Our Complete List of Capsule Wardrobe Essentials for Every Season of the Year

Clothing trends come and go, but there are some wardrobe basics that can stand the test of time and keep your clothing costs down. By choosing well-made pieces with classic lines, you'll be able to build a mix-and-match wardrobe that works for any occasion and lasts for years. But we've also noted which pieces you shouldn't spend a lot of money on. Some clothing items are meant to be replaced regularly and there's no need to spend more than you have to on t-shirts.

Always in Season

Building your own capsule wardrobe from scratch can be overwhelming, so we've compiled a guide on which pieces are worth your money for every season. Check out the checklist below for key pieces that never go out of style.

• Black tank: A white tank has its place—at the gym or on casual outings—but a black one is more universal. Dress it up with dark jeans or a skirt.
• Short-sleeved white T-shirt: White tees become unwearable quickly, so skip the costly designer versions and buy a bunch of good-looking inexpensive ones. Then replace as needed.
• Short-sleeved black T-shirt: The best short-sleeve length is about ½ to 1 inch longer than a typical cap sleeve—it shows just the right amount of arm.
• Long-sleeved white T-shirt: For a trim silhouette in white, choose a slim-fit T-shirt that skims your body but doesn't cling.
• Long-sleeved black T-shirt: A surprisingly sophisticated layering piece, this works well under a dress shirt—or even a dress.
• Black turtleneck: Consider investing in cashmere: You get more warmth with less bulk.
• White button-down shirt (one cotton, one silky): Fitted ones will get the most wear: They're easier to tuck in and look neat when left out. A great place to find one and other affordable work clothes for women is Uniqlo.
• Crisp white blouse: Softer looking than a button-down, a white blouse is a timeless addition to any wardrobe. If you love a collar, this white blouse from Lulus is great for layering or worn on its own.
• Crewneck sweater: Thin knits, in cotton or wool, layer easily for versatility and comfort.
• Cardigan: A neutral shade goes with everything, and a longer style that hits at the hip flatters most figures.
• A black dress: The "little black dress" is a cliche for a reason: It's a wardrobe necessity.
• Pencil skirt: This classic piece should be tailored so it grazes the tops of the knees.
• Jeans: It's worth paying extra for jeans that fit and flatter. Your best bet? A dark, bootcut pair made from stretch denim with no more than 2% Lycra. (The fabric will follow your curves while keeping its shape.)
• Black pants: To get the most from this wardrobe staple, select a style made of an all-season fabric, like tropical wool or viscose.
• Skinny jeans: Once considered a trend, they are now a denim staple. Skinny jeans look best when they don't fit too snugly at the waist.
• Khaki pants: For a casual, comfortable look, forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease.
• Denim jacket: A dark wash and a slim fit look the most polished.
• Cropped jacket: Made famous by Coco Chanel, this item has become a fashion mainstay. You'll have more opportunities for pairing with one in a solid color or traditional tweed.
• Black cashmere wrap: A fabric that was once seen only in fall and winter has become a year-round regular.
• Black belt: You can't go wrong with a simple black belt in your wardrobe. Pair with denim, dresses, skirts, and more.
• Sneakers: A sneaker is a staple for your basic needs, from a running shoe to an elevated sneaker for the office.
• Ballet flats (in a neutral or a versatile red): Equal parts sophisticated and practical, ballet flats, especially those with rubber soles, are easy on the feet but more polished than sneakers.
• Basic black pumps: The MVP of shoes, a good black pump can take you from day into evening without losing a step.
• Metallic evening shoes: No shoes make you more party-ready than strappy sandals or pumps in a metallic tone. The surprise? Gold and silver are remarkably versatile.

Winter Basics

With the many holiday parties and events in winter, it's necessary to have go-to special occasion attire in your winter capsule wardrobe. Below is a roundup of the best winter basics for a stylish winter wardrobe.

• Heavy sweater: Look for a big, chunky knit that's both comfortable and stylish.
• Cashmere hoodie: More luxurious than the cotton variety, this layering piece is a sportier version of the cardigan.
• Dark-wash jeans: A wardrobe standby in the cold winter months that's available in a variety of cuts. Keep in mind that boot-cut and wide-leg styles work well over boots.
• Pantsuit: Wear the jacket and pants together to show you mean business—or treat them like separates to maximize their use.
• Gray flannel pants: These stylish standards look great with brown, navy, and black—and also with brights.
• Wool trousers: Look for a lined pair in fine gabardine wool, made with a twill weave, which won't feel too heavy.
• Down vest: It works best in a neutral color like brown, black, or navy, so you can wear it with anything.
• Black cashmere wrap coat: Whether calf or fingertip length, this elegant item will work for day or evening.
• Winter coat: Fur-trimmed, down, or wool, a winter coat should offer enough room to accommodate a sweater or jacket.
• Long sleeve dress: For the holiday season, swap your short sleeve dresses for a long sleeve dress. A sweater dress material like this dress by Lulus works wonders for the cold winter weather.
  
• Tights: Sheer black tights underneath a skirt or dress to stay warm in the winter weather.

Spring Basics

For the transition to warmer weather, it's crucial to have some transitional pieces. Whether the weather is pouring rain or sunny and 75 degrees, this list provides the wardrobe basics needed for the spring season.

