Does your closet feel like a strategically-planned collection of clothes that allows you to easily put outfits together that reflect your personal style?

If you’re like most women, you have a hodgepodge of items: old, new, some that fit, some that don’t, high quality, poor quality, worn out and never worn. It’s no surprise that putting outfits together is confusing and uninspiring. 

What if you could do a reset with a planned system? I’ve been asked if there is such a thing and the answer is, YES! Drawing on my experience working with clients I’ve developed a Core Capsule system that begins with a foundation of 24 classic, quality pieces that I believe every woman should own. These items work together to easily create outfits. And not everyone’s 24 items are exactly the same. For example, one item in the capsule is black pants. Your black pants are different then mine based on our personal style, body type, budget and lifestyle.

Keep reading to learn how to build your Core Capsule, or take the quiz and sign up for us to create your personalized core capsule!

The fun part comes once you’ve built your Core Capsule because this is where you then add in (or keep) items that are seasonal, current, special and unique. It’s like eating your veggies before you have desert. The best part is seeing how easily you can make outfits with your seasonal pieces because you have those core pieces that go with everything.

Once you start taking this more strategic, thoughtful approach to building your wardrobe you will reduce decision-making fatigue, have more space in your closet, save money by limiting those impulse purchases, reduce waste by having long-lasting, quality items that don’t go out of style, and have a plan for adding fresh, current items seasonally.

But wait, there are 25 items in that photo! Good eye - we added an extra purse. Just making sure you’re paying attention.

Here’s how it works:

Build or edit down your wardrobe to create a Core Styling System wardrobe that is made up of approximately: 

• 60% core items: these are classic, quality, well-fitting, well cared for items in mostly solid colors. Within this category is a core capsule wardrobe that consists of 24 essential items (continue reading for the list).

• 30% rotational and seasonal items: these are items that cycle in and out based on trends, seasons and your evolving preferences and taste.

• 10% statement: these are special occasion and travel items. Typically dressier, special, heirloom, once-in-a-while or simply “just for fun” items.

Of course these ratios are a general guide and the percentages will change slightly according to your lifestyle. 

I’ve been asked for this list of core capsule items by my followers and I’m happy to it. Again, these are not trendy items so the list might seem bland. But I assure you, when you build outfits with beautifully constructed, well fitting, classics, you won’t need much more than some accessories to look stunning.  It’s like the engineering of a home foundation - not exactly the most creative part of building a house but without it, nothing matters. 

Don’t get me wrong, as much as I love the minimalist, European vibe of, say Amalie and Cecile Moosgaard (which, by the way, this core capsule of 25 items will help you create), I find immense joy in patterns, colors, textile details and unique silhouettes that are the rotational and seasonal 30% of the core styling system. Adding these items is the next step in the process, so we must be patient! But having the right core capsule means you can look effortlessly chic without having to think about it.

Use this list as a guide and do your own closet audit to see what you already have. Ideally pull the items out onto a clothing rack or different area to take a close look and see the capsule all together. If anything is old, tired or doesn’t fit perfectly then it’s time to look for a replacement. This is your chance to upgrade items so you end up with the perfect 24 core capsule pieces.

I’ve included examples and more details below. Happy foundation building!

CORE CAPSULE LIST:

• Jeans (straight, medium wash)

• Pants - trouser or dressy (black)

• Pants - utility, chino or khaki style (army green or earth tone)

• Shirt (white cotton)

• Shirt (denim or chambray)

• Silk blouse (black or navy)

• Silk blouse (ivory or white)

• Sleeveless shell (black or navy)

• Sleeveless shell (ivory or white)

• T-shirt (white)T-shirt (black)

• Top with pattern (stripe, floral or geometric)

• Thin sweater (black or navy)

• Thin sweater (camel, ivory or gray)

• Blazer (solid back or navy)

• Coat (trench or wool)

• Jacket (leather, jean or utility)

• Dress (simple black)

• Flat (black or brown)

• Heel (black or brown)

• Boot (black or brown)

• Sneaker

• Purse - medium size (neutral)

• Belt (black or brown)

As a stylist I’ve spent hours searching for the perfect core capsule items for my clients. I know which items work best for the most women. Of course, there are 1000 options for each of these items, but here are some of my favorites:

Black pants 

Black pants are another item that most women have multiples of because we need different hem length and silhouettes. For your core capsule I recommend an ankle length pair that can be worn with loafers, flats, heels or sneakers. If you prefer a longer silhouette I recommend the Arielle pants from Nili Lotan - they are truly amazing. For a lower price version, try these long trouser silhouette pants from Reformation.

White button up shirt

A crisp white button up is something I definitely have multiples of in my wardrobe. I’ve heard many clients say that a white button up feels too tailored or masculine and doesn’t reflect their style. If that’s you, then consider a white pop-over or a softer, drapey cotton button up shirt.

Black or navy long sleeve silk blouse

Pairing a dark, high-quality blouse with jeans or perfect black pants is a winning look every time. This tonal dressing effect is the perfect go-to that always flatters.

White & Black T-shirts

No need to explain, but it’s important to find a T-shirt silhouette that works for you. Ideally you should own a few different shapes in your core category - a classic “true” T shape, a wide scoop neck with cap sleeves and maybe a more fitted cut. For the core capsule I recommend whichever style feels the most comfortable and flattering.

Black or navy thin cotton or cashmere sweater

The key to this item is the neckline and how the bottom hem hits your hips. Getting this fit right is essential to ensure it makes the cut as a “core capsule item”. You should feel like you want to wear it all the time because it flatters you so much. And it must be top quality to ensure it holds its shape if you are going to wear it so often.

Camel or Ivory thin cotton or cashmere sweater

Same as above with the additional element of color to consider. Finding the right color camel, Ivory, gray or beige sweater is key! The color should bring out the warm tones in your skin, not wash you out.

Black or navy blazer

When I first started styling, I was surprised to find out  how many women don’t own or even consider owning a blazer. I think many women associate them with a suit and feel it’s simply not their style. The reality is there are so many different blazer styles that range in silhouette and fabric. A nautical “Captains blazer” is a great option, and a more casual linen or knit blazer is great for those with a more relaxed, casual personal style.

Coat

Similar to blazers and button ups, a trench coat may feel too preppy or structured for some. If that’s the case a utility jacket can serve the same function in your capsule wardrobe. Anything from a cropped military jacket to a barn jacket.

I prefer a trench because it’s elevated and adds a bit of sophistication to a simple combo like jeans, a T-shirt and flats. The best is of course, the classic Burberry trench, but it’s an investment piece. The more budget friendly Barbour is great too and you can comb consignment stores and TheRealReal to find a previously owned or vintage trench because they’ve been in style forever (and will continue to be so).

Depending on your climate you may opt for a wool coat instead or in addition to a trench. I love having a beautiful coat to wear over dressier outfits, but it’s also a great way to instantly look polished (even if you throw it on over your workout or lounge clothes.)

Keep in mind that this list is the most pared down inner core of your wardrobe. Depending on your lifestyle and personal preference, you will have multiples of many of these items and they are still considered part of the 60% that make up your core items but start by ensuring you at least have these 25 core capsule items. 

In taking the time to curate your core capsule to ensure these 25 pieces are all the best-of-the-best items in your closet, you are investing in a wardrobe that is built on a solid foundation. These items are timeless and classic yet anything but bland. Try building outfits with only these core capsule items by adding a few touches of beautiful jewelry and a pop of lipstick - I promise you will look chic and stylish.