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 quality scoop neck style is nice and thick. I love that this option comes in tall sizes too.
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 favorite quality understated 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. This one from Spanx is my favorite. Use code JENNIFERXSPANX to get free shipping and 20% off. This oversized style has convertible sleeves.
BLACK SLEEVELESS TOP
A black knit top with a great neckline is probably the unsung hero on this list. A nice thick fabric will slenderize, especially in this color. I love to a black tank as a vest. See all the outfits I made with one in my Minimalistic Capsule Wardrobe for Work. Here are a variety of different necklines and lengths I like.
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.
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. I love it so much I have an Xs and a medium so that I can style it in different ways. Expand your jean jacket arsenal with a white jacket, cropped style, or 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.
Classic Jean Jackets
Capsules With Jean Jackets
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 like this one from Burberry that give you the most bang for your buck.
Short Cardigan
I made over my entire fall wardrobe this year by updating or adding these 12 things to my closet. One of them was a short striped cardigan. Because wide leg jeans and pants are so popular this winter a short sweater will go with the most outfits. It’s also easier to style a short cardigan over a dress or midi skirt without messing up your proportions or losing your waistline.
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! 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. These are the best.
The best black pants always fit great and work with sneakers, slides, or stilettos!
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 16″ opening will go with any shoe you choose.
I’m wearing the Mother “Lil” Rambler in this video. The best straight-leg styles are Paige’s “Cindy”, Fidelity’s “Cher”, Frame’s “Le Jane”, and Mother’s “Rambler” , 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. 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. I got these nude boots and have been wearing them with everything.
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 “street-style” with a dress or skirt.
My High-Low Mix of Classic Kicks
Sneaker Capsule
|Trench Coat | Tank Top | Veronica Beard Baseball Tee | Vuori Performance Pullover Hoodie | J. Crew Cardigan | Sweatshirt | Vuori Leggings | Spanx 3/4 Zip Pullover | Isabel Marant Tote | Jeans | Vuori Performance Joggers | New Balance Sneakers | Flats | Hat | Belt Bag
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. 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
Jeans | Slim Black Pants | Slip Skirt | Camisole Top | Pullover | Pull-On Pants | White Fitted Tank | Two-Tone Striped Top | Bomber Jacket | Trench Coat | Boots | Flats | Sneakers | Belt Bag | Tote | Gucci Scarf | Hat
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. You’ll almost always find one in my trademark Capsule Wardrobe Formula.
Striped Tops
Popular Capsules That Mix Prints
CREATIVE CAPSULE WARDROBES
All my capsule come with a 7-10 item checklist, a unique high-low mix of brands from different websites all in one place, personal style suggestions to help you customize your capsule, and a lookbook with up to 69 outfit ideas.
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
Find Your Style
Fashion and style mean something different to each of us, but do you ever wonder what looks the best on you and how to make outfits that look effortless? Before I was a fashion blogger, twenty years in Nordstrom’s dressing rooms with clients taught me so much. From my first blog post to my most recent viral video, this is my best style advice. I was a first-hand witness to my first love and the death of the department store. Now that I’ve almost mastered online shopping, I enjoy it more! Take my free denim fit finder quiz and shop my evolving high/low brand mix here anytime.