Spring Capsule Wardrobe + How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Fashion designer Donna Karan created the first capsule wardrobe in 1985 with her “7 Easy Pieces” collection. This was a capsule of clothing items for the working woman to simplify getting dressed each day. I've been creating capsule wardrobes at Wardrobe Oxygen since 2005. I believe in the power of capsule wardrobes for achieving big style with a small closet and extending the life of each garment you purchase.

Capsule wardrobes allow you to see how a garment can live multiple lives, and they help you think in this manner when adding new items to your closet. While I don't believe one must stick to a capsule wardrobe, I have found over the years that thinking in a capsule wardrobe mentality helps you shop more thoughtfully, saves you money, and helps you find your personal style.

I'm excited to share a spring 2025 capsule wardrobe for us grown women! But along with my usual capsule, I break down how I made this capsule and why I added the pieces I did. I hope it will help you when creating your own capsule wardrobes!

FYI, this post was originally written in 2023 but updated for 2025 with a new spring capsule wardrobe that has all the same items that are still available, and similar alternatives for those that are discontinued. The color story is slightly different, but the concept remains the same.

Shop the capsule: dress | belt | bracelet | earrings | sandals | flats | sneakers | blazer | denim jacket | cardigan | pants | jeans | striped tee | tank | linen shirt | scarf | tote | clutch | purse | my favorite day mascara | my favorite spring lipcolor | my favorite face product

Spring Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a small yet hard-working collection of apparel and accessories that mix and match. Capsule wardrobes can be created for a specific reason like a road trip or to create a collection of go-to clothing items for the office or dressy occasions. Capsule wardrobes are often created for seasons to curb shopping and create big style with a small closet.

This spring capsule wardrobe features nature-inspired colors with black and white, creating looks for the office, special occasions, social events, and casual weekends. I focused on spring activities: an outdoor brunch, a day wedding, evening cocktails with friends, heading into the office, heading to the farmers market, and a day of sightseeing. This capsule is comfortable, travel-friendly, and relatively size-inclusive, with classic enough pieces that you can find in different sizes or price points.

Shop the capsule: dress | belt | bracelet | earrings | sandals | flats | sneakers | blazer | denim jacket | cardigan | pants | jeans | striped tee | tank | linen shirt | scarf | tote | clutch | purse

I designed this spring capsule to complement an existing closet. In fact, you may already own pieces very similar to those featured in this collection. I also used the original capsule as inspiration, replicating many of the pieces in case you shopped the 2023 version.

By adding items you already own, you can extend this capsule collection to have a stylish seasonal finds that will transition to summer quite nicely. In fact, I added a couple of looks below, incorporating one swimsuit and one pair of shorts, showing how a small addition can add big style.

How to Create a Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Below, I break down how I built this spring capsule wardrobe, how you can go about building your own spring capsule wardrobe, how I mixed and matched the pieces in this capsule to create a month's worth of pieces, and how you can easily extend this capsule to create up to 100 outfits from your existing closet.

Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

When building a capsule wardrobe, some essentials will help you achieve big style with a small closet. Thinking about these wardrobe essentials will help you not just when building a capsule, but also when shopping for your closet and deciding what to purge from your existing wardrobe.

Start with a Layer

When creating an outfit, one usually adds a layering piece last, but when building a capsule wardrobe, I think it's smart to start with a layer. A layer is a piece you wear on top of everything else: a jacket, a cardigan, a blazer. It's the third piece that turns separates into a true outfit, and it's usually the most personal part of a look.

Your layering piece is determined by the climate where you live, the formality of your workplace, the effectiveness of your social life, your favorite colors, your preferences for types of fabrics and texture. A layering piece is also the easiest piece to switch out with the seasons and with current trends, so it's where you can have as bit more fun and be creative.

Starting with the layering piece means you will have all other pieces work with its shape, structure, color, and textile. For this spring capsule wardrobe, I started with a teal linen boyfriend blazer and then added other pieces that would work with it, and with one another.

You likely will want more than one layering piece, but to start, choose a layer you own and love or one you'd love to add to your wardrobe.

Next, Add Two Different Bottoms

Every capsule wardrobe benefits from not just two bottoms (pants, jeans, skirts, shorts), but two different types. Not just color, but fabric and silhouette. Variety is the spice of life, and variety in your capsule will provide you versatility and the ability to dress up and down your collection.

For this capsule, I added a pair of high-rise soft cotton pants in a wide leg (I own and love), and a structured pair of mid-rise jeans with a straight/stovepipe leg (same ones from this Talbots denim haul). While one is drapey and loose, the other is rigid and straight but they both work with the linen blazer.

