Workwear Capsule Wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes really exploded in popularity a few years ago. They consist of a small collection of items (tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, etc.) that you can either wear for a short length of time (like for a vacation) or for an extended period of time (think Project 333—wearing 33 items for 3 months). They are a great way to figure out your personal style and/or to streamline your mornings if you find yourself taking way too long to decide what you want to wear because you have too many clothes (it me!).
Putting together a workwear capsule wardrobe has many benefits: you’ll have “core” pieces that you can mix and match to create outfits for any office occasion or environment, you’ll know what to wear to work every morning and reduce decision fatigue, and you’ll reduce the urge to keep adding more to your wardrobe (and spend more money) because you already have what you need.
As a full-time hybrid employee myself, I put together a 22-piece workwear capsule wardrobe complete with key foundational pieces that make up the core of your work wardrobe. You can always add more items to mix in with these key pieces! I tried to pick items that could work no matter the office dress code, but I am biased towards more casual pieces because that’s what I know (and wear). I hope this capsule wardrobe helps you put together outfits that give you confidence in and out of the office!
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Workwear Capsule Wardrobe
Workwear Tops
Sleeveless Silk Top
The most classic workwear top for your capsule wardrobe is a sleeveless silk top. They’re the quintessential top to wear under blazers and/or cardigans and nice enough to wear on their own. I'm personally not a huge fan of silk because they’re a bit too delicate for my lifestyle, but washable silk has been increasing in popularity. If you like the look of silk but hate the usual upkeep like I do, give a washable silk top a try!
Patterned Tee
Pick a simple short-sleeved or long-sleeved tee in a fun pattern that matches your personality and personal style! I immediately gravitate towards stripes; it’s a classic pattern that goes with everything, and it intersects various styles. You could go classic with navy and white stripes or black and white stripes or add some fun with multicolored stripes.
If stripes aren’t your style, consider a floral, windowpane, spotted, splotched, or other pattern. I recommend a pattern that isn’t too busy for the workplace. Busy patterns also don’t work as well on camera if you’re a remote employee.
Long-sleeved Blouse
I really like having long-sleeved blouses that don’t have collars. They feel more casual than your typical button-down shirt but still pair perfectly with trousers or denim for work. How formal your blouse feels will depend on the material you choose (silk, cotton, linen, etc.) and the colors and patterns. I recommend avoiding anything 100% rayon, as it will shrink in the wash and never go back to how it was originally! (Ask me how I know…)
Collared Button-up Shirt
I know collared button-up shirts made of cotton poplin are ubiquitous in workwear capsule wardrobes. That’s because they’re one of the most common shirts you’ll see in the office. They can look very polished depending on the styling (you can also make them look more casual with a looser fit). Classic button-up colors include white and light blue.
If those shirts feel too stiff to you and don’t fit your personal style, you could opt for a linen button-up shirt and/or flannel button-up shirt! Both are great options and are worn in completely different seasons/weather.
Basic Sweater
For those ladies that experience four seasons, a sweater (or, more likely—multiple sweaters) is a must. Kick off your workwear capsule wardrobe with a basic cashmere sweater. I reviewed a bunch of affordable cashmere sweaters to help you pick one. If you are allergic to cashmere, look for a similar option in cotton! Merino wool is also a great alternative to cashmere; it’s smoother and can sometimes feel softer, though I don’t find it as warm as cashmere.
Workwear Bottoms
Midi Skirt
In the warmer months, it’s definitely nice to own a midi (or maxi) skirt. Midi skirts can be tricky to get right if you are petite like I am; when shopping for midi skirts, look for skirts that hit right below your knee at the narrowest part of your leg. That will help you not feel short/stumpy in the skirt. You can find midi skirts in a variety of styles, including pencil, A-line, ruffled, wrap, swing. It’s easier to walk in a midi skirt that is less fitted around your legs.
Ponte Pants
Other than jeans, ponte pants are what I wore almost exclusively when I was a grad student! They are so versatile and so, so comfy. It almost feels like you’re cheating when you wear ponte pants, like you shouldn’t be able to wear pants that comfy to work—ha! Ponte pants exist in a few different styles (namely skinny, straight leg, flare, and wide leg), and I really love skinny ponte pants because they can easily be paired with boots in the winter. They also do NOT look like leggings in my experience, which can sometimes be a worry.
Loose Trousers
Trousers are the one style of work pant I have not fully explored. To be honest, it’s the pleats that aren’t my style; the loose leg is definitely something I’m into right now. The trousers that are on trend right now can feel like pajamas, and who doesn’t want to wear office-appropriate pajamas to work?! Pair your loose trousers with a blazer for a faux suit situation!
Dark-wash Jeans
If you work in a more casual work environment like I do, you might wear jeans all the time. If you work in a more formal office, you might only be allowed to wear jeans on Fridays. I love having a pair of dark wash denim in my arsenal. I can dress them up if needed if I’m hosting an event at work AND wear them out and about on the weekends. Pick a dark wash denim silhouette that fits your personal style, whether that is skinny, straight leg, wide leg, kick crop, flare, etc.!
