Learn How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe That Will Work for All Seasons

Liana Hardy
by Liana Hardy

Living a minimalist lifestyle is so rewarding, but it can be really intimidating to figure out where to begin. A great way to get started is to create a capsule wardrobe, with clothing items that you can use in different seasons and occasions. In this tutorial, I’ll show you some of the pieces in my capsule wardrobe and some of the different outfits I like to make out of them. Once you have the right clothes in your repertoire, living a minimalist lifestyle gets easier!


Capsule wardrobe

Get some timeless jewelry

I love having a set of jewelry that is versatile and I can wear with all sorts of different outfits and styles. My favorite is Ana Luisa, which is a New York-based jewelry label. They’re ethical and fair trade and their pieces are made from raw and recycled materials. Their prices start as low as $39. Check out the video for a link to their stuff.

Build a capsule wardrobe

Little black dress

Having a little black dress is such a great item to have in a capsule wardrobe. It can be either dressed up or dressed down, making it perfect for various different occasions. I chose a size up from what I normally wear to get a looser fit, making the dress even more versatile. For a dressier look, I pair it with a belt to take in my waistline and throw on some nice heeled shoes. 

Capsule wardrobe 2020

Wear it over a turtleneck

The beauty of a loose dress is that you can use it to layer as well. Instead of the classier look above, putting on a turtleneck sweater under the dress gives me a cozy and casual style. A leather Italian bag completes this look, making it still cute while super comfortable. 

How to build a capsule wardrobe

Wear it with a blazer

To take this dress into the workplace, all I need to do is add a matching black blazer. I alternate between wearing it open or buttoned up with a belt over it, which makes it look even classier. I’ve kept the same shoes for all three of the looks I created out of my little black dress, and love the way the same piece is the base for such vastly different looks.

Minimalist capsule wardrobe

Crop top and dress pants

I love the way a nice pair of dress pants looks with a simple bikini crop top. These pants actually used to belong to my father. Check out the video’s description for a link to the video in which I upcycled them! My favorite pair of white sneakers, a belt, and a handbag complete this unique look.

Year-round capsule wardrobe

Add a white button-up

Having a white button-up shirt can really transform an outfit. Wearing it open over the crop top gives a whole new look to the outfit above. Sometimes I tie the bottom in a knot, which is great for a fun and playful vibe. A unique way in which I like to wear this outfit is to actually layer the crop top on top of the white shirt. Again, three completely different looks out of the same pieces of clothing.

How to create a capsule wardrobe

White T-shirt

The same pants and shoe combo as the previous outfit also looks great with a white t-shirt. I love the combination of the flared pants with the boyfriend tee. It’s a tomboy vibe that I enjoy for a blasé kind of day. I like to put on a big cross-body purse to complete the look. To add a more business-casual vibe to this look, I just throw on my black blazer.

How to make a capsule wardrobe

Bikini crop top

For a sporty look, I love to pair the same bikini crop top from before with a pair of biker shorts. It’s perfect for a workout! When I want to dress it up a bit, I grab my white button-up and tie the ends into a knot, giving me a cute and chic vibe. 

Create a capsule wardrobe

White t-shirt and biker shorts

I also like to wear my biker shorts with my boyfriend t-shirt tucked in. It gives me a clean and casual look which is incredibly comfortable. When I want to take it up a notch, though, I shrug on my blazer over the t-shirt and use a wide belt over it to cinch in my waistline. Just like that, this super casual outfit is chic and adorable. 

Capsule wardrobe looks

High-waisted shorts

I absolutely love high-waisted bottoms. For this next look, I paired the same bikini crop top with a pair of high-waisted shorts. I love the way they complement each other. To jazz it up, I layer my favorite black blazer on top along with a cross-body purse. 

Seasonal capsule wardrobe

Skirt and halter top

Two must-have items for a capsule wardrobe are a nice skirt and a cute halter top. I pair my skirt with my white t-shirt and combat boots for a casual look and when I’m heading for a night out I go with a cute halter top and heeled sandals instead. I love the way these looks contrast each other!

Capsule wardrobe for all seasons

Tight pants and halter-top

The last clothing item in my capsule wardrobe is a pair of nice pants. These differ from the flare dress pants I wore earlier by being more tight-fitting. Paired with my halter top and a red handbag, this outfit is perfect for drinks with my friends or even a date. Completing the look is a pair of white and black heels which I think really work with the rest of the outfit. 

Multi-season capsule wardrobe


That’s it! All these outfits out of such a small amount of clothing items! I love how versatile each of these pieces is, giving me such vastly different looks out of such similar outfits. It’s amazing how I can go to work and then on a run and then on a date, wearing the same base item for all three contrasting outfits. It’s so cool to know that I can take such a small amount of clothing with me wherever I go and still have tons of potential outfits. Which of the above is your favorite outfit? Let me know in the comments! 

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