How To Build The Perfect Work Capsule Wardrobe

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Going back to the office soon? This guide will show you how to build the perfect work capsule wardrobe so you can be your most stylish self.

With countries slowly opening up, so are offices and face-to-face meetings. Corporate attire is back in trend once again, which means that it’s time to ditch the work-from-home loungewear attire, and get started on building up your work capsule wardrobe!

A professional capsule wardrobe consists of versatile pieces like pencil skirts, work pants, dress shirts, minimalist dresses, and formal footwear. These are just wardrobe staples, however, you can add in more pieces that reflect your own personal style.

Your own work wardrobe also depends on your workplace’s dress code. If you’re into casual work environments, pieces like denim jeans and leather jackets are allowed, but please remember that this is not appropriate for formal meetings.

Corporate attire requires formal and neutral colors like classic black, white, grey, and navy blue. However, you can also add in feminine pop of colors like blush, or even brown. Steer clear away from bright colors in your capsule wardrobe as these can be hard to pair with other outfits. (However, if you absolutely love color, you can always add a few timeless bright blouses or dresses that are easy to style with black, for example!)

How To Build The Best Work Capsule Wardrobe

To give you the best ideas on how to build the perfect capsule wardrobe, we included timeless pieces that can accommodate every season there is – there are light and airy blouses for spring and summer, thick dresses and coats for the colder months, as well as skirts and pants that can be worn no matter what season there is.

These are the perfect pieces that follow the latest trends, and they can also be styled with a variety of different outfits.

Let’s get started!

The Essentials For Your Work Capsule Wardrobe

Tops + Dresses

Relaxed shirt | The first step to building your curated wardrobe are the shirts. Choose neutral dress shirts that can complement both pants and skirts.

Square shirt | If you’re working in a more relaxed or casual work environment, a square shirt is perfect.

Silk square shirt | This silk blouse is light and airy, which makes it perfect for warm weather, or during the summer months!

Cotton Prep Shirt | This is a versatile shirt that can be paired with so many different bottoms, but we suggest wearing this with wide-leg pants. Be sure to add in a classy statement necklace so you won’t look too uptight!

Tiered eyelet dress | A dress is another great formal attire if you want to switch it up from the usual dress shirt and pants. You won’t have to take up so much time building an outfit since a dress is already a whole outfit in itself!

Black sheath midi dress | This sheath midi dress is super sleek and ultra-formal, and is perfect for business meetings with higher-ups.

Sweatshirt dress | This sweatshirt dress is a perfect choice for a work outfit in the colder months. Pair this with boots for a more powerful, casual #GirlBoss vibe!

Pants + Skirts

Faux leather skirt | This high-waisted faux leather skirt is a beautiful choice to pair with any of the tops listed above. Brown is a great fall color to add to your work capsule wardrobe, but feel free to experiment with other colors (like navy blue, beige, etc.) if tan isn’t your first choice.

Black pencil skirt | For a classic look, you can never go wrong with a black pencil skirt. This is one of the most iconic pieces for work attire, so make sure to add at least one of these to your work wardrobe!

Black bootcut pants | These black bootcut pants feature a stunning silhouette that will make you appear sleek and well put together. They aren’t too tight, making them a great choice for semi-formal offices.

High waisted skinny pants | Although these pants look like leggings in the picture we’ve provided, they actually fit like regular slim-fit pants and look great paired with a blouse for most offices. Throw on a blazer and a pair of pumps to complete the outfit!

Tie waist trouser pants | These pants have a wrap-around feature on the waist, which makes them a trendy statement piece while still remaining office-appropriate. Wear this with a simple white blouse and a pair of gold pumps for maximum style points.

Brown ankle-length pants | For a semi-casual look, you can never go wrong with these brown pants that transform from office wear to partywear with just a change of a top. If brown is not your color of choice, these pants also come in 12 different colors.

Ruffle sweater skirt | This ruffle sweater skirt is super feminine and pairs very well with tops of any color. Plus, you can also make the skirt into a dress by styling it with a black shirt or tee, as shown here.

Plaid pencil skirt | To break up your otherwise monochrome look, throw in a plaid pencil skirt to add a touch of pattern to your outfit. This is especially great for the fall and holiday season when plaid is most in style.

Jackets + Outerwear

Black boyfriend blazer | This boyfriend blazer is a timeless addition to any work capsule wardrobe and looks great paired with both skirts and pants. A black blazer is a must-have in anyone’s work capsule wardrobe.

Tweed jacket | You can never go wrong with a tweed jacket if preppy attire with a Chanel vibe is your thing. As with most of the outerwear pieces that we’ve featured on this list, you can easily have the piece in both your casual capsule wardrobe as well as your work wardrobe. This tweed jacket will look equally great styled up with a pair of office pants as it will with a pair of casual jeans and a t-shirt.. After all, the level of formality in your look comes down to what you style the pieces with more than anything.

Black coat | This long black coat is a great choice for colder weather and will keep you looking chic as you leave the office.

Satin blazer | We are head over heels with this blush satin blazer, and it’s such a good choice if you want to add a pop of color to your corporate work outfit. The color is soft and subtle, without attracting too much attention.

Wrap wool coat | A classic camel coat is another must-have in any woman’s wardrobe. Camel pairs amazingly well with most colors but looks especially chic and sharp with an all-black outfit. Pair this with your favorite pair of black pants, pumps, shirt and blazer for an understated elegant look that is easy to throw together.

Shoes + Accessories

Black leather tote | This black leather tote can carry all of your work essentials, even your laptop! What a way to go to work in style.

Black crossbody bag | If you’re not bringing around lots of stuff, then a crossbody bag in a neutral color would be a good choice as well.

Brown leather tote | It’s optimal to have at least two or more tote bags in your work capsule wardrobe, so you can switch it up every few days or weeks, depending on what coat or blazer you wear to work. Plus, it’s always good to have different options to pair with your outfit of the day.

Pumps | A work capsule wardrobe is not complete without some professional-looking footwear, too. If you’re going for a monochrome look, then these printed pumps can be a good choice.

Gold strappy pumps | Strappy heels are a timeless piece to any wardrobe there is, so of course, they should be part of your work capsule wardrobe too. These gorgeous gold strappy pumps are the perfect feminine footwear for the workplace, and they also double as statement pieces!

Block heels | Make sure to add in a pair or two of block heels too. If you’re going to be on your feet all day, this pair of shoes are the perfect choice since they won’t hurt as much, but still give you a professional aura.

We hope you found this guide helpful! Let us know in the comments if you think we missed any key pieces from the capsule wardrobe. If you’re still looking for more capsule wardrobe inspiration, check the posts down below.