Fashion trends are known to move notoriously fast thanks to social media and fast fashion. Every couple of weeks, new styles and patterns take over the internet, only to  quickly be replaced by the next big thing. Many fashion lovers find it difficult to keep up with this constantly changing cycle because it is both time and money consuming. 

If this sounds like something you struggle with, a capsule wardrobe may be right for you.

“A capsule wardrobe is a wardrobe that revolves around core pieces in coordinated colors that can all work with each other,” said Nancy Alusick, freelance stylist and pre college program instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. “A capsule wardrobe is good for the environment.” 

Capsule wardrobes can contain about 25-50 items which allows you to create many different outfits from all the pieces. Here are the basics you should include (and where to buy them) when creating a fashionable and minimalist wardrobe:

• Trench coat (Garage, Princess Polly, Forever 21)
• Blazer (Missguided, Zara, Abercrombie & Fitch)
• Denim jacket (Pacsun, Garage, Cotton On)
• Shacket (Pacsun, Zara, Garage)
• White button-down shirt (Cotton On, Aerie, Abercrombie & Fitch)
• Black button-down shirt (Free People, Princess Polly, Cotton On)
• A seasonal or “trendy” top
• Neutral sweater (Express, Asos, Reformation)
• Crewneck (Hanes, Cotton On, Zara)
• Fancier white top/blouse (Abercrombie & Fitch, Reformation, Lulus)
• White t-shirt (Amazon, Free People, Everlane)
• Neutral colored tank tops (cream, black, white) (Target, Skims, Cotton On)
• Printed dress (Asos, Reformation, Zara)
• Black dress (Princess Polly, Lulus, Zara)
• Midi skirt (Abercrombie & Fitch, Beginning Boutique, Free People)
• Black jeans (Pacsun, Abercrombie & Fitch, Garage)
• Blue jeans (American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Pacsun)
• Faux leather pants (Abercrombie & Fitch, Garage, Showpo)
• Cream/ nude colored pants (Zara, Garage, Missguided)
• Denim shorts (Levi’s, Abercrombie & Fitch)
• White sneakers (Nike, Reebok, Veja)
• Nude heels (Revolve, Reformation)
• Black boots (Zara, Doc Martens)

When mixing and matching these different pieces, the possibilities are nearly endless. Having the basics in your closet allows you to shop responsibly and show off your classic style.

“It’s assuring to know that you own wardrobe pieces that can be paired easily and always look chic,” said Alusick.