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How the 10 Item Wardrobe Works & How to Build Yours (With Examples)

10 item work wardrobe graphic

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Picture your go-to outfits. Do they consist of the same pieces that you wear on repeat? If so, you’re not alone.

In fact, many women wear just 20% of their wardrobe on a regular basis. Now that we’ve wiped away a tear for the neglected 80%, let’s discuss solutions.

One idea: try out a ten-item wardrobe.

Wait. Am I seriously suggesting that you only ever wear ten clothing items? Not exactly. But I am referring to a total closet (and mindset) shift that offers simplicity and style.

Below, you’ll learn how to make the 10-item capsule work for you.

What Is a 10-Item Wardrobe?

10 piece wardrobe minimalist

A ten-item wardrobe is a collection of, you guessed it, 10 versatile clothing pieces that you can mix and match to create an impressive amount of outfits. All the wardrobe items complement one another, making getting dressed simple.

This minimalist approach prioritizes quality over quantity so you’re left with flattering, well-made pieces and an organized closet.

An added perk? Maintaining your closet is a breeze with such a pared-down powerhouse wardrobe.

Think the ten-piece capsule wardrobe sounds like nothing but a fashion fantasy? 

We’ll walk through how it works and look at examples of this surprisingly freeing wardrobe below.

Leveling up your style? Learn the steps I followed to build a quality capsule wardrobe

My 10 Essential Capsule Wardrobe Pieces

Sometimes the best way to understand a concept is to see it in action.

To help you visualize how a versatile 10-item wardrobe comes together, I’ve curated my go-to “workhorse” staples below. Browse the kinds of pieces that form the foundation of a truly elegant and functional closet. 

1. The Fitted Turtleneck

A slim-fit turtleneck in a quality, comfortable knit is one of the most elegant and hardworking pieces you can own. I love these tucked into midi skirts for a sleek, polished silhouette, and I find them incredibly easy to layer with outerwear on chilly days.

How I Style It

woman in pleated leather skirt and turtleneck

 

2. The Tailored Vest

petite studio Ines ivory linen button down vest top on petite woman

Shop the vest here. Use code CELESTE20 for a discount. 

A tailored vest is a wonderfully chic and modern alternative to a classic blouse. My personal favorite is the Ines Linen Vest from Petite Studio; its structured linen-blend fabric looks incredibly elevated and can be dressed up or down with ease, making it a perfect staple for warmer months.

3. The Timeless Cashmere Cardigan

A high-quality cashmere cardigan is a “buy it once, wear it forever” piece. It’s perfect for layering over dresses or blouses and adds a touch of understated luxury and softness to any outfit.

4. The Structured T-Shirt

Forget flimsy tees. A structured t-shirt, crafted from a quality, substantial cotton, holds its shape beautifully and looks incredibly chic on its own or layered under your cardigan.

5. The Perfect-Fit Wide-Leg Jeans

A pair of flattering, high-waisted wide-leg jeans is a modern wardrobe essential. They create a beautiful, elongated silhouette and are surprisingly versatile, pairing well with everything from simple tees to elegant blouses.

6. The Elegant Silk Midi Skirt

A silk midi skirt is my secret weapon for a simple yet stunning outfit. It drapes beautifully, moves with you, and can be styled in countless ways for any season.

7. The Little Black Dress

No essential list is complete without it. A simple, well-cut Little Black Dress (LBD) is your go-to for almost any occasion that requires a touch of effortless sophistication.

8. The Off-Shoulder Top

An off-the-shoulder top is a beautiful way to add a touch of romance and allure to your wardrobe. It’s a subtly chic piece that feels both relaxed and special.

9. The Chic White Mini Skirt

A well-cut white mini skirt is a surprisingly versatile staple, especially for warmer months. It looks fresh and modern paired with a simple t-shirt and can be easily dressed up with a silk blouse for a more polished feel.

10. The  Pointed-Toe Flats

Technically, shoes aren’t part of the core 10 clothing items, but a truly versatile pair is essential. I wanted to show an example of a piece that is both high-quality and incredibly functional. For me, that’s my VIVAIA pointed-toe flats—I own them in both a neutral shade and a vibrant ruby red. I walk everywhere, and these are true workhorse pieces in my wardrobe, proving that you never have to sacrifice style for comfort.

