8 Closet Staples You Need to Build the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe

What are closet staples and why do you need them? Simply put, they’re pieces of clothing that staple your closet together into one cohesive unit. The right mix can make up a mix-and-matchable capsule wardrobe with lots of outfit potential. These pieces are timeless in style and can be worn again and again, making them fiscally and fashionably practical. The best part? When everything matches, it’s so much easier to get dressed in the morning. Read ahead for a top-to-bottom guide on how to shape your perfect capsule wardrobe, then head to your local Buffalo Exchange to start putting together the pieces!

Sunglasses

Because no matter the season, UV rays don’t take a break — plus, they instantly elevate your cool factor. Find your signature style in a classic neutral or your favorite metal, and they’ll be a closet staple for years to come.

Easy Dress

This one is open to interpretation: what’s an “easy dress” to you? Is it made of a soft jersey or a breezy denim-look chambray? Maybe it’s not a dress at all, but an equally comfy romper or jumpsuit! Whatever your personal preference, look for a one-piece that you can throw on with little prep and feel fabulous wearing all day long. Depending on what your days look like (work from home life, anyone?) you may want a full week’s worth of this closet staple in your wardrobe — I know I do!

Person standing on sidewalk wearing floor-length beige dress and gold sandals

Person standing on sidewalk wearing tan midi skirt and striped t-shirt

T-shirts and Tanks

T-shirts are the ultimate style chameleons, making them a must-have closet staple. Keep them casual with jeans and your favorite sneakers or dress them up with a skirt or trousers. Pro tip: consider keeping a multiples of your favorite basic tees in your closet! If going sleeveless is more your style, swap out tees for tanks. When you want something with a little more flair, stock a few graphic tees in your closet — they’re a low-key way to add interest and show off your personal style.

Button-Downs

This closet staple is anything but stuffy: like a good T-shirt, button-down shirts and blouses are also capable of pulling double-duty. For a relaxed look, wear them open over a tee or tank paired with shorts. Or tie the shirt tails into a knot to be worn with a modern midi-skirt and sandals.

Person standing on sidewalk wearing tan midi skirt and white blouse

Person standing on sidewalk wearing white blouse with dark wash jeans, gold sandals and a white bag

Jeans: The Long-Lasting Closet Staple

There’s a reason denim has endured as one of the most popular fashion choices for over 100 years. If you think jeans aren’t for you, think again: there’s no shortage of cuts, fits, rises, fabric weights and brands to choose from. If you shop somewhere like Buffalo Exchange, you’ll have the chance to try out a variety of brands all in one stop, which can be really helpful in finding your perfect fit. Pick 2-3 silhouettes that suit your style best and they’ll have your back for years to come.

Favorite Jacket

Now that we’ve secured the basic closet staples, it’s time to top it off with a jacket. When you’re shopping for a jacket to complete your capsule wardrobe, keep an eye out for time-tested styles like denim truckers, leather bikers or a classic cropped trench. Neutral colors are always a good idea for pieces that will need to match an array of outfits, but don’t shy away from a pop of color if it speaks to you!

Person standing on sidewalk wearing denim jacket, white blouse and jeans

Person standing on sidewalk wearing crop flare jeans and half-tucked printed button-up with cow-print Converse sneakers

Flat Footwear to Finish Off Your Capsule Wardrobe

It’s hard to pin all your footwear needs on one pair of shoes, but it’s essential to have a few classic, dependable styles like sneakers, flats and low-heeled boots. Like jackets, neutrals will usually be your best-bet for seamless style switcharoos, but a bright pair of trainers or elegant painted leather flats would also make excellent additions to your wardrobe.

Solid Carry All

Now that we’ve secured the basic closet staples, it’s time to top it off with a jacket. When you’re shopping for a jacket to complete your capsule wardrobe, keep an eye out for time-tested styles like denim truckers, leather bikers or a classic cropped trench. Neutral colors are always a good idea for pieces that will need to match an array of outfits, but don’t shy away from a pop of color if it speaks to you!

Now that you know what closet staples you’ll need for your capsule wardrobe, you’ll need to know where to buy them — the answer is Buffalo Exchange! As the original buy-sell-trade secondhand fashion store, Buffalo Exchange is the perfect place to shop for stylish, sustainable clothing that will last a lifetime — and if your style changes or you want to incorporate some trendier items into your wardrobe, you can always trade in pieces for something new-to-you you’ll really love. When you’re ready to revamp your closet, find your nearest Buffalo Exchange here!

Published July 8, 2022

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