This post is all about creating the ideal work capsule wardrobe for spring! Spring is a hard season to dress for, especially at work. This guide will help you look great every day, without struggling with outfit and decision fatigue.
In today’s fast-paced world, many people are looking for ways to simplify their lives and reduce decision fatigue. My favorite way to achieve this is by creating capsule wardrobes.
In a recent post I shared a great spring capsule wardrobe for travel, and today I’m going to focus specifically on work. And more specifically, a spring capsule wardrobe for work.
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of clothes that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits, allowing you to get dressed quickly and easily without sacrificing style. It’s essentially a cheat sheet way to look great every day, with a limited number of items.
Spring is a tricky season, and the big trouble we often face is dressing for changing temperatures. It might be chilly when you leave for work in the morning, but by the time you take lunch or head home, you’ll be sweating through your sweater.
That’s why when creating a spring capsule wardrobe for work, I really want to focus on layers and accessories!
The 5–4–3–2–1 Method
Around here I use a simple guideline to create a work capsule wardrobe. It’s the 5-4-3-2-1 rule. In other words. Your capsule should include:
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms
- 3 layering pieces (jackets, blazers or coats)
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 1 dress
5+4+3+2+1=15 pieces. Ta-da!
I’ve mentioned the 5-4-3-2-1 rule before because it’s a great guideline to follow, but feel free to switch up the numbers of each type of piece. For example, you might not wear jeans to work, but you love wearing skirts and dresses, so you might have fewer bottoms but a couple more dresses for work.
I’m personally going to include 2 dresses and 3 bottoms in this spring work capsule wardrobe because as soon as the days start getting warmer, I can’t wait to pull out my dresses.
The most important thing with any spring capsule wardrobe however is to never skimp on the layering pieces!
How do you create your own spring capsule wardrobe for work?
Start by determining your style. The first step to creating any capsule wardrobe is determining your personal style. Take some time to think about the types of clothes you feel most comfortable in, as well as the styles that you find the most appealing. You should also consider the type of work that you do, office culture and good work to after work transitions.
If you need help determining your own personal style – I can help! Send me a DM over on Instagram and let’s chat. I love helping make these capsule’s even more curated for you.
Whenever I’m creating a capsule wardrobe I always try to create neutral color palettes. The more neutral your color palette is, the more cohesive each of your outfits will be and the easier it will be to mix and match outfits to your liking.
You can always add a few pops of color with your shoes, bags or accessories.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Work Capsule Wardrobe
There’s a few things you can do to make sure your spring capsule wardrobe for work stands the test of time – because trust me, you do not want to have to recreate your capsule wardrobe every few months…
Invest in quality pieces
Instead, make sure that you invest in quality pieces. Choose items that are well-made and made from durable materials. Choose pieces that can form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe and that can be paired down the line with less expensive items to create a variety of outfits.
Mix and match
Just like picking a neutral color palette, you really want to choose pieces that can be mixed and matched easily. The key is to look for versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, and that you can wear in a variety of settings. Think about how you can pair a blazer with jeans or a skirt to totally change the look.
Adding accessories to your capsule wardrobe
Don’t forget about accessories! Accessories are one of the best things you can add to a capsule wardrobe, especially a work capsule wardrobe. With accessories you can be bold or simple and completely change how an outfit looks and feels. You can add necklaces, scarves, bags and shoes to completely change a look. Shoes can also be a big help if you want outfits that can go from the office, to dinner or after work drinks.
It’s always good to choose comfortable and versatile shoes that can be worn with every outfit in your work capsule wardrobe.
Keep it simple
Lastly, just make sure that you keep your wardrobe simple and streamlined. When it comes to a capsule wardrobe (especially a capsule wardrobe for work), it’s best to stick to high quality, key pieces and avoid trends that will quickly go out of style and leave you feeling outdated. The simpler your capsule, the easier it will be to get dressed in the morning, and the more money and time it’ll save you in the long run.
What to include in a spring capsule wardrobe for work
The goal with this capsule wardrobe was to reflect spring! I wanted to offer you a refreshed look that is what you normally associate with this time of year. For any capsule wardrobe, it’s always best to stick with a neutral color palette so that items can be combined in various ways without clashing. Think about using lots of creams, blacks and jeans are your main pieces and pick accent colors that will go well together.
Tops
When it comes to creating a work capsule wardrobe for spring, it’s important to incorporate a few long sleeve and short sleeve tops. In this particular collection I’ve included neutral tops that can be mixed and matched, and that will go so well with each of the bottoms, but I’ve also included a statement top that’s bright and perfect for spring!
Exploring style with simple details is a way to keep your outfits simple but not boring – which helps overall with mixing and matching.
Simple Black Tee
A simple black tee is an essential clothing item for every fashion girlie!
Luckily, this top is fantastically made to hug you just right. This means it’s flattering for all women and it can be dressed up or down, because it’s more of a ‘styled’ tee.
Statement Top
A bit bright for a capsule wardrobe, but I couldn’t resist! I love this top.
This color is perfect for spring and this top can easily be paired with everything else in this capsule. It looks great for work because it’s always beautiful tucked in.
Tan Tank Top
A simple tan tank top that goes well with everything.