Try on items in your existing closet with your primary layering piece; there is a good chance you already own at least one bottom that works with it. Creating a capsule wardrobe takes time, and a lot of that time is spent trying things on to see if the pieces work together. I promise you, it's worth the effort.

Thirdly, Add Two Bases (That Also Work Alone)

You need some pieces under that initial base layer, but like your bottoms, you want at least two that give different vibes. You also want them to work on their own.

For example, a capsule wardrobe often includes tank tops or a white tee as a “must.” But if you aren't comfortable wearing tank tops alone or you don't love the way a plain white tee looks by itself, they're not very practical additions. Everyone's comfort levels, tastes, cultures, and climates are different. Your base layers need to fit all those aspects of your life.

As for variety, it doesn't have to be as drastic as your bottoms, but you want them to be unique. Different fabrics, different necklines, different kinds of sleeves, a print and a solid… or a mix of all these! You may look for refined or dressy fabrics if you have a more professional or social lifestyle. Knits and soft cotton or linen pieces may be a better choice if your lifestyle is more casual.

In the spring capsule wardrobe above, I have a refined heavyweight silky knit v-neck shell/tank and a classic fitting t-shirt with stripes. Both pieces work with both bottoms, with the primary base layer, and on their own. The tank is refined and appropriate for the office or a social gathering; the tee is a classic. Both transcend trends and can be worn most of the year.

I can't stress enough the benefit of a striped knit in your capsule wardrobe. Stripes are a neutral, as they go with most any print, color, or aesthetic. However, they aren't boring. A striped top will elevate a look faster than a solid, and add interest at the same time. And unlike other prints, stripes are eternally chic and won't go out of fashion. For tips on buying striped tops check out:

• Who makes the best Breton striped shirt?
• My favorite Breton top is under $35
• Is the Saint James Breton Worth It?

Fill the Hole

You've tried on all five pieces, mixed and matched. Now, think about your life and what holes are in this apparel collection. Are you missing something for work? For social occasions? Need something more casual? Find everything to be more utilitarian than your usual eclectic or colorful self? This is when you fill the holes in your capsule wardrobe.

For this spring capsule wardrobe, I felt there was a hole for the warmer-weather dressy event. An anniversary dinner at a nice restaurant. A wedding. A day at the office when you want a switch from pants and blazers. A warmer than usual day when a breezy skirt or dress (possibly with some cooling slip shorts) sounds really lovely. I added a short-sleeved dress in a very simple style that could dress up with heels and a clutch or dress down with sneakers and denim jackets to fill that hole.

Build To Fit Your Schedule

Now, some individuals may be able to create all the style they desire with six garments. But many of us desire more variety to extend a capsule wardrobe from a week to a month, a season, or even a year. Using what you learned to get to these six pieces and handful of accessories, you now need to build out with more versatile pieces that mix and match just as well.

I wanted to create at least 25 looks from this spring capsule wardrobe. While a month has 28-31 days, rewearing exact looks is not only common but also proof of good style. Every chic person rewears looks; don't let social media make you think otherwise.

While scrolling through retailers that I know carry the sizes and price points I was looking for, I kept my initial six pieces in mind and also considered the kind of situations and events where this capsule would be worn. I looked for statement pieces that would add modernity and interest to the capsule and versatile pieces that could live multiple lives.

The “lady jacket” cardigan embraces the popular Chanel-inspired jacket trend. However, it's not too on the nose, so this piece will still be chic a year or two from now. It also has a formal/dressy vibe, which could elevate existing pieces to look more appropriate for the office.

Adding a linen shirt was originally inspired by my article on how to tuck in a shirt. In 2023, the shirt was lavender and the blazer sage green. When I picked the teal blazer, I wanted a color that would work with it. I tried a variety of colors and decided to go with a classic light blue, but a white button-up would work just as well if you're looking to maintain some neutrality. This is the same brand and same name of shirt, so I am hoping it too like the original in 2023 is long enough to be a swim coverup, but not too long to wear untucked with the white jeans.

The denim jacket was the last addition, and an addition I often add to my capsule wardrobes because denim jackets are so easy, so versatile, and so classic. I love them so much that I just recently made denim mini capsule wardrobe post. I own this exact denim jacket and like that it looks vintage, isn't too distressed, but it's also stretchy (easy to push up the sleeves or throw on and go). When you want a layer but don't want to look too formal or too corporate, a denim jacket is always a good idea.

