8 Must-Know Brands for Building a Capsule Wardrobe in 2024
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You can find high-quality, versatile pieces for your capsule wardrobe almost anywhere, but there are some brands that I shop at more frequently for pieces that fit my capsule style. In this post, I’m sharing my 8 must-know brands for building a capsule wardrobe on any budget. If you want to create a capsule in 2024, then shop these brands for long-lasting, timeless closet essentials.
In my own capsule wardrobe, I usually opt for minimalist, timeless items. Depending on the garment, I will splurge and buy from a more expensive brand or save by purchasing from a more affordable retailer. For wool coats, tailored trousers, and leather bags, I often spend a little more since these are pieces that I wear often. For trendier items, layering basics and lesser-worn items, I usually choose more affordable options. However, no matter your budget, you can create a well-curated capsule by shopping the suggested brands below.
What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential pieces that are carefully selected to create a versatile and functional wardrobe. Curating a capsule wardrobe simplifies the process of getting dressed each day, streamlining your closet to include only items that you love and that suit your personal style.
The concept is all about quality over quantity, focusing on timeless, well-fitting pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits. Capsule wardrobes are often organized by season and can be customized to suit individual preferences and lifestyle needs. It's a smart, stylish approach to fashion that emphasizes quality, versatility, and personal expression.
Read More: How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe in 2024
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Creating a capsule wardrobe will allow you to spend less time getting dressed in the morning and create more outfits with fewer, versatile pieces. You’ll always look stylish and be prepared for any occasion without having to worry about what you’re going to wear. Here are a few ways to build a capsule wardrobe that works for you.
1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe
Before considering the items you want to purchase, assess the items that you already own. Spend an afternoon reviewing each piece in your closet. Donate or recycle the items that you no longer need in your wardrobe. Here are a few questions to consider during the process:
Does this item fit me?
Is this item in good condition (no holes, piling, etc.)?
Do I enjoy wearing this item?
Is this item versatile? Will it go with other items in my wardrobe?
2. Choose a Color Palette
A neutral color palette will allow you to create more outfits with fewer pieces, so opt for pieces in neutral colors such as black, white, camel, beige, gray, etc. These colors not only look elegant, but they’re easier to mix and match. Next, pick 1 or 2 accent colors to add personality to your capsule wardrobe.
3. Plan Before Purchasing
After reviewing your current wardrobe and choosing a color palette, you can now identify which pieces you should add to your closet to fill in the gaps. Start by exploring Pinterest and your go-to fashion blogs for outfit inspiration. Make a Pinterest board with your favorite outfits that you’d love to wear. It’s best to search for everyday outfits if you’re just getting started, but you could also add some formal and evening looks to your board. Then make a list of every piece needed to create those outfits and remove from that list any items that you already own. You’ve now determined the items you need to build your dream wardrobe.
It can be tempting to buy everything on this list at once, but it’s better to start by budgeting for the pieces that appear most frequently on your board and slowly curate your wardrobe. For example, if a trench coat is featured in several outfits on your board, then you might start by purchasing or saving for this item. Shopping for everything at once can be stressful and expensive, so try to enjoy the process and you’ll appreciate your capsule wardrobe even more.
4. Consider Shopping Secondhand
Creating a capsule wardrobe doesn’t need to be expensive. You can shop more affordable brands while also finding budget-friendly pieces by shopping secondhand. You’re more likely to score higher quality items without overspending. Several of the staple pieces in my wardrobe are actually from outlet and secondhand sites like TheRealReal.
8 Must-Know Brands for Building a Capsule Wardrobe
1. Uniqlo
Uniqlo is my go-to retailer for budget-friendly wardrobe basics like solid sweaters, cotton tees and even down jackets. They’ve truly mastered functionality and minimalist design, which makes them an excellent brand to shop for timeless pieces for your capsule wardrobe. Personally, I swear by their basic white tees—they nail the perfect weight, cut, and, most importantly, price point! If you’re looking to build your capsule wardrobe on a budget, I’d highly recommend starting at Uniqlo.
