Modern Classic Capsule Wardrobe | 10 pieces every generation will wear

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”.

Splurge

Save

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.

KEEP READING

HOW TO PACK A CARRYON WITH 49 OUTFITS | YOUR EVERGREEN TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE

Do you want to know how to pack a carryon? Resurrect your traditional travel wardrobe with my 9 piece checklist that makes 49 outfits.

A GUIDE TO MASTERING FLARE JEAN OUTFITS FOR FALL

This fall when you have the right shoes to go with your flare jean outfits I can't promise you won't have 99 problems, but you will have a fabulous flare jean outfit for each one. Follow this simple guide to master what to wear with your flare jeans this fall. This post will help you find flares that fit and flatter your body type and some stylist tips for making foolproof fall outfits with them.

The Trench | One Ageless Fashion Staple on Every Minimalistic Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

A classic trench coat is one ageless fashion staple that you should find on any minimalistic capsule wardrobe checklist. A women's trench coat is the hero in my new caryyon capsule wardrobe. Its versatility and effortless appeal make it the perfect layering jacket for any capsule wardrobe checklist. You can wear a timeless trench over any business casual outfit or throw one over your favorite sweats and Converse sneakers to run carpool and do errands.
Fashion Makeover Myths | How to Wear Crop Tops, Stripes, & Graphic Tees After 40

Fashion Makeover Myths | How to Wear Crop Tops, Stripes, & Graphic Tees After 40

3 Tops you won't be able to resist wearing. Fashion makeover myths for women over revealed. How to wear crop tops, stripes, and graphic tees.

Subscribe & Get Jen's New Wardrobe Checklist and Shopping Links

A capsule wardrobe in itself, this definitive list will be the backbone of your closet.

Unsubscribe anytime you want.