Workwear Dresses
Solid-colored Dress
To get started with your workwear capsule wardrobe, I recommend at least one dress in a solid color. If dresses are more your thing than separates are, feel free to swap any of the bottoms that don’t speak to you with dresses!
I know black dresses are ubiquitous in capsule wardrobes, so I didn’t want to write “black dress” because you might decide on a different solid color that is more versatile for you, but a black dress is a workwear favorite for good reason. You can wear black with any other colors in your wardrobe.
I also didn’t specify a dress silhouette. It definitely can take some trial and error to figure out your favorite dress silhouette(s). I am currently partial to the sack-life kaftan dresses that hit just below my knee, but I also love fit-and-flare dresses, shirt dresses, sheath dresses, and A-line tent dresses.
Workwear Outerwear
Solid-colored Classic Blazer
When I think of a classic blazer, the first thing I think of is the J.Crew Schoolboy blazer. It’s probably because I’m a millennial and that was THE blazer of my college/grad school years. It seemed like everyone owned one when I started blogging back in 2013!
There is merit in including at least one solid-colored blazer in your work capsule wardrobe. You could go the classic wool route or opt for something more casual, like a knit jersey (my personal favorite). Currently, the longer, boyfriend-style blazers with a more oversized fit are trending. Those definitely lean more casual but may work just as well depending on the formality of your office.
Sweater Blazer
I truly think a sweater blazer is a workwear staple, especially if you work in a business casual work environment. They’re less “stuffy”/formal than a typical classic, schoolboy-style blazer; the fit is usually more oversized, and a sweater blazer is typically made from soft knit fabrics like a cotton-cashmere blend. They’re a three-season blazer and can even be worn in the summer if your office has aggressive air conditioning like mine does.
Trench Coat
A trench coat will always be a classic—they’re perfect for work as well as everyday life outside of work. There are so many variations of the trench coat. You could go for a double- or single-breasted trench coat. Opt for a khaki/light tan color or pick something darker like navy. Depending on your height, you might prefer a shorter mid-thigh length or go for the ubiquitous mid-calf length. Even though I’m picking “typical” items for this capsule wardrobe, make sure the items fit your own personal style!
Wool Coat
Much like the trench coat, a wool coat is a work capsule wardrobe staple. A wool coat is perfect to have on hand if you are attending a more formal work event in the cooler months. I am partial to the peacoat style (either single- or double-breasted) with a collar and figure-hugging fit. As a petite person, I prefer my wool coat to hit around my knee, but you can find wool coats in varying lengths and styles. The camel coat is timeless, but like the trench coat, pick a color that fits your style and goes with the rest of your wardrobe!
Workwear Shoes
Simple Sandals
If you live in a warm climate or somewhere that gets a real summer, you may want to consider adding a pair of simple sandals to your workwear capsule wardrobe. Of course, if you aren’t allowed to wear open-toed shoes for whatever reason, I might recommend a clog or mule instead of sandals. It’s so nice to have sandals or another pair of shoes without a back to allow your feet to breathe in the heat (and to show off a fun pedicure)!
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are always a popular work shoe option. While the specific style of ballet flat has varied over the years as the trends change, they’re still a wardrobe staple. I personally prefer almond-toed ballet flats, but those with a rounded square toe are on trend right now, and ballet flats with the strap around the foot (Mary Jane shoes) are also popular again.
Flat Loafers
Other than pumps, loafers are the most classic shoe for work. They are the most androgynous shoe option and are perfect if you like a more masculine shoe. If ballet flats aren’t your style, try a loafer. Compared to ballet flats, loafers tend to have a thicker sole and cover more of the foot. Lugsole loafers are on-trend right now and are a really fun option!
Classic Pumps
You can’t have a workwear capsule wardrobe without including a classic pump. Honestly, I don’t wear pumps to work…ever. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve worn my pumps. That said, I’m glad I have a couple of pairs (a nude-to-me pair and black pair) for more formal occasions, like interviews and important presentations. You might need to wear pumps more frequently, and for that, it makes sense to include them in your capsule wardrobe. If you don’t wear pumps that often and want to omit them, do it!
Slim Ankle Boots
I love a good pair of ankle boots and think they’re a staple in any workwear capsule wardrobe. The ankle boot trend changes a little bit every couple of years or so, and my favorite style of ankle boot isn’t on trend anymore…but I still wear them because, well, shoes are expensive and I still like them LOL. If you want a pair of ankle boots AND want to be on trend, opt for a pair that has a taller shaft and slim fit through the ankle, like a sock boot.