This tank top would look great paired with a classic white button down as well.
Classic White Button Down
I love a classic white button down, but especially for spring when you need to be able to layer!
I love this blazer, it’s recommended in my classic capsule wardrobe as well!
Long Sleeve Top
You can never have too many button down shirts such as this one for spring (or work).
Bottoms
For bottoms, you’re really going to have to think about your specific dress code for work. For a classic work capsule I’ve decided not to include any jeans, but instead to feature some straight leg trousers that are comfortable and stylish for the office. I’ve also included a mid length black skirt that pairs well with everything. I love this skirt option – I think it should be included in any work capsule wardrobe that you create!
Exploring style with simple details is a way to keep your outfits simple but not boring – which helps overall with mixing and matching.
Straight Leg Trousers
This is the perfect trouser for work. They’re very flattering with both heels and loafers.
Most offices don’t appreciate jeans, so having comfortable straight leg trousers is perfect.
Straight Leg Trousers (Tan)
When you find a pair of trousers this good, it’s best to get multiple colors!
With this spring work capsule, I wanted to make sure that you could easily make it through a week at work without worrying about wearing the same thing every day, or needing to do laundry mid-week. That means, when I find the perfect pair of trousers for work, I might get two pairs instead of one!
Simple Black Skirt
This simple black skirt is the perfect compliment to any work-to-evening look!
Dresses
When it comes to dresses I always choose simple styles and colors for an office capsule wardrobe. I chose to go with longer dresses because they’ll likely fit with your work dress code more, but they’ll also keep you warmer this spring! Because as much as I want to pull out the short skirts already… spring is still a bit too early for short skirts.
Exploring style with simple details is a way to keep your outfits simple but not boring – which helps overall with mixing and matching.
Short Black Dress
Paired with tights, this dress is perfect for spring! But it’s also great for work.
Even though it’s a shorter dress, it looks professional! Especially when paired with tights. Overall this dress makes a cute office look for spring.
Tan/Light Dress
This dress is one of my favorite spring finds! The top is similar to a sweater, while the bottom is comfortable and flattering.
Jackets
For jackets and layering pieces I chose to go with blazers that will pair well with your straight length pants, skirt and dresses in this work capsule wardrobe. Generally speaking in spring you’re still going to want a couple of layers to keep you warm throughout the day – but that you can take off if it’s a really warm day.
Exploring style with simple details is a way to keep your outfits simple but not boring – which helps overall with mixing and matching.
Black Blazer
Blazers are another work must-have. (And in my opinion, blazers are a wardrobe must-have!)
Spring is all about layering, and because we’ve gone with a couple of colors of dress pants for this spring work capsule, feel free to style with a couple blazers as well! In my wardrobe, I love having a blazer to dress up any look.
White Blazer
I love the button sleeve on this blazer! This jacket will look great with almost everything else in this capsule.
Because most women wear black blazers, I love recommending a white one as well! It’s such a cute way to stand out and look professional.
Black Trench Coat
Lastly, while we’re moving into summer, it might still be cold enough for a coat. When that’s the case, pick a trench coat!
Shoes
I’m specifically looking for comfortable shoes when it comes to a workplace capsule wardrobe. I want shoes that are going to get me through the day, and also to after work drinks – without making my feet hurt. And trust me when I tell you that these heels are the best for that! You’ll never want to take them off!
Exploring style with simple details is a way to keep your outfits simple but not boring – which helps overall with mixing and matching.
Classic Loafers
The classic work shoe.
Personally, I believe that loafers will never go out of style!
Simple Heels
Having a comfortable but stylish heel is important for any office / work capsule.
Accessories
Arguably the most important part of any capsule wardrobe is the accessories! Accessories are one way that you’ll really be able to make your outfits stand out, and you’ll feel dressier than you normally would without accessories. I’ve specifically chosen accessories for this spring capsule wardrobe that can go with each piece, and that will accent and dress your outfits up.
Exploring style with simple details is a way to keep your outfits simple but not boring – which helps overall with mixing and matching. These accessories are repeated in my spring travel capsule wardrobe, because around here… I am all about helping you be a stylish outfit (and accessory) repeater!
Gold Chain
A simple gold chain pairs well with chunky earrings.
Silver Hoops
If you’re more of a silver girly, this silver hoop is beautiful and simple for work.
Silver Chain
The ultimate accessory to pair with your silver earrings. The weight of these pieces look beautiful together.
Black Purse
My favorite purse! This quilted black bag is the perfect accessory to every outfit in this spring work capsule.
Marc Jacobs Tote
The Classic Tote bag. This bag is beautiful, plus it will hold everything you need for work (from your laptop to your happy hour accessories).
At the end of the day, creating a work capsule wardrobe can be a great way to simplify your life and reduce decision fatigue when you’ve already got so much on your plate. It’s also the best way to look stylish every day!
Without having to get up earlier to pick an outfit out. By following these tips and investing in high-quality pieces, you can feel confident and put together every day.
If you’re traveling this spring, read this before you pack!
Make sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for up to date trends in fashion, makeup and manicures. I’m always sharing my daily outfits, nail appointments and favorite products with you on both of those platforms.
