How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for 2025

Date: November 14, 2024

New year, new wardrobe… right? Well, almost! We're not about to tell you to give away everything you own and build a new look from scratch, but if you're bored with your usual uniform or tired of sorting through piles of clothes, only to wear the same thing over and over, it may be time for a capsule wardrobe.

Maybe you've been a longtime capsule wardrobe lover, or perhaps you're tired of standing in front of your closet day after day, fretting about what to wear and trying on this blazer, that dress, those jeans, and coming up empty-handed. Either way, you're ready for a refresh!

A capsule wardrobe is meant to make your life so much easier and reduce that "What should I wear?" stress. By building a small assortment of items that can easily be mixed and matched together — and make you feel and look good in the meantime — you can get ready for any occasion without those closet meltdowns. Here's what we'd recommend for a 2025 capsule wardrobe refresh.

A new pair of jeans

Hey, we're the denim experts! It's not a capsule wardrobe without some wear-anywhere denim, and this season we're still feeling all things wide leg. A relaxed style with a rolled hem shows off your favorite winter boots and will transition perfectly to spring.

A striped sweater

At Trendsend and Evereve, stripes never go out of style. In fact, we consider them a foundational piece for all well-dressed people. A striped sweater can be tossed on with denim, worn around your shoulders for a touch of coastal, preppy energy, or paired with white jeans to make it feel like spring even in the dead of winter.

A statement sweatshirt

There's definitely a place in your capsule wardrobe for a classic heather gray sweatshirt, but we're talking statement here! Think bright, unexpected pops of color, like bold royal blue, vivid yellow, or pink. It's a fun way to turn even your most casual looks up a notch without sacrificing comfort, and sweatshirts can be worn with anything from denim to dresses.

Classic shirting

No, we don't mean those fitted, stretchy button-downs you wore to job interviews back in the day. The modern button-down shirt has a more relaxed, borrowed-from-the-boys fit that still feels polished. Try a cropped white shirt with high-waisted jeans for a twist on the classic outfit, or swap your cotton shirt for a rich, luxe velvet. A loose-fitting chambray shirt is another wardrobe essential for everyone, and we're loving sheer textures and subtle, versatile prints like polka dots. Wear your shirt under a sweater or blazer, tie it over a dress, or toss it on over a graphic tee on the weekend.

An easy knit layer

This could be a tank, a long-sleeved shirt, or a light sweater. The keyword is "easy!" Consider how you like to layer; a sweater is a great option if you like to toss something over your T-shirt or dress throughout the day, while a tank is perfect for big blazer fans. This is the piece that will be doing tons of heavy lifting in your capsule wardrobe, so make sure you love it!

Utility pants

If you haven't hopped on this trend already, 2025 is the time to do it! Cargo- and army-style utility pants give every outfit an instant dose of cool, whether you're opting for the classic army green shade, a crisp white, or goes-with-everything black. They just so happen to look great with that bright, bold sweatshirt and striped sweater… just saying.

A throw-it-on-and-go dress

The beauty of this capsule wardrobe dress is that you can truly wear it anywhere and everywhere and you don't have to stress about it. A midi-length dress in a neutral color like black, navy, gray, or taupe is always a safe bet; you can play with color via accessories or layering. Wear it with sneakers, a hoodie, and a hat on the weekend or dress it up with jewelry and heels for a night out. (It's also an amazing addition to your suitcase, should you be traveling in the near future.)

An effortlessly cool jacket

The sky's the limit when it comes to your "third piece," AKA your capsule wardrobe jacket. This will definitely depend on personal style, but we love a classic moto jacket for a bit of edge or a sleek, sporty blazer to mix things up.