Sock boots/ankle boots with a slim, tall shaft work best with the current straight leg/wide leg jean/pant trend as well as with loose trousers. If ankle boots aren’t your style, consider a classic tall pair of boots, or maybe swap them out entirely for a pair of cozy all-weather boots that you can wear on your commute in inclement weather.
Workwear Jewelry and Acccessories
Statement Earrings
If you’re an earrings girly, be sure to have a pair of statement earrings in your work capsule wardrobe. There’s nothing like the combination of a collared shirt, blazer, and statement earrings to make me feel like a boss. There’s no shame in embracing what’s traditionally seen as feminine, especially if you work in a male-dominated industry (like science!).
Not into earrings or don’t have your ears pierced? Try a statement bracelet, brooch, and/or headband!
Simple Necklace(s)
I’m personally a fan of earrings and necklaces which is why I included both here, but if you like other jewelry options instead or even no jewelry, be sure to build your capsule wardrobe based on what YOU like and will wear. There are no rules here. 😉
I like having a simple pendant necklace in my jewelry collection to add a little bit of sparkle to simple outfits. I also like having at least one fun statement necklace with extra bling. Who says you can’t be a working woman AND wear whatever fun jewelry you want?!
Workwear Bags
Leather Tote
A simple leather tote bag is a classic and perfect for the office. Grab one with a zipper closure if you’re commuting on public transportation or by foot, and opt for one with a crossbody strap for more stability and weight distribution. I love my Madewell medium Transport tote in English saddle; it’s a great cognac brown that I find to be very versatile. You could get a simple black bag instead or go for a color with more personality like burgundy or olive green!
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Work
If you’re not sure where to start with your workwear capsule wardrobe, here is a quick step-by-step guide to building a capsule wardrobe. If you are looking for a more structured capsule wardrobe for work, check out my guide to putting together a style sudoku capsule wardrobe!
Track what you wear to work every day for two weeks
You won’t know what you need for your capsule wardrobe until you know what you have (and wear regularly). If you are already working, or if you are in school, track your outfits every work day for at least two weeks. (I use Stylebook to track what I wear every day.)
Doing this will tell you more about the items you reach for (styles, colors, silhouettes, etc.) and help you identify any holes you have in your wardrobe.
Make note of any holes in your workwear wardrobe
You can do this quickly and easily in the Notes app (or in a Google Doc/Sheet) on your phone. If you don’t have a pair of ponte pants and wish you had a pair, write that down. If you reach for a specific item multiple times during those two weeks and don’t have it, write it down.
Be as detailed as possible when you make note of the holes in your wardrobe. Do you want a collared shirt that is oversized or cropped? White or light blue or another color/pattern? Do you want a simple black and white striped tee or something more colorful? Do you have any particular brand in mind?
Start with your base neutral color
You’ll build the rest of your capsule wardrobe around this base color. Most people might pick black because it’s the most versatile, but you could instead pick navy blue, olive green, tan, chocolate brown, camel, white, etc. Whatever you choose, make it something you can build the rest of your wardrobe around.
When you have your base neutral color, pick out all the clothes you want to include in your capsule wardrobe that is this color you picked.
Build the rest of your capsule wardrobe
Using your base neutral color as an anchor, start pulling items from your closet that go with the base color you picked. Consider coordinating colors, accent colors, patterns, and textures. Make sure you have enough of each type of item for the length of your capsule wardrobe. For example, if you are planning a two-week work capsule wardrobe, think about how many pairs of pants and shoes you will need, and then narrow it down some more. I promise you don’t need as many items as you might think you do. You can easily put together 10-15 or more outfits with 12-16 items.
I recommend building your capsule wardrobe visually, either on your phone (you can use the packing list feature in the Stylebook closet app or even add photos of items to a note in the Notes app) or on your computer in Canva or Photoshop. It helps to also physically put all of the items together; I usually make a mess of my bed when I put together capsule wardrobes. I find that my bamboo hanging rack is a good place to stage a capsule wardrobe.
Add outerwear, shoes, jewelry, accessories
Once you have your tops, bottoms, and dresses figured out, don’t forget to include outerwear, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. You probably won’t need as many of these items as you would tops and bottoms. Don’t forget that you can always modify or omit categories that don’t fit your style.
Try on outfit combinations
Before you wear your work capsule wardrobe, try on a few outfit combinations to make sure they look as good in real life as they do in your head. Photograph or write down these outfit ideas so you can easily reference them in the morning when you get ready for work!
Enjoy wearing your workwear capsule wardrobe!
There you have it! You now have a workwear capsule wardrobe. You can either wear your capsule wardrobe for a set amount of time, or you can keep these core pieces on standby so that you can easily mix in new items and always feel confident in what you wear!
One more note: Don’t forget that you can ALWAYS remove items from your capsule wardrobe and add new items as you see fit. Your work capsule wardrobe, like your personal style, is dynamic and can change as your taste and trends change. It can also change with the seasons and based on whether you’re working in the office full-time or if you’ve switched to a remote role.