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In partnership with Elwood. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
The key to always looking put-together isn’t buying more clothes, it’s buying the right ones. That’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in. By curating a handful of versatile, timeless pieces, you can mix, match, and repeat outfits without ever feeling like you’re wearing the same thing twice. Sounds pretty great, right?!
After testing dozens of basics, accessories, and go-to outfit builders, I’ve narrowed it down to the capsule wardrobe essentials you’ll actually wear on repeat.
The Everyday Uniform
Think of Elwood’s Core Collection as the building blocks of your wardrobe. Made from 100% organic cotton, these oversized basics are the definition of comfort-meets-style. The clean silhouettes mean they layer seamlessly, while the mix of neutral and seasonal colors lets you go monochrome or mix and match.
Editor’s Picks From The Core Collection
Best Unisex Piece
Once I’d worn my Vintage Grey set enough times in a row that even my bodega guy noticed, I rotated in the Core Sweatshort and Oversized Crewneck in Vintage Black. Again, the price is right (the set is $120 altogether). The oversized fit is chic but relaxed. The garment-washed color is perfectly on-trend without trying too hard. This duo is an especially good unisex pick if you want to share your wardrobe with your partner – or get them their own pair so they stop stealing yours.
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Best Everyday Tee
If an oversized fit is more your thing, Elwood’s oversized tees are going to become a staple in your closet. They have that boxy, vintage silhouette and high quality feel that I’m now convinced can only be achieved with 100% cotton. The distressing on the neck is *chefs kiss.*
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Best Sweatpants
I don’t know how they do it, but Elwood’s unisex sweats feel perfectly broken in. They’re soft without being too thin, well-structured without being too bulky. If Goldilocks was in search of the perfect sweatpants, the Elwood Core Straight Leg Sweatpants would be her “just right” pick. I have a pair in Vintage Grey which go with basically everything in my closet. I never thought I’d wear sweatpants out of the house, but their fit manages to be comfy enough for lounging and structured enough to feel like I’m wearing real pants when I wear them out. They also come in a different style (a best-selling one) with elasticized hem cuffs if you want more of a traditional sweatpant look and feel.
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Sneakers That Work With Everything
If you’re going to invest in one pair of shoes, make it these. Dolce Vita’s Rebel Sneakers strike the perfect balance between crisp and cool with their suede design. They’re versatile enough to wear with Elwood sweats, denim, or even a slip dress, making them a true capsule essential.
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The Accessory That Pulls It Together
Capsule wardrobes thrive on practicality, and this dad cap delivers both function and style. Throw it on for bad hair days, add it to an off-duty airport look, or wear it with a trench coat and sneakers for that effortless “model-off-duty” vibe.
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The Bag That Holds It All
A capsule wardrobe calls for a bag that works as hard as you do. Enter the Paloma Tote from Freja NYC. With its structured silhouette, buttery vegan leather, and shockingly roomy interior, it transitions seamlessly from the office to weekend errands. It’s neutral enough to pair with everything and luxe enough to elevate any outfit. Shop in six colors.
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Jewels To Elevate The Basics
The easiest way to take simple basics to the next level is dainty, timeless jewelry. A gold chain necklace, a sparkling tennis bracelet, and a subtle pop of color from ruby hoops transform even a hoodie-and-sneaker combo into something intentional. Capsule wardrobes are all about versatility, and these pieces deliver polish without overpowering.
Editor’s Picks
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Why You Should Trust Us
At The Quality Edit, we spend hours testing, styling, and researching so you don’t have to. We focus on quality, versatility, and timeless style, meaning every pick here is designed to maximize your wardrobe while minimizing clutter.
Mia McManus is a fashion editor and capsule-wardrobe obsessive. She's tested everything from cult-favorite sneakers to luxury totes, and her job is to make sure what lands in your closet is worth the space.
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