30 Must-Have Essentials For A Sustainable Capsule Wardrobe
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You may have a capsule wardrobe with your go-to favorite clothing pieces, or maybe you prefer to have all your clothes within reach on any given day. Organization aside, you likely have a few closet staples that you rely upon for layering, quick outfits to throw on, or mixing and matching. Closet staples like a plain t-shirt, trousers, leggings, a blazer, jeans, a button-down shirt, an LBD, pullover and white sneakers are all common, regardless of your style or price point.
Other wardrobe basics—such as tanks and undergarments—can be cheap or designer, and the same goes for your personal collection of closet staples. However, I recommend buying sustainable clothing essentials (as opposed to fast fashion versions) for multiple reasons, just a few being: ethical production, breathable fabrics from sustainably sourced materials (hello cotton and linen!), and high-quality items that will last you a long time. The cost-per-wear for an item can help you determine if it’s worth more, and I can happily say that my sustainable and ethical closet staples are the ones I reach for the most and wear the longest.
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $50
$$ | Between $50-$100
$$$ | More than $100
A basic tee
A basic tee is something most of us have many of, including graphic tees and solid-color staples for mixing and matching. Almost every capsule wardrobe includes a basic tee, which is one of the most versatile items you can own. Tees are easy to layer, can be worn for meetings or sports matches, and provide a base layer during the cooler months.
There are many ethical versions of a basic t-shirt, and some of my favorites are from Girlfriend Collective, Everlane, and Madewell. I shop from the latter most often because I like to be able to try my t-shirts on; with such an important basic, I want to make sure it fits me well so that I will wear it often.
Our Favorites:
Image: Girlfriend Collective
Image: Madewell
Image: Quince
Cotton Modal V Neck Tee
Quince
Price: $
An ultra-soft v-neck tee that gets its color from eco-friendly dyes.
Trousers
Trousers are pants that include all styles: straight-leg, boot-cut, wide-leg, skinny-leg, and others. They can be casual or dressy, and you’ll most often see them worn in the office. However, street-wear has included trousers in many recent styles.
Trousers may not seem like an obvious staple, especially in the day-to-day WFH world many of us are living in. But they're functional items that you can pair with dressier options for a classy, sophisticated look or dressed down for a weekend look when worn with a ball cap and sneakers. I suggest buying a pair of trousers in a neutral color so that you can mix and match with bolder items or accessories to make these office-appropriate.
Our Favorites:
Image: Quince
Organic Stretch Cotton Twill Barrel Pant
Quince
Price: $$
The ultimate combination of style and comfort, these trousers are made with a lightweight organic cotton and just a touch of spandex, creating a tapered ankle for a flattering silhouette.
Image: Everlane
The Linen Way-High® Drape Pant
Everlane
Price: $$
These light and flowy linen trousers will be your next obsession.
Image: Pact
Boulevard Brushed Twill Pull-On Pant
Pact
Price: $$
These mid-rise trousers have an elastic band that is perfect for everyday wear!
White sneakers
White sneakers are classics. They’re clean, easy to pair with most colors, and versatile.
They’re a no-brainer closet staple because they pair with so many other items. From sundresses to jeans to leggings, white sneakers are a must-have.
Sustainable sneakers are becoming more and more abundant. Two top pairs are from Cariuma and Allbirds. Both are made from eco-friendly materials that are both durable and do not forsake comfort or style. Cariuma’s sneaker is an everyday shoe made from natural rubber, cork, bio memory foam, organic cotton and recycled plastic laces. A sportier sneaker silhouette is the Tree Runner from Allbirds, which is made from eucalyptus tree fiber, sugarcane-based green EVA, merino wool heel lining, and with laces made from recycled plastic bottles.
Our Favorites:
Image: Cariuma
OCA Low Sneaker
Cariuma
Price: $$$
Upgrade your white sneakers with this clean, sporty design made of organic cotton canvas.
Image: Allbirds
Tree Runners
Allbirds
Price: $$
A sportier sneaker silhouette that is made from eucalyptus tree fiber, sugarcane-based green EVA, merino wool heel lining, and laces made from recycled plastic bottles.
