The Ultimate Basics Checklist That Every Wardrobe Needs
The foundation of any great wardrobe lies in its basics – the unsung heroes that pull any stylish look together. I consider these essentials the cornerstone of fashion, and a crucial portion to any wardrobe. Neglecting this foundation is like trying to build a house without a solid base. Surprisingly, many overlook this critical step, opting instead to chase fleeting trends. However, a closet brimming with only trendy items often leads to the all-too-familiar saying: “I have nothing to wear!”
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The Ultimate Basics Capsule Wardrobe 2024
In this blog post, I lay out the exact formula I took to build my essential wardrobe basics, complete with the Ultimate Basics Checklist every closet needs. Use this post as your go-to resource for building a foundation of timeless pieces that will leave you with thousands of outfit combinations.
If you’ve yet to read my post Three Simple Steps to Build a Timeless Capsule Wardrobe, I highly recommend it for an big picture look at my complete wardrobe-building strategy. Building your Basics is the first step in the process, so come back here afterwards and start the process!
Step 1 Buying your Basics
What is The Perfect Basics Capsule Wardrobe Formula?
Your basic wardrobe consists of three main categories; Tops, Bottoms, and Dresses. Within each of these primary categories, there are further subdivisions, each playing a vital role in your wardrobe. I’ve created a detailed chart below to give you a visual reference, use it as a guide as you build out your well-rounded and versatile basics wardrobe.
The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe Checklist 2024
The Capsule Wardrobe Checklist, available for download here, will simplify this process. It’s designed to be a practical tool, assisting you in selecting the perfect pieces that will form the backbone of your wardrobe. Before making any purchases, I suggest completing the entire sheet. This approach promotes mindful spending and prevents impulsive buys. It also provides a clear overview of your potential expenditure on a basic wardrobe. The total amount might be surprising, but don’t worry. There’s no need to acquire everything at once. Establish a budget and gradually work through your checklist. I personally allocate a monthly Fashion Budget. Then at the start of each month, I prioritize what’s essential for my wardrobe and make my purchases accordingly. For those who are new to budgeting, I recommend reading my post Don’t Be Clueless, Build The Ultimate Digital Fashion Closet for guidance.
My Capsule Wardrobe Method: Basics, Investments & Trends
The Capsule Wardrobe Checklist is a crucial part of my Capsule Wardrobe Method, which includes more than just basics. For now, focus on filling out the basics section. Once that’s complete, you can move on to the Investments section, guided by my “Investments” blog post. Feel free to buy items from either the Basics or Investments sections as needed. It’s usually best to start with basics, but if you’re missing key investment pieces that are essential for putting outfits together, go ahead and get them. Choose the approach that works best for you. Remember, it’s important not to dive into the Trends section until you’ve secured 80-100% of your basics and investments. This step is where many lose track of the capsule wardrobe concept, ending up with a closet full of trendy items that can overspend your budget and make styling challenging.
How Many Items Should Be in a Capsule Wardrobe?
My Capsule Wardrobe consists of 32 Basic items, each carefully selected to offer versatility, style, and functionality. These pieces are the building blocks of endless outfit combinations, ensuring you’re always fashionably prepared for any occasion or season. From classic tops to essential bottoms, each item plays a pivotal role in creating a wardrobe that’s not just about clothes, but about crafting a personal style narrative.
These styles will remain timeless closet staples, and will never go out of fashion, but become the building blocks to your personal style. Add them to your wardrobe and you will always have something to wear.
13 Clothing Staples Every Women Should Own
Below, you’ll discover the 13 basic clothing staples that every woman should have in her closet. These make up the overarching categories for the above items. Refer to the chart at the beginning of the post to see how they breakdown into further sub categories, along with the shopping list below.
Shopping List
Capsule Wardrobe Basics: Tops
01// Tanks
The tank top, while seemingly basic, is an absolute must-have in your wardrobe. The secret to a great look is layering, and a selection of quality tanks is the key to mastering this technique. I suggest having at least one tank in classic colors like white, gray heather, and black. Choose a style of your choice, I’m partial to scoop necks, but many prefer cami tanks. Below, you’ll find my top picks. Easy Standard has great choices, plus you can get a 25% discount when you buy three. They even have a convenient white/gray/black bundle!
My Top Tank Picks
02// Fitted T-Shirts
A perfect white tee is a staple in any closet, but don’t stop there – expand your collection with other essential shades. I recommend having a t-shirt in white, black, gray, and a brown or taupe hue. Aritzia offers an excellent fitted option for $35, available in a variety of colors.
My Top T-Shirt Picks
03// Oversized T-Shirt
Adding an oversized cotton t-shirt in both white and a black & white striped pattern will further enhance the versatility of your basics wardrobe. These pieces are key for effortless, everyday style.
My Top Oversized T-Shirt Picks
04// Button Down
An oversized crisp button down adds a sophisticated level of style to your wardrobe, making any outfit feel both relaxed and polished. Opt for a white & denim or blue to start.
My Top Button Down Picks
05// Sweater
I love having a few core sweaters in my closet. I typically gravitate towards neutral tones, that way they can easily pair with everything in my wardrobe. Sweaters are great to layer with and can be thrown over your shoulder or styled in so many fun ways.
To start off your basics I recommend purchasing one cream sweater and one striped, when you get to the trends section feel free to add more fun colors & styles.
My Top Sweater Picks
06// Cardigan
A cardigan effortlessly enhances any ensemble, adding a touch of minimalistic yet chic style. Including options in cream, beige, and black in your wardrobe opens up a ton of outfit combinations. In my opinion, there’s nothing more sophisticated than a simple ensemble composed of a white tee, jeans, a belt, and a cardigan.
My Top Cardigan Picks
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Capsule Wardrobe Basics: Bottoms
07// Denim
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a challenge, especially with the amount of options available. For your Basics Capsule Wardrobe stick to three simple pairs; a cream, true denim & black. Invest in these and you will have plenty of styling options.
My Top Denim Picks
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08// Trousers
Trousers have evolved beyond just business casual attire and have become a wardrobe essential in recent seasons. I recommend adding three pairs to your wardrobe in versatile shades of beige, brown, and black. Trousers are an excellent choice for any season, whether it’s a breezy summer evening or a crisp autumn day, trousers offer a stylish and adaptable solution for year-round fashion.
My Top Trousers Picks
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09// Linen Pants
A white linen drawstring pant is a summer wardrobe must have!! The limit does not exist on the benefits of owning a pair. They make great bikini coverups, can protect your legs from the sun/mosquitos, are the perfect travel pant (they even look good wrinkled, giving a cool crinkled effect), and so much more! You will not regret hitting purchase on these, H&M has a pair for $19.99 that I’m going to purchase the second I finish this post.
My Top Linen Pants Picks
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10// Mini Skirts
My Top Mini Skirt Picks
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11// Midi Skirts
My Top Midi Skirt Picks
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Capsule Wardrobe Basics: Dresses
12// Mini Dress
My Top Mini Dress Picks
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13// Midi Dress
My Top Midi Dress Picks
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