2. Quince
Quince makes high-quality essentials at a much lower price than leading luxury brands. $50 cashmere sweaters? I’ll take three, please. Beyond their cult cashmere pieces, you can also shop washable silk skirts, leather jackets, linen pants, and much more at an affordable price point. It’s one of my favorite brands to shop for classic everyday staples. Check out Quince’s lookbooks for extra wardrobe inspiration. Explore Flipping The Way We Shop for well-made essentials or Wardrobe That Works for effortless office looks.
Read More: 10 Best Affordable Brands for Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
3. Everlane
Everlane stands out as another affordable brand for building a capsule wardrobe, offering a range of timeless pieces made from top-notch materials. I’m a huge fan of their denim jeans and leather totes, but they have several high-quality basics that are worth shopping. From cashmere crews to classic sneakers, you’ll find both stylish and sustainable pieces to create a well-rounded capsule.
Need some style inspiration? Check out all of the tagged looks under #EverlaneOnYou to discover new ways to style your Everlane pieces. It's also a great way to see how the items look in “real-life” and on various body types.
4. COS
COS is the best place to shop for reinvented, functional classics and wardrobe essentials that will last season after season. With their mid-range prices, you can curate your closet with quality pieces that won’t break the bank. Among my favorites are their timeless knitwear, poplin shirts, and easy outerwear (I’m obsessed with their trench coats).
If you want a classic curation of pieces for your capsule wardrobe, check out their Essentials collection. From style foundations to the ultimate tailoring, you’ll find versatile pieces that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come.
Read More: The Best Brands to Shop for Wardrobe Basics
5. Cuyana
Cuyana offers modern, classic clothing as well as a great collection of timeless leather bags and accessories. If you want to invest in long-lasting wardrobe staples, this brand is one you shouldn’t miss. Their leather travel cases are one of their best-sellers, but cozy lounge sets, functional tote bags and well-craft leather accessoires are also worth the splurge.
Explore the brand’s core collection of timeless staples for a versatile wardrobe that works for all occasions, year-round. It’s also worth checking out their Lean Closet program. They offer a complementary Cuyana x thredUP shipping label that you can use to pare down your closet and help benefit women through H.E.A.R.T.
6. Eileen Fisher
Known for their sustainable and elegant clothing, Eileen Fisher is an excellent brand to shop for creating a sophisticated capsule wardrobe. Their emphasis on simplicity and enduring style ensures that each piece seamlessly integrates into your wardrobe. From refined basics to versatile essentials, Eileen Fisher provides the foundation for a thoughtfully curated closet.
Whether you’re dressing for work or a casual occasion, check out their How to Wear edits for extra wardrobe inspiration.
7. Filippa K
Filippa K is a sustainable fashion brand that offers timeless styles designed with Scandinavian minimalism. It’s definitely worth the splurge if you want to cultivate a capsule wardrobe that you’ll love for longer. Great style, high quality, and impeccable fit — you can’t go wrong with any of the brand’s pieces, but their Hutton trousers are one of my favorites to shop.
The Core Collection features Filippa K’s range of closet staples that are the ideal foundation for your wardrobe. These styles never go on sale, but they are definitely worth the investment. I’d also recommend shopping the brand secondhand on sites like Vestiare Collective and TheRealReal, especially if you’re looking to build a capsule wardrobe on a budget.
8. Theory
For comfortable, contemporary styles, look no further than Theory. Their mix of timeless and trendier pieces will elevate your capsule wardrobe if you’re tired of too many boring basics. Colorful silk shirts, upgraded knitwear and 100% wool coats are just a few of my favorite pieces to buy from the brand.
Creating a quality capsule wardrobe shouldn't mean overspending. If you want to create a capsule with high quality pieces from Theory without the high price point, consider shopping the brand secondhand. You can find several gently-used pieces on sites like Vestiare Collective and TheRealReal.
What are your favorite brands to shop for your capsule wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below.
