Finally, A Work Wardrobe Capsule That’s Chic & Comfy
Why Build a Professional Capsule Wardrobe?
A work wardrobe capsule is a collection of versatile clothing pieces that you can easily mix and match to create an array of office-appropriate outfits. With a well-curated work wardrobe, you spend less time getting dressed and still look polished each day.
Plus, you experience a myriad of capsule wardrobe benefits from saving money to reducing decision fatigue. If you want to make looking good at work the norm rather than the exception, this guide has you covered.
Scroll on to find:
A minimalist work capsule wardrobe that works year-round
A step-by-step guide to building your ideal office capsule wardrobe
Work outfit ideas including summer and winter options
The best stores to shop at for high-quality work clothing
Your dream office wardrobe won’t build itself. Let’s begin!
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Table of Contents
A Professional & Chic Work Wardrobe Capsule
5 Tops
Let’s kick off this work wardrobe capsule with essential work tops. Since these blouses come in comfortable materials and classic silhouettes, mixing and matching them is easy.
Whether your workplace has a business casual vibe or a strict professional dress code, these versatile basics will have you office ready.
Browse essentials like an Oxford button-down and seamless bodysuit below. A few of these tops make an appearance in this chic French capsule wardrobe I created.
Professional Capsule Wardrobe Tops:
Oxford Shirt
Printed Blouse
Long Sleeve Bodysuit
Neck Tie Blouse
Mock Neck Blouse
4 Bottoms
Want to make getting dressed for work easy? I recommend having some year-round basics that you can rely on like versatile pants and a few flattering skirts. Wide-leg trousers and breezy midi skirts can easily be winterized with thick tights during colder months. Browse the options below for a well-rounded work wardrobe capsule.
Office Capsule Wardrobe Bottoms:
Wide Leg Trousers
Silk Midi Skirt
Straight Leg Trousers
Structured Pencil Skirt
2 Dresses
Next up in our business capsule wardrobe- the flattering office dress. There are many reasons to add office dresses to your rotation from the versatility to the instant polish they provide. Plus, neutral-colored dresses will have you looking polished in a flash on days when you’re running late. Just be sure to invest in high-quality pieces that will hold their shape over time.
Professional Capsule Wardrobe Dresses:
Belted Plaid Dress
Sustainable Sheath Dress
2 Jackets
Layers add interest to an office wardrobe and they provide some warmth when the AC is blasting for no apparent reason. You can go far with a classic blazer in a neutral color.
Wear it over dresses, slip one over a dainty blouse, or even pair one with matching trousers for a monochrome moment that’s sure to turn a few heads in the conference room.
If blazers are not your favorite, try a structured wrap coat for a sophisticated and unique office outfit.
Office Capsule Wardrobe Jackets:
Buttoned Blazer
Cashmere Wrap Coat
4 Shoes
Not to be dramatic but shoes can make or break an office outfit. In light of this, we want chic styles only. From velvet loafers to slingback heels options abound. To narrow the list, look for neutral-colored shoes that are comfortable enough to wear for 8+ hours.
You’ll also want to look for shoes that complement your current workwear pieces. For instance, if you tend to love wearing tan trousers at work, choose some neutral-colored heels and boots to elongate your legs and complete the look.
Professional Capsule Wardrobe Shoes:
Heeled Booties
Comfy Loafers
Slingback Heels
Classic Pumps
Here’s a polished yet comfortable capsule wardrobe that is perfect for mixing and matching. With pops of color and oh-so-many combinations, this closet is ideal for a busy, stylish professional.
5 Tops
Oxford Shirt
Printed Blouse
Long Sleeve Bodysuit
Neck Tie Blouse
Mock Neck Blouse
4 Bottoms
Wide Leg Trousers
Silk Midi Skirt
Straight Leg Trousers
Structured Pencil Skirt
2 Dresses & Jackets
Belted Plaid Dress
Sustainable Sheath Dress
Buttoned Blazer
Cashmere Wrap Coat
4 Shoes
Heeled Booties
Comfy Loafers
Slingback Heels
Classic Pumps
How Much Should You Spend on a Capsule Wardrobe for Work?
The amount you should spend on a work wardrobe depends on your personal budget and the type of items you plan to buy. If you are starting a capsule wardrobe from scratch, it may cost from $500-$1000. However, if you’re working with what you already have and simply filling in gaps, you’ll likely spend less on your work capsule.
If you are looking for high-quality, timeless pieces that can be worn for multiple seasons, you’ll invest more money upfront. Remember that a capsule wardrobe won’t come together overnight. Take time to buy the right items and spread out purchases to make it work for your budget.
How Big Should a Work Wardrobe Be?
Work capsule wardrobes generally contain between 15 to 40 pieces but there is no perfect number to aim for. The size of a work capsule wardrobe depends on the type of work you do, how often you need to wash your clothing, and your style preferences. In general, it should be big enough to fit the basic items needed for your daily work routine. For example, the minimum amount of tops I have in my work capsule is 5, one for every day of the week. Bottoms are easier to repeat and don’t need to be washed as often so having 3 or 4 works well.
Your capsule may include a handful of dress shirts, a couple of trousers, multiple work dresses, and a few accessories. The exact size of the wardrobe is ultimately up to you. But remember that simplicity is key in a capsule. A bloated wardrobe will only complicate your morning routine.