New Wardrobe Checklist and Shopping Links | A capsule wardrobe in itself and definitive list your closet needs.

As a personal stylist and fashion blogger over 40, I have a lot of clothes, but I wear these versatile staples the most. A capsule wardrobe in itself, this definitive list will be the backbone of your closet too. My list gives you the fashion authority to incorporate new styles and make outfits that look effortlessly pulled together. Before you buy one more thing, or when you decide it’s time for a new wardrobe, make sure you have everything your closet needs.

Fashion and style mean something different to each of us, but they can bring us all the same confidence and inspiration we can use every day. 

NEW WARDROBE CHECKLIST

UNDERSTATED WHITE TEE OR TANK

Adding an understated white top to an outfit is the easiest way to look fashionable, but not like you tried to. Wear one under a suit or solo with your favorite pair of jeans. This tank under $10 is the only item I own in multiples because I wear it that much. Size up to avoid transparency. This buttery soft style from Amour Vert has a little bit looser fit. The slightly halter-style crew neck is universally flattering. If you aren’t a fan of your arms and don’t like to layer, you can substitute a short-sleeve white tee. These are my two best-selling styles.

This crew neck in cotton slub material allows for a little transparency which shows a bit of body through the shirt and prevents it from looking boxy on a bigger upper half. It also tacks slightly on the sides, has slits, and has a flattering sleeve length for large and small busts.

This relaxed tee knit from supersoft organic Peruvian Pima cotton feels amazing and is easy to dress up. Size down if you’re petite or looking for a more fitted shape.

WHITE BUTTON UP

I’m not going to tell you how many versions of this wardrobe staple I own. Choose a fabric that is crisp yet flexible. The best button-ups under $100 are made with a blend. Blends make these staples washable and easy to iron. An oversized silhouette is the most modern and the easiest to style. Below are my 3 favorite luxe brands at Saks and Nordstrom. This $59 classic style from Nordstrom is great and looks good on most body types. My much bustier 5’8″ friend and I are modeling it here.

BLACK SLEEVELESS TOP

A black knit top with a great neckline is probably the unsung hero on this list. The fitted style is thick enough to slenderize, especially in this color. I love to style one as a vest over a button-up. See all the outfits I made with one in my Minimalistic Capsule Wardrobe for Work.

If you’re just not a fan of a fitted layer try a camisole top that skims the body instead. These all have flattering necklines.

BLAZER

This is my blog’s bestseller of all time.The best thing about this blazer is its ability to instantly flatter your figure. The minute you slip it on your shoulders and waist are defined creating the ideal silhouette regardless of your proportions or the pieces you have on under it. It’s kind of my stylist’s secret weapon for improving just about any outfit. Read my 2023 navy blue blazer review HERE. See which Veronica beard style will work the best for you and where to get the best price HERE.

Benchmark White Blazer

JEAN JACKET

If you haven’t had yours for years then get one that feels like you have. Premium denim like this style from Fidelity looks great over a sexy slip dress or jeans. Expand your jean jacket arsenal with a white jean jacket, cropped style, or even a vest. I guarantee your go-to will always be a classic style with premium denim details like perfect pocket placement, princess seams, and luxe fabric.

Classics

Capsules

V-NECK CARDIGAN

A cool cardigan tops my list of closet essentials that pull an outfit together. A V-neck cardigan is the most versatile and the most flattering on every body style. I included a modern cardigan set and a modern long cardigan in my new Modern Classic Capsule Wardrobe. A long cardigan is on a short list of designer pieces that give you the most bang for your buck. VINCE makes the best year-round oversized cashmere cardigans.

SLIM BLACK PANTS

Take the guesswork out of deciding what style works best with everything else you’re wearing pick a pair that’s slim fit so you can wear them with anything!

Any Shoe Will Do

The best black pants always fit great and work with sneakers, slides, or stilettos!

Keep this closet essential looking jet black no matter how many times you wear it by choosing a fabric that has some spandex in it. Premium denim, leather leggings, or quality pull-on pants all have proven track records year after year.

ANKLE LENGTH JEANS

Less may not be more when it comes to denim. Jeans have become the backbone of every woman’s wardrobe, but be honest. I bet you wear the same pair all the time. Start your wardrobe with the jeans that will look best on your body. You can find them online in my Jean Shop. Make sure you buy straight-leg styles to go with your sneakers. A style that stops right around the ankle and has at least a 12″ opening will go with any shoe you choose.

Best Selling Styles

The Paige “Cindy”, Fidelity “Cher”, Frame “Mini-Boot”, and Mother “Dazzler” are best sellers because they fit 9/10 women.

SLIP SKIRT or DRESS

Well, you would have guessed a little black dress would be on the list, but which is the most versatile? The better brands are cut on the bias so they don’t cling to your curves.

Vince

I always show a high-low mix of brands, but this Vince slip dress has fit every woman I’ve ever seen it on. The rumpled satin makes this slip dress the perfect choice to travel with because it doesn’t wrinkle and the subtle texture helps this typically sultry dress take on a more casual vibe when you need it to. If you are between sizes, size down.

As if this Vince dress doesn’t do enough, make it into separates and see your options multiply as they did in my Modern Classic Capsule Wardrobe.

NUDE SHOES

Nude Shoes work year-round with any outfit. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone for the most flattering leg line and opt for a pointed toe. When you find a style that matches your overall style, invest in a designer pair. Nude Shoes work year-round with any outfit.

Classics

SNEAKERS

New sneakers are a slippery slope to a footwear fetish. A classic Converse style sneaker is an ageless style staple every closet needs. A comfortable fashion sneaker will work with more than jeans and a tee shirt. Wear a pair of street-style with a dress or skirt. See why I rank on the first page of Google with THIS POST I shared on styling Converse sneakers.

Sneaker Capsule

NICE BAG

 This is why you can have nice things. A designer handbag is the best investment piece and a secret to high-low styling success. Check out a short list of Winter Wardrobe designer brand upgrades, including a bag, in THIS POST. Before you buy consider the 4 L’s. Get my top 10 name-brand bags at Nordstrom under $500, shopping list, and links HERE.

TWO-TONE JEWELRY

Jewelry is the fastest way to show your style. Just a pair of earrings can make jeans and a white top outfit go from classic to boho. A little black dress’s magic ability to do double duty only works when you change up your jewelry and accessories.

Lagos

David Yurman

Two-tone jewelry goes with everything! Layer all the pieces in a two-tone capsule, or use one piece to mix your metals. I recently purchased this two-tone ring and I wear it every day. It makes it easy to throw on any earring, necklace, belt, bag, or shoe I want.

NEUTRAL PRINT

The most popular print is one that works no matter your style. Keep your combinations interesting by incorporating neutral prints like a striped top or animal prints. These patterns are easy to wear with other prints for a fashionable look. 

Striped Tops

Popular Capsules That Mix Prints

JEN’S CREATIVE CAPSULE WARDROBES

I’ve been a stylist for almost 25 years. These are my most popular capsule wardrobes. They all include my trademark capsule wardrobe formula and are updated for you regularly. Customize them with my help anytime you need it.  

New Classic Capsule

If you’re packing for more than two weeks in Europe this spring or summer, this non-boring travel capsule will be the only thing you need. Unlike most travel capsule wardrobes, this one isn’t basic and boring, or filled with too many pieces. I promise this capsule is packed with International appeal and over 40 travel outfits you can recreate with just 8 pieces. Use my checklist to pack light and stay stylish. Now even if you don’t speak the language, you can at least dress the part. I’ve done all the shopping so you can customize your capsule based on your personal style and budget.