Every generation will agree that classic capsule wardrobe staples like a white tee and jeans help make the best outfits. A good fashion stylist will tell you to keep those classic capsule wardrobe pieces current. I did the research and I recommend these 10 “modern” classic pieces. Mix and match them all to make 38 different outfits.
Modern Classic Capsule Wardrobe
Free Look Book
Scroll to see the 38 different outfit combinations. These 10 modern classic pieces mix and match to make more outfits than you can wear in an entire month.
1 | Long Cardigan
A long soft layer is a great silhouette over all the slim bottom styles I chose for this capsule wardrobe. Medium-weight fabric is ideal. It looks polished and keeps its shape better than a thin or loosely knit style will. To pick the best style, imagine your coat and favorite cardigan got together and made a baby. That makes a “coatagain”.
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2| Cardigan Set
A contemporary cardigan set is perfect for a capsule wardrobe because its pieces do double duty. Choose a v-neck cardigan instead of a crew neck design. Style it solo, backward, or with the matching knit tank. Just like everything else this season, you’ll find lots of cropped silhouettes in both pieces. Don’t be afraid of the cropped knit tank. You can always button your cardigan and let it peek-a-boo out the top or layer it over a white button-up to do double duty as a vest.
Double Duty Sets
Under $70 for the set from Amazon
New at J.Crew 2023
3| Black Pants
How many black pants are too many? It’s never a bad idea to add another new pair of black pants, especially if it’s a style you don’t have and they have cool new design details like these jeans with exposed buttons or zipper detail.
4 | Hoodie
A hoodie is one of the best lightweight layers you’ll ever own. Wear one now over a short-sleeved tee shirt or tank, and layer it later under a cool coat. Upgrade your classic hoodie for a luxe cashmere style that’s easy to dress up or down.
Neutral Luxe Hoodies
Add some color with a cool trending cropped style like this for under $30
5 | Little Black Dress
A black slip dress was one of the little black dress styles I shared in my post with two other dresses that deliver for any body type. Make more outfits with this capsule wardrobe by substituting a little black camisole top and slip skirt for a dress.
Amazon under $50
Famous Nordstrom Brand
6 | Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans are still in style. Just like any other fashion staple they need to be updated and styled to stay looking current. Instead of pulling on a pair of tall boots try a low-profile heel or flat. Lower-rise jeans are making their way back. If you are quite a bit smaller in the waist than the hips, lower-rise skinny jeans will draw an imaginary line lower on your waist than a high-rise would. This gives the illusion of smaller hips by decreasing the difference in width between the top of your belt and across the widest spot on your lower half. Likewise, a slim opening at the ankle compared to an ultra-fitted style can minimize your curves. I show you how HERE on Instagram.
3 Styles with a 9″-10″ Rise and 12″-13″ Opening.
7 | Cross Body Bag
Cross-body bags have become essential to every woman’s wardrobe. A designer brand bag is one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe. Before you buy read my Designer Handbag Directory. Complete this Modern classic capsule wardrobe with a cool convertible strap cross-body bag. A designer brand like Dior is worth the investment but there are several styles under $500 that look great.
8 | Matching Belt & Shoes
Why be basic when you can be extra? White accessories are on trend right now. I shared several in this post with two other wearable fashion trends for fall. Try trading in your basic black accessories for white and watch how many compliments you’ll get, even on the most basic outfits like a black top and black pants.
9 | White Crew Neck Tee
It’s always a good idea to Refresh Your White Wardrobe Staples. Crew neck tee shirts work especially well on a small frame. Be mindful if you have a square torso or are busty that you choose a crew neck tee that doesn’t make you look boxy. This style from ATM is always available at Saks and Nordstrom and is the one I recommend the most. The cotton slub material allows for a little transparency. Showing a bit of body through the shirt prevents it from looking boxy on a bigger upper half. The fit is great. It tacks slightly on the sides, has slits, and has a flattering sleeve length for bigger boobs.
10 | Animal Print
My blog post Power of the Pussy Prints got a lot of attention. I personally include a neutral print like a leopard in almost every outfit I put together. Animal prints are classic patterns that are easy to work with like stripes and checks. Animal prints look great with any color and even work well with other prints. A leopard print shoe in almost any style works well in this modern classic capsule wardrobe.
