Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: 10 Pieces That Work Together

The Capsule Wardrobe Edit

A capsule wardrobe is a small set of pieces that all work together, so every top goes with every bottom and getting dressed takes a minute instead of twenty. Our core line is built for it. Every top below is cut from the same microfiber and spandex fabric, wrinkle-free and made in the USA, in sizes XS–XL and the neutrals that go with everything. Start with these ten and you have the top half of a capsule wardrobe. New to the idea? Read what a capsule wardrobe is.

See the 10 pieces →

Capsule wardrobe: Deborah V-neck in Pearl

Capsule wardrobe: Sabrina boatneck in Natural

Capsule wardrobe: Karen relaxed V-neck in White

The 10 pieces

Ten tops in four sleeve lengths, all in core neutrals. Each one works with the other nine. Tap any piece to see every color and size.

Deborah V-neck

Pearl

$94

The everyday 3/4 sleeve V-neck. Most outfits start here.

Stephanie scoop tank

White

$84

The base layer. On its own in summer, under everything the rest of the year.

Sabrina boatneck

Natural

$94

The dressiest top in the capsule. Boatneck, 3/4 sleeve.

Karen relaxed V-neck

White

$99

A V-neck cut wider through the body, for easy days and over leggings.

Juliet jewel neck

Black

$99

The long sleeve for cold months. Sits flat under a jacket.

Cathy jewel neck tee

Navy

$88

The short-sleeve piece. It does the job of a good T-shirt, only smarter.

Christina boatneck shell

White

$88

A sleeveless shell for under a blazer or cardigan.

Alexa layering tank

Natural

$55

A lighter tank for layering under open necklines.

Claudette relaxed tank

White

$91

A relaxed tank that skims over trousers and skirts.

Tracey sleeveless V-neck

Black

$86

The sleeveless V-neck for warm days, travel and the golf course.

How to build it

Pick two or three neutrals

White, black, navy, pearl or natural. When every piece shares the same few colors, everything matches everything.

Mix your sleeve lengths

Sleeveless, short, 3/4 and long sleeve. The same capsule then covers every season instead of one.

Keep a base layer

A tank goes under open necklines, cardigans and jackets, and stands on its own when it is warm.

Add one layer piece

A jacket, cardigan or wrap you already own changes the look without adding more tops.

Choose one fabric

When every top is the same wrinkle-free knit, it all washes together and nothing needs ironing.

Capsule wardrobe questions, answered

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that all work together. You choose a few neutral colors and simple shapes, so every top goes with every bottom and you get more outfits from fewer pieces.

How many pieces are in a capsule wardrobe?

There is no fixed number. Many women start with around 10 tops, 4 to 6 bottoms and a couple of layers, which comes to roughly 20 to 30 pieces. The 10 tops on this page make a complete top half.

What colors work best in a capsule wardrobe?

Neutrals that all go with each other. White, black, navy, pearl and natural are the easiest to build on. Pick two or three as your base, then add one color you love as an accent.

Can a capsule wardrobe work for travel?

Yes, it is the easiest way to pack. Choose five or six pieces in two neutrals and everything mixes. Fabric matters most here: a wrinkle-free knit comes out of the suitcase ready to wear.

What are capsule wardrobe essentials for women over 50?

Tops with a little more coverage and a fit that skims rather than clings: a 3/4 sleeve V-neck, a boatneck, a long sleeve jewel neck and a sleeveless shell for under a jacket. Soft neutrals such as pearl and natural are flattering near the face, and a fabric that holds its shape and needs no ironing makes it easy to wear every day.

Want the full list? Use our printable capsule wardrobe checklist.

More from JudyP

What is a capsule wardrobe? — the complete guide. The capsule wardrobe checklist — every piece, in one printable list. The Neutral Edit — our tops in white, black, navy, pearl and natural. The Smart Casual Edit — five outfits built from the same pieces.