You may think that finding a capsule wardrobe list on a budget is like finding a Gucci belt for less than $100, and youโd be right. They are both rare, but well done, you found it! – The List, not the belt, sorry – Believe it on or not, it really is possible to put together a stylish and versatile capsule wardrobe without emptying your life savings or maxing out your credit card. Donโt believe me? Then get ready to be shocked by this capsule wardrobe list 2022.
YOUR GO-TO CAPSULE WARDROBE LIST ON A BUDGET:
As with most of my capsule lists, the recommendations have been split into categories so you can easily find what youโre looking for. Tops, Sweaters, Bottoms, Shoes, etc. You get the picture – Now get the outfits! You can compare this list to what you already have to see if youโre missing anything. Then using the capsule wardrobe formula, youโll be able to maximize your outfit combinations. Letโs go!
TOPS
1. White T-Shirts (x2)
Probably the most obvious staple of any capsule wardrobe shopping list, white t-shirts. We donโt want to sacrifice quality for price, so these 100% cotton tees from MANGO are a great option.
2. Neutral Colored Tees (x2)
Now for a bit more color, give these little beauties from H&M a try. At these prices, you could probably pick up 2 or 3 in different colors. Pick the one that suits your look and weโre good to go.
3. Stripe Teeย
Youโve got the solids, now for the stripes. Itโs the same tee as above from H&M, so while youโre grabbing yourself a colored one, get a striped one in your basket too. Stripes are big this season, so this classifies as an essential.
4. Black T-Shirts (x2)ย
Almost as iconic as the white tee, we have the black tee. Again, save yourself a trip and easily add it to your basket while browsing the other tees from H&M. The quality is still up to standard despite being so affordable.
5. White Tank Tops (x2)ย
A battle for the most essential top spot between white tees and white tanks would be a close call. I just love the versatility of tank tops, especially in the warmer months. A light summer capsule wardrobe is built around these.
6. Oversized Cotton Shirtย
Speaking of versatility, I canโt imagine any capsule wardrobe list of items not including an oversized shirt. Theyโre just so easy to throw on and pair with pretty much anything. They also come in a variety of colors, so you can pick the one that suits you most. (My recommendation is white or beige.)
7. Beige Linen Shirtย
Lastly, for the Tops section, we have the beige linen shirt. A must-have on any summer capsule wardrobe list. Itโs a gorgeous piece on its own or with the right jacket, blazer, coat, or sweater. We love combinations, and with a neutral linen shirt, thatโs what we get. Speaking of sweaters, letโs talk about them.
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SWEATERS
8. Long-Sleeve Turtle Neck Top (x2 – white & beige)ย
The classy vibe you get from a long-sleeve turtle neck top is hard to match. These are not just limited to your winter capsule wardrobe list. Like the linen shirt, they can be styled solo or layered to complete the look. Steve Jobs was an innovator in tech, and he also knew how this piece can make a statement.
9. White Hoodieย
Never underestimate the need for a white hoodie in your collection. They not only have the ability to pair well with many items, but they also have this incredible power to be dressed both up and down. You can go from casual beach babe to inner-city girl boss, just by switching your bottoms and jacket. Not many pieces of apparel can do that.
10. Basic Sweater (x2 – black & cream)ย ย
When the temperature dips, the layers save us from the chill. Grab yourself one black and one cream basic sweater, and youโre set. To make it even easier, you can get them both in the same place. Weโre not just talking affordable, weโre talking convenient.
11. Ribbed Turtle Neck Sweater (x 2 – white & beige)
When the long-sleeve turtle neck top just isnโt enough, her big sister is here to step in. Always a good idea to have one of these warm turtle neck sweaters within reach when the evening starts to set in. Get cozy and let this one hug you warm till bedtime.ย
12. Half Zip Stripe Sweaterย
You might not see the half zip stripe sweater as an essential, but I absolutely love it. I love the look, I love the fit, I love the style. It canโt just be me, as I see this piece selling out in no time. Youโve got to be fast to grab these important staples.
13. Relaxed Sweatshirts (x2 – grey & black)ย
If you can only get one layer to add to your top, then a relaxed sweatshirt is a safe option. One of the most versatile mid-layers you can get. Easy to style, easy to pair. The comfort is a bonus too, not to mention the price. A light grey and beige are my go-to.
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OUTERWEAR
14. Beige Trench Coatย ย
Iโve said it before in previous posts. You must, I repeat MUST have a trench coat in your wardrobe. I canโt emphasize this enough. It has it all. Style, versatility, practicality. Similar to the white hoodie, you can dress up and dress down accordingly. Hell, even just a trench coat and sunglasses gives me special agent vibes, and looks bada**.
15. Denim Jacketย ย
What is it about denim jackets that just makes them look so damn cool? I donโt know what it is, but Iโm here for it. Especially in white. Just try not to get any make-up on the collar. Blue and black are safer options and look just as good to be fair.
16. Long Neutral Coatย ย
If trench coats donโt do it for you, then these gorgeous long coats will. The belt really helps to shape your body and emphasizes that feminine silhouette. Or you can leave it open and let gracefully float behind you as you make your way down the street trying to avoid paparazzi – hey, a girl can dream!
