs big in my opinion. I size down in their pants and take my true size in their tops.
Capsule Wardrobe Recommendations From J.Crew
Madewell
I’ve been shopping for my capsule wardrobes at Madewell for years and years, but lately their collections have missed the mark for me personally. However, you can always count on a few things from the brand – quality, well fitting denim and nice leather bags at decent prices. For the warm months, Madewell’s tailored and linen shorts are some of my favorites in my closet as well. They carry petite, tall, and plus sizes in many items and have sales often. Madewell denim runs slightly big; I recommend taking your smaller size if you’re in between sizes. Note also that their petite denim has a shorter rise so I’ve taken to getting the regular inseam and cutting the hem if needed. See more petite styling tips here.
Capsule Wardrobe Recommendations From Madewell
More Options:
These brands are ones I do shop at for basics, but not quite as much as the other five I mentioned above.
Reformation // I’ve recently starting shopping at Reformation for a few items. The pieces are pricey but really great quality and ethically made. I highly recommend these silk pants (outfit ideas here) and these suede loafers. They also have a beautiful collection of dresses.
Aritzia // Aritzia has capsule wardrobe classics with minimal, cool girl vibes. If you need some dressier options for work, these pants are my favorite trousers and come in a variety of fabrics and fits.
Mango // This brands carries some of my favorite outerwear pieces, including this lightweight wool coat that’s perfect for winter in mild climates or fall in other places. I own it in black and tan.
Gap // If you’re looking for more affordable finds for your capsule wardrobe, I highly recommend Gap. When I’m looking for budget friendly alternatives to items I own, Gap always has something similar. This trench coat is often on sale and under $100, and they also have really affordable denim options. These button downs are also my favorite for summer (I own three colors!), and their linen collection looks really tempting, too.
I have tons of seasonal capsule wardrobes on the blog as well if you’re looking for inspiration for building your own capsule wardrobe. I typically make a new one for each season always with tons of outfit ideas so be sure to follow along.
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