Building a capsule wardrobe is all about figuring out what, exactly, you like or need to wear on a daily basis, then tailoring your closet to meet that personal style. Everyone does this to an extent, but investing in the right wardrobe essentials—and saving money on unnecessary purchases in the long run—requires some intentionality. It doesn’t just look like buying the right T-shirt; it’s really about setting yourself up with well-made pieces you’ll want to wear over and over again.

“The idea of a capsule wardrobe can be completely different for everyone,” says Rent the Runway stylist Maeve Reilly, who structures looks around staples. “Your capsule is your go-to items that make you feel confident and comfortable,” whether that’s elevated dresses or simple white sneakers. And Liisa Jokinen, founder of vintage-shopping hub Gem, echoes that sentiment: “There isn’t just one capsule wardrobe; mine can look completely different from someone else’s, and you don’t need to add any trench coats or blue jeans,” she says. Both experts agree that it’s best to invest in your hero items; meanwhile, seasonal trends and statement pieces can be cheaper, secondhand, or rented in case you fall out of love with them in a season or two.

Below, shop the capsule-wardrobe items that fit in most women’s closets. Think of them as guideposts while you’re filling out your collection—we encourage you to branch out from there.

Glamour’s capsule-wardrobe essentials, at a glance

1. The white T-shirt

Regardless of whatever your style looks like, you could use a nice white T-shirt. It’s a hardworking basic that goes with everything and is crucial for layering during every season. Find a cut that speaks to you, then buy multiples so you’re never without a crisp tee on hand.

2. The everyday sneakers

Sneaker trends come and go, but slim, sporty kicks are timeless. While you might assume that you should go with a white pair, that’s not necessarily the case; your best bet for a capsule, Reilly says, is a pair in a neutral shade that’ll complement most everything in your closet. These minimalist styles will do the trick, keeping you looking of-the-moment while also resisting fleeting fads.

3. The straight-leg jeans

Classic straight-leg jeans will more than pull their weight in your capsule. Unlike some other cuts—sorry, skinny and wide—they’re completely trend-proof, so you can feel confident investing in a pair that’ll last you years to come. Any wash can fit comfortably in your forever wardrobe, but we’d especially recommend a mid-blue; these picks from our favorite denim brands are neither too light nor too dark for continued wear.

4. The blazer

“A good blazer always goes a long way,” Reilly says. The key is getting the right fit; we suggest going for a slightly relaxed (but still trim) cut for your capsule jacket; this will give you room for layering without making you look like you’re swimming in fabric. Neutrals like black, navy, and gray look great with matching trousers, silk skirts, and well-worn jeans, whether you’re headed to a dinner date or you’re off to the office.

5. The tote bag

Before you invest in any other kind of bag, make sure you’ve got a proper tote bag secured. Your pick should be big enough for whatever you have to carry most of the time: laptops, groceries, baby stuff, whatever. These high-quality leather pieces are well worth your time; Polène’s leather totes rival the options from major fashion houses, while Katie Holmes carries that exact Madewell tote pretty much everywhere she goes.

6. The slingback heels

Cute, comfortable heels take dresses, jeans, and skirts to the next level, so of course you need a nice pair in your rotation. “I would suggest a mid-to-low heel for versatility,” Reilly says; these kitten heels are available in plenty of colors and aren’t too trendy to keep around forever. Your work wardrobe has never been quite so chic—but we’d also suggest breaking these out for more casual events too. You might discover a whole new dimension to your wardrobe when you switch out your footwear.

7. The crewneck cardigan

High-quality knits deserve a spot in your year-round closet for chilly evenings and overactive office air-conditioning. We suggest a timeless crewneck cardigan in a neutral color to start; layer one over a tank top in early summer or a sleeveless dress during autumn. (And don’t overlook those button-down shirts we’re about to recommend below.)

8. The black leggings

Black leggings are so versatile and comfortable that you should have a proper pair accessible at all times. The athleisure staple can take you from the gym to the airport to low-key lunches, depending on your styling; throw on a hoodie, a trench coat, and big sunglasses with one of these top-rated pairs and you’ll look like an off-duty editor.

9. The button-down shirt

An oversized button-down shirt forms the backbone of Jokinen’s personal capsule wardrobe, and she recommends the all-season piece because it’s so easy to layer. Pack it in your vacation carry-on; wear it to work; throw it on under a jacket. You really can’t go wrong here. While our editors naturally gravitate to white and blue, there’s no mandate to stick to those specific neutrals; all of these shades will look great with your trusty jeans and favorite loafers. (Plus, they’re great blank canvases for trendier accessories like brooches and neckties.)