Time to Accessorize!

Accessories make the outfit, especially when you are working with a smaller wardrobe. Think about the black dress in this capsule; how different it is with cork sandals, with black leather ballet flats, with a pair of sneakers. Then add to the mix a work-friendly laptop tote, or a structured leather bag, or a raffia clutch. Just by switching up this accessory, you take the same dress from day to night, work to weekend.

Two Pairs of Shoes

I believe every capsule wardrobe needs at least two pairs of shoes: dressier and more casual. Even if your life is 24/7 casual or 24/7 dressy, shoes should have a day between wears to cool and dry off so they maintain their shape and condition. For this capsule, I found that a third shoe was necessary to elevate some looks for the office, and extended the capsule to fit an entire month.

Two Bags

Your life will determine the kinds of bags that you need in your capsule wardrobe. For most, it's an everyday bag and then a bag for the second biggest part of your life. That could be a laptop bag, an evening bag, a belt bag, a backpack, a large tote, a small crossbody.

Don't skimp on bags; like shoes, they can transform a look. Embrace color, especially if your capsule is primarily neutral-colored clothing. A clutch purse or dressy bag on a delicate chain strap (the clutch in this capsule has an optional chain strap) is the quickest way to elevate a simple dress into evening or special occasion territory.

A Large Square Scarf

Most of my capsule wardrobes contain a large square scarf, and that scarf is usually silk or a silky fabric. If it's at least 34″ square, such a scarf can be folded on the diagonal and be a belt, can be tied twice around the neck and fill the collar of a shirt, or even be tied around a purse strap or ponytail.

I own this scarf in the capsule above and have a video on Instagram and Facebook where I show multiple ways to style it that you may not have considered. On top of the four scarf hacks in the video, here are a few more ideas:

• Folded in half on the diagonal, such a scarf can be tied near the points and hang inside the opening of a cardigan or blazer to give the effect of a cowl-neck blouse.
• Tied tighter, in “cowboy” style it can dress up a simple knit top or dress, or fill the opening of a jacket or shirt.
• Depending on your personal style and the size of the scarf, it can be styled into a dressy top or worn to cinch a loose dress.
• For a chic retro look, you can tie the scarf around your neck and pull the bow to one side. Now, you have a scarf necklace!

Other Accessories

This category is up to you. I know I accessorize more than many, and in a bolder manner. But I do believe in the power of accessories elevating outfits and changing the effect. My go-to accessories for a capsule wardrobe and for everyday life:

• As a grown-ass woman, you should have a pair of polarized sunglasses that fit and are in good condition. Such sunglasses can be found for less than $50, or over $500.
• A pair of gold hoops are a classic; right now chunkier smaller gold hoops are on trend, and you can find a bunch of chic ones for reasonable prices.
• A necklace or a cuff bracelet can dress up a simple knit top in an instant.
• If you wear reading glasses, go ahead and buy pairs from the dollar store for your bedside table, your bathroom, your kitchen, your living room, and your car. But have one nicer pair for meetings and dinners out and such. I am a fan of CADDIS, they make really high-quality customizable readers and progressives.
• I personally love a signature lipcolor, something that is a bit bold but not so bold it wears you. I own this very lipcolor, it's sheer buildable color in some of the hottest colors for 2025 that is actually quite wearable on a range of skintones. This spring I am wearing “Kid” almost daily. Plus, this is from a woman-owned pro-aging ethical beauty brand, and code WOXYGEN15 gets you 15% off!

Shop the Capsule:

Spring Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

I know this is a lot of information. To break it down and have a tool while shopping (and shopping your closet), I made a printable checklist. I added all the pieces I think make sense for building a spring capsule wardrobe, but have several of them optional. As always, this is a guide, not gospel.

And if you would like a printable of this checklist, click this link for an 8.5 x 11″ PDF version!

How to Build a Spring Capsule Wardrobe

When thinking about a wardrobe for spring, it needs to be pretty versatile beyond just having the clothes mix and match. Spring is a time of outdoor events, changing weather, and a time to update your wardrobe with bright springy colors and lighter fabrics. To build a spring wardrobe, consider these factors:

Consider the Weather

In spring, you can wake with frost on the ground one day and be sweltering hot the next. Layers are key, as are breathable fabrics that will help you keep your cool when it feels like summer by lunch.

Spring also brings “April Showers” and rain in March and May. While it may be warm, I usually wear closed-toe shoes to protect my feet from puddles and slightly larger bags to contain a travel-sized umbrella.

