Over the past six years I have been putting together seasonal capsules but as of late I’ve been less and less motivated to pull “new” items because honestly I feel like I show similar items year after year and then it hit me. That’s because a REALLY good capsule wardrobe is just that, basics that fit amazing in classic colors and styles that you can mix and match throughout the seasons and year after year.
So this time instead of giving specific pieces and share those EXACT outfits I’m brining my 20 staples with suggestions at every price point to start building your own timeless business casual capsule.
With each item I’ve given a few in-stock options and how I’ve styled that item in the past but for more work outfits head HERE and HERE.
Trench Coat | Oversized Blazer | Tweed Jacket | Lady Cardigan | Fitted Tees | Crew Neck Blouse | V-Neck Blouse | Silk Blouse | Lightweight Sweater | Pleated Trouser | Flat Front Pant | Classic Jean | Shirt Dress | Classic Dress | Flat | Sneaker | Pump | Tote | Crossbody | Watch Band | Earrings | Belts | Bracelet
TRENCH COAT / CAR COAT
Every season I look for a longer line layering jacket/ coat or coatigan. These are great paired with dresses and long pants plus give that extra layer for seasonal weather. I’ve found that I typically reach for a tan jacket over any other color so I found a variety of trenches and car coats in that neutral color.
OVERSIZED BLAZER
If you take a look at my closet you can quickly see I’m a big fan of the blazer! Anytime I need to dress an outfit up I’m grabbing a blazer. The longer length style is very versatile and if it has a bit of stretch even better! Express has the boyfriend blazer that is the perfect blazer, polish with stretch. I’ve also done a lot of collecting of Amazon blazers along the way as well.
TWEED JACKET
This is one of those jackets that never goes out of style. Cropped tweed jackets scream classic elegance but can be paired with trousers, pants, dresses and jeans. In the fall, I decided to splurge and get this Cinq Γ Sept version and have it altered to fit me perfectly. While I invested in this jacket, there are tons out there at various price points. As a staple, I would start with a neutral, but there are so many fun colors and styles to expand into.
LADY CARDIGAN
This is another style that has come back into popularity but is also a classic! Very similar cut to the tweed jacket but this time in a softer knit fabric. I’ve found some great save options on Amazon and fee like I tend to gravitate towards a cream and stripe. The stripe helps give a pop to a solid color dress or outfit. I prefer the styles that also are a bit more structured with a gold button detail.
FITTED TEES/ TANKS
Having a variety of fitted tees or bodysuits is great for layering to create a slimming look under blazers and jackets without getting too hot. I’ve tried a ton over the years, and typically, I go for a double-lined or thick, stretchy option. I’m also not a thong girl, so when grabbing bodysuits, I try to find full coverage, but they are rare! In the Pumiey brand, these run small, so size up.
CREWNECK BLOUSE
Crewneck blouses are easy to change out season to season, but having some core neutral colors really comes in handy as well. I typically have a navy, black, and tan short-sleeve version to layer with. The Kirundo style I’m wearing in both pics flows well and comes in a ton of colors. I’m wearing a large.
V NECK BLOUSE
My other go-to are v-neck blouses! These are so easy to find season after season, but again, having some core colors as well as a variety of styles of sleeves is crucial to a classic workwear wardrobe. This is honestly the style of top I own the most because they can so easily be dressed up or down, and it allows for a pop of skin or to show off a necklace. Gibsonlook makes some great staples as well as I’ve found a bunch of great styles on Amazon.
BUTTON BLOUSE
I went back and forth on this one, but looking back at my workwear, I feel like a classic button shirt is essential. The Spanx Perfect button shirt is the only one I’ve ever found with a sealed placket, but I’ve also been loving the Quince washable silk blouses for a stretchy feminine look. These look great alone or worn under blazers for a classic professional look.
LIGHTWEIGHT SWEATER
While living in CO, I’ve needed to get better about layers, so I’ve really started gathering lightweight sweaters. Most I have are long-sleeved, but there are also some cute short-sleeve styles. I’m a fan of the Quince washable lightweight cashmere for its soft touch and great price.
PLEATED TROUSER PANTS
This workwear staple has been tricky over the years! This style has become extremely popular, but as a mid-age mom with a belly and short legs, pleats are not always my friend. I’ve found that a single-pleat pant tends to lay better, and hands down, my favorite style comes from Athleta because they are lightweight, stretchy, not too high-rise and don’t dig into the midsection.
FLAT FRONT PANTS
When it comes to work pant styles flat front pants are hands down my favorite. I tend to prefer a wide leg because it helps balance my hips and still gives some length to my legs. Although my 2nd favorite style would be a bootcut that is a bit more fitted on the thigh then flares out and the style from Amazon with buttons are a great one. For my body shape I stay away from full length straight leg and toss anything that tapers!
For my ladies that love a flat or a sneakers an ankle length straight leg and kick crop styles look great. For full length I love the Old Navy Pixie Pant for it’s stretch, lengths and slimming in the belly. For a more formal, traditional suit pant go for the Express Editor Mid-Rise Pant.
CLASSIC JEANS
Finding jeans that are work appropriate can be tricky! I love a classic trouser jean and this season love the style with button details from LOFT are great for a dressy jean. For a bit more casual I also look for a straight leg or kick crop style to pair with flats like these from Express.
SHIRT DRESS
Over the past year I’ve started to gravitate towards belted shirt dresses. These simple yet classic styles are great when I want a one-and-done style. I found a great one from Vici that I wore to LTKCon in the fall, but sadly, it’s sold out, so I linked some similar styles and can’t wait to try the washable silk version from Quince and the new stripe version from Vici.
CLASSIC DRESS
Nearly every workwear capsule I find a stretchy classic dress! I love that these are easy to throw on during times when I feel a little bloated or just don’t want anything digging into my mid-section. Funny enough during both my pregnancies as a recruiter I basically lived in stretchy sheath dresses and the love hasn’t died! To dress these up even more add a blazer and it’s a timeless professional look.
FLATS
While I’ve said many times that I’m a heels girl, there are times when I love a great flat, too! I prefer something with a classic shape, and I always love a bow.
SNEAKERS
When it comes to pairing sneakers with workwear, it’s best to go with classic, less athletic styles. I love all-white, good-quality sneakers, and Adidas neutral sneakers are always great options.
PUMPS
When it comes to workwear, I’m a heels girl, but keep in mind that as a recruiter, I would spend most of my day at my desk or at career fairs. For long walks on campus, I would wear flats while toting all my stuff and then change into heels for the event. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve traded in my 3.5″ heels for ones under 3″. Sam Edelman are always my go-to, but I’ve also found some good ones on Amazon.
TOTE
When it comes to work, I typically tote paperwork, laptops and other items back and forth to work, so I loved a big bag. These have a classic look with strong handles and lots of pockets! To see more details of my favorite Calpak tote, check out this post.
CROSSBODY BAG
When I don’t need a full tote, a great classic crossbody bag is where it’s at! These have a timeless look but still hold enough for everyday use.
Each season I try and add some colors that reflect the season like light blues in spring/ summer or burgundy and greens in the fall/ winter. It’s most cost efficient to do that with blouses and sweaters while keeping your core pants and outerwear the same. To see how I change out those colors check out my past capsules HERE.
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