10. The everyday sunglasses

Ever notice how every celebrity and style influencer almost always wears sunglasses on the street? That’s because beyond protecting your eyes, they also punch up any outfit. Aviators, ovals, and cat-eyes have plenty of personality and look good on everyone; while we love black frames for a hero pair, don’t be afraid of a little color. Again, it’s all about buying something you’ll actually want to wear regularly.

11. The work pants

You might be tempted to exclusively wear jeans or sweats on your day off, but slouchy trousers can be just as comfortable—not to mention incredibly versatile. If you’re off to brunch, for example, style yours with an elevated top or a breezy button-down, then take your pick from sneakers or chunky loafers. And obviously, they’re great for work; throw on your capsule blazer and some ballet flats for a borrowed-from-the-boys silhouette offset by some subtle femininity.

12. The black dress

The LBD is a staple for a reason—and if you somehow don’t have a black dress waiting in the wings for your next elevated occasion, it’s time to fix that. These picks work for virtually any season and fête, whether it’s a spring wedding or a milestone birthday party. Don’t overdo it on styling; less is more with these minimalist beauties, and all you need is a bag, light jewelry, and shoes that match or pop.

13. The ballet flats

It’s possible to dress ballet flats up or down, making them some of the most versatile footwear you’ll own. Go with a classic bow-adorned pair or a new-school pair of Mary Janes; either way, they’ll make your denim, trousers, and skirts sing. And don’t worry about the trend cycle—after a grand comeback a few years ago, these shoes are firmly back in the “essentials” category.

14. The trench coat

Don’t attempt to face transitional weather without a trench coat. They’re long enough for chilly weather, plenty roomy for layering, and great for wind and water—the total package, especially for spring and fall. Plus, with plenty of buttons, waist ties, and dramatic collars, they offer way more styling potential than simpler outerwear. Try one over a tank top and straight jeans or a white T-shirt and a sequin skirt.

15. The stackable chain

There is absolutely a time and a place for statement jewelry, but the most stylish women we know are almost always wearing a simple chain or two that stacks well with other pieces. Whether you lean more toward gold or silver, these affordable jewelry picks are the perfect foundation for your other favorites.

16. The denim shirt

Denim shouldn’t just be relegated to jeans; the material also lends itself nicely to shirting. Whether you tuck one of these options into matching jeans, a denim skirt, or tailored trousers, it’s high-low styling at its best. Throw in some fancy footwear like pumps or leather loafers to really seal the deal, and make sure you use a belt to break up all-denim ensembles.

17. The slim loafers

While chunkier silhouettes are trending, go slim for your hero pair of loafers; they’ll never go out of style, and look smart with jeans and suits alike. G.H. Bass makes perhaps the most classic pair on the market, but you can’t go wrong with any of these timeless silhouettes. There’s a big chance you’ll like them so much that you’ll start wearing them on your day off too.

18. The elevated top

Don’t save your nice tops for special occasions; by pairing something elevated with, say, a denim skirt or black trousers, you’ll look like you know exactly who you are. There’s no one answer; each of these gems brings a different vibe, but they all look cool (and, let’s be honest, expensive).

19. The belt

We love a good statement belt here at Glamour, but your collection should start with a belt that’s pretty much invisible. Neither too thin nor too wide, these picks look great with any bottoms in your collection, especially when you’re tucking in your top. It’s a subtle way to make your outfits feel just a touch more polished.

20. The shirtdress

Need a nice outfit but can’t bring yourself to put in any effort? Reach for your trusty shirtdress. Feel free to go as loud as you’d like with shape and print; your capsule wardrobe should be an extension of your personality, anyway. Whether you’re looking for an office dress or something to wear on the weekends, this edit has you covered.

21. The sweatpants

Like leggings, sweatpants are deceptively chic bottoms that come in clutch for low-effort outfits. When you pair them with special pieces (even just a trench, suede sneakers, and a graphic baseball cap), you’ll nail the woman-about-town look that’s so popular on both coasts right now.

22. The baseball cap

Bad-hair days are no match for a classic baseball cap. Beyond hiding greasy roots—we’ve all been there—hats also add just a touch more personality to any ensemble. When you’re not entirely sold on your outfit, these picks will come in clutch as you’re running out of the door.