17. Puffer Coatย ย
A little more padding to keep you warm on the cooler days. These puffer coats come in a few different shades. Again, the belt help to shape, and to be honest, if itโs getting cold, Iโm going to be wrapped uptight.ย
18. Cropped Cardiganย ย
An easy extra layer to throw on when you feel the breeze. Keep this cropped cardigan open itโs not too cold. The soft knit-blend is comfortable, and check out those buttons! You may have known stripes were in, but so are big buttons. You heard it here first!ย
19. Timeless Blazers (x2 – black & neutral)ย ย
Emphasis on the word โTimelessโ. These blazers really will stand the test of time – fashionably speaking. You can go for the cool smart-casual look, or dress it up for more formal occasions. Either way, people will know youโre the boss of your own style, and you really know what youโre doing when it comes to outfits.ย
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BOTTOMS
20. Black Leggings – (x2 – cotton & faux leather)ย
A core item youโll find even in the most minimalist capsule wardrobe list. Black leggings will save the day no matter what kind of outfit you need. Itโs hard to remember life before they came around. At least theyโre here now, and they wonโt be going anywhere for a long time.
21. Smart Pants (x2 – black & cream ones)
These pants look smart and look the part. For your more formal meetings and professional moments, these will have you ready to do business. The wide-leg creases really sharpen the look. A style that shouts โLetโs get to workโ.
22. Classy Jeans (x3 – black, blue & white ones)ย
Of course, jeans are going to be on this list. How could they not be!? Possibly to most useful and versatile bottoms, you could own. Not many occasions this classy pair wouldnโt be suitable for.ย
23. Joggers (x2 – cream & gray ones)ย
Yes, you can be comfy and stay stylish. The trick is to pair the joggers with the right top and jacket to complete the look. Running errands in style, or just running in general. Helpful for when you snoozed the alarm and need to run to make that appointment.ย
24. Shorts (x2 – denim & linen)ย
Now for when it gets warmer or you just want to show off a bit more leg, the shorts are here. Denim or Linen? I say both. The weather and occasion will decide which to wear. Either way, youโre covered. At least, your hips will be.
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DRESSES + SKIRTS + SUITS
25. Black Dressย
Look no further for that capsule wardrobe little black dress. You already know you want it – dare I say NEED it! Itโs the ultimate throw-on for both special and not-so-special events. As with most capsule wardrobe outfits, itโs all about what you match it with. Dress it up for dates and nights out. Dress it down for brunches and late-night shopping. It will be your second best friend – after me.
26. Casual Summer Dressย ย
One of my favorite parts of summer is getting to wear this type of pretty dresses. Spinning around in the sunโs glow, the gentle breeze floating through your hair. Summer dreams! Not much else is needed. Just a pair of shoes and a smile.
27. Go-to Skirtย ย
This skirt really lives up to its name. A fabulous style that can easily be chucked on when needed. Business meets and after-work drinks, youโre ready. The metallic buttons really complete the look. Not only are we styling on a budget, but weโre looking expensive. #winning
28. Suits (x2 – Black/Navy + neutral one)ย
Job interviews, investor meetings, or just feeling like looking like a boss, youโll probably need a suit like this (blazer + pants). Itโs your power play for all formal and semi-formal events. Then again, you donโt really need to wait for the occasion. If you wanna suit up, then suit up. You go boss b*tch!ย
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SHOES
29. White Sneakersย ย
A solid staple of theย footwear department. Super easy to combine with both smart and casual outfits. Plus letโs face it, comfy feet make the day a whole lot better. White sneakers bring the style without the pain. No blisters here from walking around all day. Thank you very much.
30. Smart Shoesย ย
For a more elegant look, these sophisticated beauties will gracefully take you into the establishment of your choosing. With a fantastic combination of sexy and serious, you best make an outfit to match.
31. Black Ankle Bootsย ย
Black ankle boots are a great statement piece to rock with most outfits. Denim may seem like the obvious pairing, but donโt be afraid to try some outside-the-box stylish with other items in your capsule wardrobe. You may be surprised what works well.
32. Cream Knee-High Bootsย ย
The shape may be confused for a rain boot, but that color wonโt! The off-white is dreamy, but even the dark beige would work with a lot of outfits. With or without leggings? The choice is yours. Either way, youโll be looking outstanding in these knee-high boots.
33. Everyday Slidesย ย
Easy, breezy, and surprisingly comfortable. You wonโt have any problems sliding your feet into this pair. Itโs not often our feet get to breathe the fresh air. Itโs also an opportunity to show off that new pedi you just got. Matching mani? Now youโre just showing off.
ACCESSORIES
34. Padded Tote Bagย ย
This style of padded tote bags is taking over the fashion scene. Iโm seeing them everywhere and for good reasons. They are fantastic for keeping all the necessities of life. You know – phone, purse, mirror, hairbrush, water bottle, chargers, laptop, make-up, chewing gum. The essentials.
35. Elegant Bagย ย
For some more style, this bag from MANGO screams high-end. Thankfully the price doesnโt match. A great accessory for dinner, drinks, and Instagram posts. Thank me later and tag me in the pics. Youโre welcome.
36. Warm Scarfย ย
A good scarf really makes a difference in the cold seasons. This fringed edge piece will keep the cold winds at bay while youโre out and about. You can even keep it in your padded tote bag when itโs not needed. See, another thing to add to the list of essentials.
37. Timeless Sunglassesย
The final accessory to complete the look – even when itโs not sunny, is a pair of timeless sunglasses. Add an element of mystery, hide from the papz, or just look really cool whilst sipping your morning coffee. Working it like Miss Hepburn outside Tiffanyโs, croissant and coffee in hand.ย
This post was all about your go-to capsule wardrobe list on a budget.
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