• Cotton polo: More tailored than a T-shirt, it offers cool comfort on even the stickiest days.
• Cotton blouse: It's an airy and attractive springtime fundamental.
• Printed tops: A few boldly patterned pieces add life and color to spring basics.
• Lightweight cashmere sweater: Single-ply cashmere offers comfort in over-air-conditioned offices and movie theaters.
• Cotton button-up cardigan: Combines the softness of a sweatshirt with the elegance of a cashmere sweater.
• Lightweight waterproof raincoat: Easy to carry as a guard against spring's fickle skies, it blocks wind and rain without weighing you down.
• One-button blazer: A cotton or lightweight wool jacket is a pulled-together layer that can be removed when the temperature rises.
• Inverted pleat skirt: As good-looking with a tailored button-down shirt as it is with a tank top, it can be paired with a jacket for a more professional look.
• Capri pants: These ankle-baring bottoms look great with ballet flats or strappy sandals.
• Chinos: Comfortable cotton pants that are durable enough for a day in the park but still look proper in the office.
• Jumpsuit: For a simple outfit, opt for a jumpsuit to feel and look put-together with minimal effort. A high neck style like this one by Abercrombie & Fitch is a great option for a simple yet elevated look.
• Baseball cap: With warmer weather on the horizon, add a baseball cap to your spring wardrobe. Pair with a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers for a casual springtime look.
• Kitten heels: For a special occasion or work attire, add kitten heels to dress up your outfit.
• Zip-up sweatshirt: Look for a lightweight zip-up sweatshirt that you can layer for the spring days with in-between weather.

Summer Basics

From maxi dresses to sandals, the options are endless when it comes to summer wear. To save your time and money picking out an outfit in the morning, we picked our favorite summer wardrobe essentials, so you can feel and look best dressed at the pool, barbecue, and more.

• Bathing suit: A well-fitting one- or two-piece in a go-anywhere color like black, white, or navy never goes out of style.
• Convertible strapless bra: This adjustable undergarment looks smooth and natural under a strapless dress, tank top, or halter.
• Cotton pajamas: A pretty patterned pair works as both loungewear and sleepwear.
• Built-in bra tank: Offering coverage and support (and an end to visible bra straps), this tank can be worn to workouts or cookouts—and even to the office, under a jacket or sweater.
• Ribbed cotton tank: Originally made for men, these shirts are now available in gender-inclusive shapes. Pick one that fits your figure—it works well alone or under a suit jacket.
• Cotton blouse: Choose a lightweight top from a range of colors and a variety of prints.
• Cotton printed dress: Stay comfortable even in heavy-duty humidity.
• Maxi dress: Opt for a flowy, maxi dress style that can be dressed up or down for the summer months.
• Strapless dress: A white one will show off a great tan, but black, navy, and camel also work beautifully.
• Khaki shorts: The summer-wardrobe equivalent of air-conditioning, khaki shorts keep you cool, comfortable, and looking crisp.
• Cotton drawstring pants: A good-quality pair will take you straight from yoga class to lunch with a friend.
• White jeans: Available in a wide range of styles, white jeans look chic with almost any warm-weather top. If you prefer a cropped jean style for summer, this pair by Banana Republic is a wide leg fit and hits right above the ankle.
• Sunglasses: Both a functional and versatile, a staple pair of sunglasses can go with your entire wardrobe.
• Flat leather sandals: A good pair of flat sandals will pair up with virtually anything from shorts to jeans to flowing skirts to bathing suits—and can even sub in for slippers, for minimal vacation packing.
  

Fall Basics

As the leaves start to fall and the weather begins to cool, fall is the time to experiment with layering pieces and outerwear. Below we found a checklist of the best basics for the fall season. From family thanksgiving to a pumpkin patch with friends, these fall basics have you covered.

• Cotton waffle robe: Perfect over pajamas or after a shower, this robe is far less bulky than its terry cloth cousin.
• The tuxedo shirt: The ultimate day-to-night top, it has a crisp quality that makes it a great multitasker.
• Fleece vest: Terrific over a turtleneck or peeking out from under a coat, a vest offers versatility in unpredictable autumn weather.
• Athletic sweatshirt: As comfortable as a flannel pajama top—but it's appropriate for wearing in public.
• Lightweight waterproof coat: Ideal for traveling, this practical item looks as right with a skirt as it does with a pair of jeans.
• Khaki trench coat: Structured and stylish, it's a true classic. This oversized trench coat by Everlane is perfect for the transitional piece for layering in the fall.
• Leather blazer: A trim leather blazer brings a little sophisticated edge to any piece. Add a scarf and you're ready to go anywhere.
• Peacoat: No longer just navy blue, peacoats come in a range of colors and a variety of lengths.
• Flat boots (black or brown): Knee-high styles work well with anything from full skirts and A-line dresses to narrow silhouettes—even dressing up with black leggings.
• Black-heeled boots or booties: High-heeled boots are a fall-to-winter essential. Ankle-grazing booties fall somewhere on the daintiness scale between pumps and boots and make a stylish alternative to both.
• Midi skirt: As the weather starts to cool, add some length to your skirts by adding a midi skirt to your wardrobe. Pair with sneakers or booties for an casual to elevated look.