How Does It Work?

minimalist capsule wardrobe

If the ten-item wardrobe sounds familiar, you may have seen Jennifer Scott’s widely circulated Tedx Talk detailing how a stay in Paris inspired her to own fewer clothes and elevate her style. Let’s break down the rules!

Focus on 10 Core Items in Your Closet

The focus of your wardrobe will be these items that you mix and match on repeat. Think blouses, sweaters, pants, skirts, dresses, and jeans. Keep in mind that these items are open to edits each season.

The items you pick for your summer ten-piece wardrobe will serve their purpose for a time. When winter rolls around, you can select a new batch to suit your needs. 

Wondering how many shirts and pants to own? This formula helps.

Select Supporting Items to Complete Your Wardrobe

petite studio Ines ivory linen button down vest top on petite woman

This Petite Studio Vest is a core item in my wardrobe.

*Gasp*. There’s no need to call the minimalist fashion police. The 10-item capsule wardrobe refers to the core of your closet.

However, there is room in this regimen for more clothing. Base layer clothing like tees and tank tops along with special occasion wear all fall into the surrounding wardrobe category.

Think of them as the supporting cast for the main star pieces (aka your core ten items).

Deep Clean Your Closet

Or, at the very least,  put a lot of it away while you try out a simpler wardrobe. There’s something so freeing about discarding all the clothing that no longer serves you.

Whether you get rid of the items or pack them away temporarily, it’s important to get clothing that you’re not using out of sight. A clear closet (and easier outfit creation)  is just around the corner.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

When you drastically cut your wardrobe, it’s only natural to gravitate towards pieces that last.

A ten-piece wardrobe forces you to be selective. As a result, you’ll leave behind the clothing that is just okay. Goodbye, stretched-out cardigan. Hello, flattering blazer and jeans that fit like a glove.

Curious about clothing rentals? Get pros and cons in my Nuuly review.

Wear the Same Clothes Over and Over

Woman in white linen vest and cuffed jeans dressing to look taller

I wear these ruby red Vivaia flats often; they are equal parts comfortable and chic.

You’re going to outfit repeat… and you’re going to like it! While studying abroad, Jennifer noticed that Madame Chic (aka her host mother) often wore the same high-quality pieces on repeat.

The French 10-item wardrobe concept is alluring. After all, who doesn’t want to look effortlessly put together day in and day out?

Take a page from Parisians and embrace wearing the same items often.

Is French fashion calling your name? Explore French capsule wardrobes for summer and winter here.

10-Item Wardrobe Examples​

10 item work wardrobe graphic

10 Piece Work Capsule Wardrobe

This simple work capsule offers versatility while keeping things classy at the office.

The Classic Oxford Shirt (x2)

A crisp, well-made Oxford is non-negotiable for a polished wardrobe. I recommend having two in rotation-one in classic white and another in a color like this soft baby blue-for loads of styling options.

The High-Neck Blouse

For days when you want a touch more elegance, a high-neck top is the perfect choice. A boat neckline is always flattering so I’ve pulled in two options for you here.

The Timeless Turtleneck

A slim-fit turtleneck in a neutral like black, ivory, or camel is a chic layering staple. It’s the secret weapon for looking effortlessly put-together during cooler months.

 


 

The Versatile Midi Skirt

A well-cut midi skirt offers a wonderful blend of sophistication and femininity. A simple A-line or slip style in a solid, neutral color can be dressed up or down with ease.

 


 

The Perfect Trousers (x2)

I recommend two core pairs for maximum versatility: a pair of elegant, wide-leg trousers that create a beautiful, fluid line, and a pair of classic, black fitted trousers that are tailored to perfection.

 

The Fitted Blazer

Nothing pulls an outfit together quite like a beautifully fitted blazer. Choose a classic single-breasted style in black, navy, or camel to serve as your go-to third piece.

 

The Polished Pencil Skirt

For a more structured and formal silhouette, a high-quality pencil skirt is a must. It’s a powerhouse piece that exudes confidence and timeless professional style.

 

The Structured Dress

A simple, structured dress in a neutral color is your “one-and-done” solution for busy mornings. Look for one with a classic sheath or A-line silhouette that you can wear on its own or layer under your blazer.

