How to Create a Black and White Capsule Wardrobe
Are you wondering how to create a black and white capsule wardrobe for women? You’re in the right place!
You can use this guide to build the ultimate minimalistic black and white capsule wardrobe for everyday life or special occasions.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that you can mix and match and wear interchangeably. The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to maximize the outfits you can create while minimizing the pieces of clothing you own.
What are the benefits of a capsule wardrobe?
There are several benefits to a capsule wardrobe. For one, you’ll certainly spend less money especially if your entire wardrobe consists of black and white, as these colors are incredibly easy to mix and match.
Additionally, you’ll likely save a ton of storage space. Since capsule wardrobes require much less clothing, you won’t have the need for quite as much storage space.
And lastly, a capsule wardrobe makes it easier for some people to get dressed every day. Oddly enough, when someone has a huge wardrobe, it is often harder to put together outfits.
Having fewer pieces gives you fewer options for styling, but it also makes decision-making much easier and in turn, it takes much less time to get ready every day.
The purpose of a capsule wardrobe will vary per person but overall it is to minimize the overall amount of clothes you have while still having enough items to create multiple looks.
You can have just one capsule collection, or you can have seasonal capsule wardrobes (such as a summer, winter, or fall capsule wardrobe) or capsule wardrobes for different occasions like work and leisure.
What Is a Black and White Capsule Wardrobe?
A black and white capsule wardrobe is a unique concept that focuses on just two neutral colors.
Black and white are classic colors in fashion, so this type of capsule wardrobe is perfect for you if you prefer a simple, chic look, or if you have a classic, elegant style.
Black and white pieces are extremely versatile and can be combined to form many different outfits. You can create monochrome looks with a black and white capsule wardrobe, as well as two-tone black and white outfits.
What Should Be in a Black and White Capsule Wardrobe?
You will still want to have enough tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories for everyday styling. If you work in in an office setting you’ll need pieces acceptable for the office, and of course you’ll need a few special occasion options.
It’s up to you exactly how you tailor your wardrobe, though.
For example, you may want to create a smaller black and white capsule wardrobe with fewer clothes if you’re creating a capsule wardrobe specifically for a vacation.
Your packing list might only include three tops, three bottoms, one dress, and one pair of shoes.
On the other hand, you may want to create a larger black and white capsule wardrobe that is meant to last year-round. This type of collection will have more items, and you’ll need to consider different seasons and occasions too.
You can also create a black and white capsule wardrobe just for work if you want to wear classic and simple outfits to the office each day. In this scenario, you would just have workwear in your capsule wardrobe, and you wouldn’t need additional items like shorts or loungewear.
How to Create a Black and White Capsule Wardrobe
If you love a simple black and white color palette, check out the recommendations below which will help you to create chic, modern outfits the easy way.
Depending on your exact needs, you may need to swap out or add items based on factors like the current season, occasion, and your personal style.
If you live somewhere with colder months, you may want to add a black puffy coat for example, or for more summery outfits, you may want to add a white linen dress or another pair of shorts.
Choose The Right Tops
The first area to consider when creating a black and white capsule wardrobe is tops. You will want to choose simple, neutral tops that can be worn in different ways and for different occasions.
All of these tops can be dressed up or dressed down depending on how you style them.
White t-shirts & black t-shirts
A plain white t-shirt is a capsule wardrobe essential. This fashion staple is a versatile piece that can be worn with just about anything. Black tees are also great to have for those days you don’t want to worry about stains or spills.
A short sleeve tee in either of these colors is great for layering under cardigans, moto jackets, sweaters, etc., and for creating a basic look for every day.
Black bodysuit
Another must-have for your capsule wardrobe is a black bodysuit. This is a great way to dress up an otherwise casual outfit while still being comfortable. You can opt for long sleeve or short sleeve depending on your location and the weather.
Black and white sweater
A black and white horizontally striped sweater is a classic piece to have in your capsule wardrobe. Go for a sweater with a relaxed fit and chunky stripes for a more casual and classic look.
White button-up shirt
The best thing about a white blouse or button-down shirt is that you can dress up both for work with black pants, or dress them down with a pair of shorts and sneakers for a more casual outfit. Either way,
Alternatively, black tops look great with any bottom you choose as well. From skirts to shorts, leggings, and capris, the list goes on.
No matter style you prefer, there are plenty of cute tops to choose from in both black and white.