Image: Nordstrom
Campo Sneaker
Veja
Price: $$$
This is an everyday shoe made from Amazonian rubber with an insole made from recycled polyester and cotton.
leggings
When I ask myself, What should I wear today?, the answer most often is a pair of black leggings. Leggings are perfect for wearing around the house and running errands in, plus they pair with practically all tops and shoes.
As a yoga instructor, leggings are a closet essential. Not only do I wear them every day, but I often wear multiple pairs in a day to teach in, work in, and wear out for dinner or drinks. I swear by a few pairs of black leggings because they’re neutral, opaque, and don’t show signs of sweat. However, your go-to pair can be any color you’d like.
We love brands like Girlfriend Collective, Athleta, Outdoor Voices, and Quince that have affordable and comfortable options. They also offer so many colors to expand your leggings collection.
Our Favorites:
Image: Girlfriend Collective
Compressive High-Rise Legging
Girlfriend Collective
Price: $$
Leggings made from recycled plastic water bottles, they’re compressive, high-waisted, and while the fabric is lighter, they still pass the squat test.
Image: Quince
Ultra-Form High-Rise Pocket Legging
Quince
Price: $
Who doesn’t love leggings with pockets? These leggings are perfect for yoga or low-impact workouts any day of the week.
Image: Outdoor Voices
Seamless Rib 7/8 Legging
Outdoor Voices
Price: $$$
Made from recycled materials, this seamless design combines extra comfort with an ultra-slimming effect.
A blazer
A blazer is an office-wardrobe-turned-streetwear piece that looks effortless over a t-shirt and professional over a blouse. Blazers can be fitted and tailored or worn oversized for a laid-back feel.
I’d consider a blazer a closet staple because it’s a hard item to replace. Blazers can function as a top layer or even a cardigan on cooler days, but being able to dress one up makes it more versatile. Blazers pair well with jeans or trousers, as well as over a form-fitting dress for a night out.
Blazers can even be fun to shop for secondhand because you can find fun silhouettes and patterns from the ‘80s and ‘90s, complete with shoulder pads and actual pockets.
Our Favorites:
Image: Quince
100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer
Quince
Price: $$
Layer up and level up with this knit blazer. This 100% organic cotton blazer has a stylish lapel, and bracelet-length sleeves to give you an effortless, polished vibe.
Image: Everlane
The TENCEL™ Oversized Blazer
Everlane
Price: $$$
Their best-selling blazer is light and roomy, and offers a chic menswear look to bring some variety to your everyday outfits.
Image: Nordstrom
Better Than Leather Faux Leather Blazer
Good American
Price: $$$
This oversized faux leather blazer will be your new favorite closet staple.
Denim
Denim is a closet essential, and we love that there are so many colors and washes. From acid wash to white jeans to distressed jeans, there are endless options for a good pair of everyday denim.
You’ll want at least one denim clothing item in your closet, whether it be shorts, crops, or jeans. Pick your favorite wash and style to pair with a graphic tee, loafers, or a crop top. Jeans are acceptable in most occasions, including laid back offices.
Our Favorites:
Image: Everlane
The Way-High® Curve Jean
Everlane
Price: $$$
A high-waisted silhouette with a curvy design, these jeans are made with organic low-stretch cotton for that cool, shaped effect.
Image: Madewell
The '90s Straight Jean
Madewell
Price: $$
The best ‘90s-style denim on the list and a must-add to your denim lineup.
Image: Gap
Mid Rise Universal Jeggings
Gap
Price: $
A body-hugging and flattering eco-friendly pair of jeggings is a denim essential.
A Button-Down Shirt
Button-downs, also called button-ups, are multifunctional tops that work casually, as well as in an office setting. Button-downs come in all colors, patterns, and styles and may include pockets or frills.
They can be worn buttoned, open, or tucked in to create different layers and silhouettes. I love wearing a button-down in situations where the temperature is unpredictable, like airports, offices, and summer mornings. Button-downs are also a great gender-neutral staple to have on hand.
As you might expect, button-downs can be found easily in secondhand stores because you can find this classic cut in both the men and women’s racks. The downside is not always finding the size or color you want. I suggest having at least one solid-color button-down in your wardrobe, like a black or white linen one. A striped shirt is also a cute option and would pair well with black jeans or a floral dress.