Embrace Classic Style

Spring begs for classic pieces: chino pants, a white pair of jeans, Breton striped tops, canvas sneakers, trench coats, and t-shirt dresses. Spring is also a short season, so by choosing more classic pieces you know your spring apparel will still remain chic when you bring it out next year and the year after.

Choose Springy Fabrics and Colors

Embrace the warm weather, the budding trees and tulips with breezy fabrics and softer colors. Winter is a time for heavyweights and dark colors, spring is when you can literally lighten up!

Not into pastels? No worries! Soft neutrals like dove gray, navy, olive, taupe, cream, and ivory feel seasonally appropriate. Cheery brights like hot pink, turquoise, coral, orchid, and yellow also feel right this time of year. With denim, consider either a lighter/faded wash or a crisp rinse denim with contrast stitching. Colored denim in lighter colors, especially white and cream, make black and dark colors feel like spring.

And for those who think you can only wear white after Memorial Day, know that is an old dated rule and these days, rule-breaking is especially fashionable!

30 Spring Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas

Below, I share 30 unique outfits I created from the above spring capsule wardrobe. I hope to show versatility; these pieces can live beyond the office, the grocery run, and the date night. With a bit of creativity and choosing smart pieces that can mix and match, you can genuinely achieve big style with a small closet.

To see these sample outfits larger, click on any of the thumbnails. You can swipe or use the side arrows to scroll through the looks. Click the “X” or anywhere outside the photo to return to this screen.

Spring Outfits for the Office

I know based on comments here and on Instagram and discussion in the Wardrobe Oxygen community on Facebook that many of you are required to return to the office but dress code isn't as strict as in years past. This collection offers smart casual and business casual looks that will be office-appropriate, as well as more refined looks good for when the boss is in the office or you have a client meeting.

These are just four of the looks I created envisioning them for an office environment. The Mary Jane flat is comfortable (and comes in widths) but more polished than the sneakers. The laptop tote comes highly recommended and is a color that will look great all year long. The scarf adds polish, whether worn around the neck or around the waist in place of a belt.

Shop this Spring Capsule Wardrobe:

Spring Outfits for Social Occasions

Come spring, a lot of social situations end up outdoors. I added a pair of versatile flat sandals so you can be comfortable both on your feet and in the heat. While I chose a neutral cork textile, you could easily switch these for a nude-to-you leather, an animal print, or a pop of color in leather, suede, or a non-shiny fabric.

The clutch also reads “social” and “evening.” One made from a raffia textile is perfect for spring and summer, and because it doesn't exactly match any of the shoes, it goes with everything. A delicate gold chain lets you wear it as a shoulder bag. I own this bag in a different fabric and find it the perfect size.

Spring Outfits for Travel and Sightseeing

When on travel, you want comfort and ease. Choose shoes that are comfortable (I own these sneakers and find them wider feet friendly). Add a bag that can be a crossbody to keep your hands free and you can visit historical sites and exciting cities without issue.

If you're creating a travel capsule wardrobe, you need to add a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. I love this little gadget that hangs from your bag; it has powerful magnets that will hold your hat when you're not wearing it! And as I mentioned above, I highly recommend Thigh Society slip shorts to wear under your dress to keep cool and prevent thigh chafing!

Spring Outfits for Casual Situations

You likely already have items in your closet for the most casual of situations. But if you want a slightly elevated yet still comfortable look, this spring capsule has it!

Switching blue denim for white is just as easy but looks refined. For those afraid of white denim, I carry one of these pens with me. Chico's also carries stain-resistant white denim (up to size 20/22).

What About [Enter Garment Here]?

I know a lot of spring capsule wardrobes include a trench coat. I didn't include one because if you're a grown woman and don't yet own one, you likely don't need one. I know myself, my two spring coats I wear the most are a denim jacket and this rain jacket.

A lot of spring capsules also include a lightweight leather jacket. Where I live (the Washington DC suburbs) a leather jacket usually is kept to fall because spring is either too hot or too cold for leather, and often too wet.

I don't think one needs to wear florals, a crisp white shirt, a skirt, a dress, or anything to be stylish come spring. My capsule wardrobes are guides, not gospel and my hope is you can shop your closet and find most already residing inside. And as you shop, you do it thoughtfully, thinking of what you already own and how they can mix and match. Style doesn't come from how much you own but how you wear it. Thinking in a capsule wardrobe mentality helps you achieve big style with a small closet!