Choose Versatile Bottoms
For your black and white capsule wardrobe, you’ll want several pairs of black and white bottoms that you can wear interchangeably with all your tops.
And don’t worry about the old rule that you can’t wear white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day: while at one time, it was considered a faux pas to wear white outside of the summer months, this is no longer the case.
You can wear white year-round whether it’s a pair of white jeans or a white sweater. No one is going to call the fashion police on you.
Black jeans
Black jeans are a classic wardrobe staple that you can wear with anything. Styled properly, they provide a timeless look you can wear for many occasions.
If you don’t already have them, a pair of skinny jeans or straight-legged jeans are a great addition to add to your closet.
White jeans
You can also add a pair of white jeans to your black and white capsule wardrobe. White jeans with a relaxed fit are casual yet stylish and can be worn with anything.
The great thing about white jeans is that they’re the perfect base for just about any top.
For a chic summer look try a white wide leg pair of jeans with a white shirt such as a button-up or cami for an all white look. With a look like this you could always add in a pop of color via your shoes, handbag, or jewelry.
Black joggers
For more casual outfits, a pair of black trousers or joggers are other staples to have in your wardrobe. These are perfect for wearing out and about while running errands, or lounging at home.
A t-shirt and joggers are the perfect simple outfit to wear when you want to look put together yet be ultra comfortable.
White denim shorts
During the summer months, a pair of white denim shorts is a must for your black and white capsule wardrobe. They are comfortable and go with anything.
Have Multi-functional Dresses
Black dress
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a little black dress. It’s up to you what style you choose, but a black dress is something that is simple and elegant and appropriate for many different occasions, from work to date night.
Wrap dresses, sheath dresses, and bodycon dresses are all classic pieces that never go out of style and there are many retailers that offer them.
Black and white dress
If you’re not into all black looks, a black and white solid or print dress is one of the easiest ways to introduce some flair into your wardrobe while sticking to the two-color theme.
A black and white floral dress or abstract print dress is the perfect addition to your black and white capsule wardrobe.
Have Seasonal Outerwear
No matter your personal style a good coat is a must-have. The styles below are all timeless items that can be worn with many different looks.
Black blazer
A black blazer is a must-have for both a casual outfit and a more tailored look. This can be dressed up for important meetings at work or dressed down for a more casual day out.
White denim jacket
Denim jackets are a versatile, classic piece for a capsule wardrobe. They can be paired with just about anything and are simple yet stylish.
For your black and white capsule wardrobe, a white denim jacket keeps with the two-tone rule and is very versatile.
Black Leather Jacket
A black leather jacket in a moto style is great for the spring or fall season. It’s an extra layer yet not too heavy and it blends well with many different looks from dressed up to more casual.
Purchase Shoes In Varying Styles
When choosing shoes for your capsule wardrobe, you want a few pairs that can be worn in many different ways. Here are some staples that are the most versatile.
White sneakers
You can’t go wrong with a pair of white sneakers. They’re a great choice for almost any outfit whether it’s shorts and a t-shirt or a sweater and jeans.
Black chelsea boots
A pair of boots in solid black is a classic style that can be worn with many different outfits. For day wear, pair it with black faux leather leggings, a mock neck sweater, and a tweed jacket.
Black flats
A pair of black flats or sandals will round off your black and white capsule wardrobe footwear. These can be worn with casual or dressier outfits.
Keep Go-to Accessories
Finally, don’t forget about accessories! For a minimalist black and white capsule wardrobe, you don’t need too many accessories. A white or black outfit can easily be taken up a notch with timeless pieces like gold hoop earrings or a tennis bracelet.
Depending on your needs, you may want to add some items here, like black sunglasses, a black or white swimsuit, and so on.
Black tote bag
A black leather tote bag is a great everyday bag that you can bring to work, out to lunch, out running errands, or for traveling.
Black and white purse
For an edgier handbag, a two-tone black and white purse is a perfect choice. You can go for something simple or something that makes a statement.
Skinny black belt
A skinny black belt is a classic wardrobe staple that can be worn with just about anything, and it’s a necessity for a black and white capsule wardrobe.
If you’re stuck on where to shop for black and white items for your new wardrobe, here’s a list of some retailers that offer quality pieces in versatile styles:
At the end of the day, there are plenty of outfit ideas that consist of just black and white pieces. Creating a functional closet of items that match your personal style is the most important.
Once you know what pieces you need, finding them is the easy part!