Our Favorites:
Image: Madewell
Crinkled Button-Up Shirt
Madewell
Price: $
An elegant and elevated button-down made of sustainable fabrics that you can wear every day!
Image: Everlane
The Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt
Everlane
Price: $
An ultimate classic, but made of 100% organic cotton. Say less?
Image: Quince
100% Organic Cotton Gauze Long Sleeve Shirt
Quince
Price: $
Also made of organic cotton, this shirt has a textured ruched effect making it suitable for the office or the beach.
Little Black Dress
The LBD is a timeless wardrobe staple. A black dress can be formal, casual, and everything in between.
A little black dress can do it all, which makes it a shoe-in wardrobe essential. You can layer a cardigan or bold jewelry for a range of events, and your favorite LBD might make you feel Main Character Energy if you pick the right one.
And luckily, there are plenty of ethically made dresses to shop. Pick from a modest, casual feel to a sexier, shorter option. Either way, there is a sustainable little black dress that will fit your style.
Our Favorites:
Image: Madewell
Layton Mini Slip Dress
Madewell
Price: $$
This beautiful slip dress was woven from eco-friendly fibers to create a body-skimming effect that will shape any body beautifully.
Image: Nordstrom
Image: Quince
Tencel Rib Knit Sleeveless Dress
Quince
Price: $$
This sleeveless midi-length rib knit dress is everything. Not only is it comfortable and versatile, it offers lots of stretch and is made of biodegradable fabric.
A Pullover
Hoodies and crewnecks are perfect for transitioning seasons and are a popular lounge top. You may have pullovers from sports days in high school or have several with your favorite band or TV show’s graphics.
I love having a few crewnecks in my closet to grab for when the air conditioning is cold. A pullover is also versatile for weekend brunch or running errands because you can tie it around your waist as easily as throw it over your outfit.
Our Favorites:
Image: Quince
Eco-Knit Milano Stitch Mock Neck Pullover
Quince
Price: $
Elevate your style with this eco-friendly mock neck pullover. Carefully crafted with a sleek design, it combines sophistication and comfort in one piece.
Image: Girlfriend Collective
Birch 50/50 Cropped Sweatshirt
Girlfriend Collective
Price: $
A super-comfy cropped sweatshirt made with a blend of recycled and organic cotton.
Image: Everlane
The Felted Merino Half-Zip Sweater
Everlane
Price: $$$
A half-zip pullover made of extra-fine merino wool that’s been washed and boiled for a softer, warmer, and more durable feel. The wool used is also Responsible Wool Standard certified, ensuring the welfare of the sheep and the land they graze on.
Leather (Or Vegan) Jacket
Don’t forget a leather jacket as a closet staple—there are sustainable options that are still chic and high quality. Look for leather that is LWG (Leather Working Group) certified so that you know they are using eco-friendly business practices and quality working conditions.
Want to avoid wearing any animal products? Vegan leather is an alternative to traditional leather since it’s artificially made from agricultural waste products and sustainable biomaterials instead of any animal materials.
Once you’ve found the perfect leather jacket, you will never look back and it will become a piece in your closet that you use for years to come. Dress it up or down! Style it with denim, leggings, a mini skirt, or a dress—the options are endless. A leather jacket can elevate an outfit in seconds, so don’t forget it as a timeless closet staple.
Our Favorites:
Image: Quince
100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Quince
Price: $$$
I’m a huge fan of this leather jacket! It screams biker-chic and is crafted from 100% top-grain leather in a totally timeless design.
Image: Nordstrom
Faux Leather Hoodie & Bomber Combination Jacket
TopShop
Price: $$
A roomy oversized bomber leather jacket for an effortless, modern look.
Image: Nordstrom
Faux Leather Moto Jacket
Blank NYC
Price: $
Bring a bit of edge to any daily looks with this buttery-soft, brown faux-leather jacket.
The best thing about completing your wardrobe with sustainable clothing essentials is that they provide a capsule wardrobe of their own. You can quickly pair items together to make outfits for any occasion, which is why they're staples in the first place!
