How to Create a Work Capsule Wardrobe in 2024
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If you’re looking to upgrade your office outfits, I’ve created the perfect classic work capsule wardrobe for 2023. It features the work wardrobe essentials that you need to put together smart, chic looks for the office. I have also included several outfit ideas that you can recreate using the pieces in this office wardrobe. There are endless ways to mix and match items, so you’ll always have something stylish to wear. Continue reading for the 20 key pieces you need to create this office capsule wardrobe.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Work
The goal of a work capsule wardrobe is to help you spend less time getting dressed in the morning and create more outfits with a few versatile pieces. By building your own work wardrobe, you’ll always look chic without having to worrying about what you’re going to wear.
This capsule wardrobe is meant to inspire you as you curate your own office wardrobe, and it is easily adjustable to suit your personal style and work environment. You can add or subtract items, swap in different pieces, etc. Here are a few ways to adapt this capsule and create an office capsule wardrobe that works for you.
Climate
If you live in a colder climate, consider adding extra outerwear to this wardrobe. A wool coat can be added or swapped for the trench coat to make this wardrobe appropriate for the winter. Tank tops and short-sleeves can be substituted for long-sleeves and sweaters. Add a pair of tights to wear under dresses and skirts for extra warmth. Swap the heels for ankle or knee-high boots.
If you live in a warmer climate, choose lightweight outerwear such as short jackets and linen blazers. An extra dress or skirt can be a useful addition for the summer months. Include a few more tank tops and t-shirts to serve as layering pieces. Swap the boucle bag for something more summer-appropriate.
Dress Code
Your office dress code policy is important to consider before you start shopping. This will help you decide which pieces will suit you best in your own workplace. Adapt this capsule wardrobe with items that are most practical for your day-to-day tasks. If your dress code is more casual, you might add a pair or two of jeans to this capsule wardrobe. If your job is more active, you could swap out the heels for flats.
Personal Style
Putting together a classic work capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to fill your closet with bland basics. Incorporate pieces that reflect your own personal style. If too many neutral-colored pieces doesn’t suit your tastes, add bright colored blazers and bold printed blouses. Swap oversized jackets for form-fitting cardigan, straight-leg pants for midi skirts, gold jewelry for silver. Customize this wardrobe to reflect your unique style.
Color Palette
A neutral color palette will allow you to create more classic outfits with fewer pieces, so begin by investing in pieces in neutral colors such as black, white, camel, beige, gray, etc. Then choose one or two accent colors to add a statement to your looks. For a fall or winter work wardrobe, dark colors like mustard yellow, emerald green and burnt orange are ideal. For a spring or summer work wardrobe, try lighter colors like powder blue, blush pink or lilac. If you prefer an all-neutral color palette, then you might diversify your looks by choosing neutral-colored items in fun patterns like leopard print, houndstooth, plaid, stripes, or floral.
Budget
Investing in high-quality pieces will help to extend the life of your capsule wardrobe, but if your budget is limited, you can still curate a classic work capsule that won’t break the bank. Start by assessing the items that you already own. This will allow you to determine which pieces will be the most valuable to add to your wardrobe. You probably already own some of the items in this capsule wardrobe, and adding the right pieces can fill in the gaps. Once you identify the most important items, you can start to budget for them and slowly curate your wardrobe. Shopping for everything at once can be stressful and expensive, so try to enjoy the process and you’ll appreciate your wardrobe even more.
The Classic Work Capsule Wardrobe
This classic work capsule wardrobe features 20 key pieces: 3 pieces of outwear, 4 tops, 3 bottoms, 1 dress, 3 pairs of shoes and 6 accessories which will allow you to put together several stylish work outfits. It includes timeless pieces that can be easily worn together for both office and after-work looks. In fact, you likely already have some of these items in your current wardrobe.
Work Capsule Pieces
Shoulder bag (sold out, similar here and here)
Shop the Capsule Wardrobe
Work Outfit Ideas
The Best Brands for Building a Work Capsule Wardrobe
You can find classic pieces for your work wardrobe almost anywhere, but there are a some brands that offer a better selection of chic, office-appropriate attire. Here are some of the best capsule brands for building a work wardrobe based on your budget. Shop these brands to curate your own work capsule or to add extra items to this classic work capsule wardrobe.
Low Budget
Mid-Range Budget
High Budget
What are your workwear essentials? Let me know in the comments below.
