Build Your Vintage Inspired Capsule Wardrobe With These 27 Items

Wouldn’t it be incredible to pare down your wardrobe to just twenty-seven items, and still be able to create awe-inspiring vintage outfits? Vintage style is all about creative expression, and at first glance a capsule wardrobe might seem to be just the opposite — boring, functional, and no fun at all. But that’s not true! You can enjoy the benefits of having a capsule wardrobe (like saving time, saving space, ease of traveling, and increased personal style), while still enjoying all of the fun, funky feel-goods of being a vintage junky. Here’s how. 

7 Bottoms: The Foundation

The “bottoms” that you wear, like pants and skirts, will form the foundation of your outfit. To get your wardrobe down to just twenty-seven items, we advise that you have seven bottoms available. You’ll want to be able to dress for any occasion, from a casual day with girlfriends, strolling in the park, to a big meeting at work with your boss. Therefor, you need a range of casual to formal bottoms. Here’s a list: 

• Casual Jeans (one)
• Dress Pants (one)
• Leggings (three)
• Mini-Skirt (one)
• Shorts (one)

With these bottoms to choose from, you can make creative combinations (like leggings paired with mini skirt) or keep it simple and streamlined, such as just wearing your dress slacks. 

7 Base-layer Tops: Building the Outfit

Your capsule wardrobe should include seven base-layer tops. What we mean by base layer is that the top is either short sleeved or sleeveless. You should have one black tee, one white tee, and one printed tee. The same goes for your tank tops. The sleeveless formal top should be single-toned (no stripes, fancy designs, or polka-dots please!). Embrace your vintage style here — choose a casual white tank top with vintage lace at the hemline, or a flowing, boho chic tee in a pretty paisley print. 

• Tee (three)
• Tank (three)
• Sleeveless Formal (one)

7 Cover-up Tops: Finish It Off

Include seven cover-up tops in your arsenal of pieces. Cover-up means that it has sleeves, and covers more skin than your base-layers. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to wear this on top of your base layer. In contrast, you might wear a button up plaid top under one of your white tee shirts, as shown in the pic above. In most cases, though, this layer will be worn over your tee or tank. 

• Button-Up (two)
• Cardigan (two)
• Wrap (one)
• Dress It Up (one)
• Cozy Casual (one)

6 Everything Else: Shoes and Accessories

To be able to create outfits for all occasions, you need to have footwear on hand that is also suitable for a variety of activities. We recommend four pairs of shoes, ranging from casual to formal. An example might be ballet flats, heels, sneakers and vintage knee-high leather boots. In addition, have one colorful scarf on hand, as well as one hat. These two items will give you countless new options to play with! 

• Shoes (four)
• Scarf (one)
• Hat (one)

This capsule wardrobe does not include accessories like jewelry, belts, or watches. When you add those items in, you have even more options for spicing up an outfit or adding vintage flair. Do you feel drawn to going the capsule-wardrobe route? If so, leave a comment below to tell us what you love about capsule wardrobes. Can’t wait to hear from you!