 

Supporting garments ideas: a trench coat, some fitted tank tops, and crisp cap sleeve shirts

10 Piece Casual Capsule Wardrobe

This capsule checks the comfort boxes while keeping you looking chic. One-piece outfits like a jumpsuit or day dress make getting ready a breeze.

The Flattering T-Shirt

We all have a t-shirt (or even) laying around. But to maximize styling potential, make sure you have one that’s polished and figure flattering.

My tip: Choose a t-shirt in an upgraded fabric like this beautifully draped silk.

 

The Feminine Square-Neck Top

A square-neck top beautifully frames the collarbones and adds a touch of sophistication to your casual looks. Marcella makes some of my favorite subtly romantic tops that are high quality and oh so versatile.

 

 

The Effortless Day Dresses (x2)

I recommend having two go-to dresses for maximum versatility: a slinky Silk Slip for warmer days or evenings out, and a comfortable Tank Midi Dress for running errands in style. Both are incredibly easy to layer.

 


 

The Essential Sweaters (x2)

We must have a sweater or two for lovely layered looks. A classic Crew Neck in a quality knit is a must-have basic, while a soft draped style like the Jenni Kayne Everyday Sweater offers a more relaxed, subtly alluring option.

 

 

The Flattering Jeans

A great casual wardrobe is built on perfect-fitting denim. My top recommendations are a timeless pair of High-Waisted straight-leg jeans and a fashion-forward Wide-Leg pair to play with different silhouettes.

 


 

The Elevated Linen Pants

The right linen pants bring you the comfort of loungewear but with a much more polished and put-together feel. These look lovely on farmers market runs and hot girl walks.

 


 

The One-and-Done Jumpsuit

A wide-leg jumpsuit is the one-and-done outfit that doesn’t disappoint. Pull it out on those days when you want to look put together with minimal effort.

 


 

Supporting garments ideas: a long cardigan, solid bodysuits, and a structured jacket.

How to Build a 10-Item Wardrobe

In her book, Lessons from Madame Chic, Jennifer Scott details how to “Liberate Yourself With the 10-Item Wardrobe.” The book is brimming with gems on elegant style and living, making it a perfect addition to an oh-so-chic bookshelf or boudoir. Here are the steps that stood out to me:

1. Go through Your Closet

closet with hats and purses

Juice. Social media. Closet. Who doesn’t love a good cleanse? Go through your wardrobe and get rid of anything that you no longer wear and that is not in good condition.

2. Remove Out-Of-Season Items

Next, remove any seasonal items and pack them away. You can keep these in tubs tucked away until the seasons change.

3. Select Your 10 Core Pieces

Clothing rack featuring Classic Six pieces including a dress, button down top, and blazer

Elegant core pieces from Classic Six.

Now, look at what is left. Ask yourself:

  • What pieces do I  love to wear?
  • Which items make sense to keep in rotation based on my daily activities?
  • What do I always get compliments on?
  • What makes me feel confident and comfortable?

From the items that meet the criteria, pick out the ten pieces that will form the core of your wardrobe.

Style Tip: To do more with less – check out Classic Six, a brand dedicated to simplifying wardrobes with timeless staples.

4. Choose Extras to Round Out Your Closet

With the core of your closet in place, you’re ready to build out the essentials to support it. Base layers, outerwear, and special occasion items all fall into this section. Remember to select only what you need to avoid ballooning your wardrobe.

5.  Change Core Items Each Season

If you fall in love with this newly minimized closet, rinse and repeat the process each season.  You’ll enjoy the benefits of a small capsule wardrobe all year round.

Benefits of a 10-Item Wardrobe

 

  1. You can get ready quickly
  2. Your desire to impulse buy decreases
  3. You only wear pieces that you love
  4. You don’t have bad outfit days
  5. You have fun mixing and matching to create new outfits
  6. You reduce clothing waste
  7. Your closet is clean and organized
  8. Your personal style becomes more defined
  9. You are more intentional about shopping for new items
  10. You focus on timeless pieces so you always look chic

Where to Buy Super Versatile Pieces

Looking for the perfect staples to build your versatile wardrobe? I have timeless essentials from each of these brands that make getting dressed effortless. Explore below: 

Classic Six.

Classic Six Outfit Formulas

This brand is all about simplifying your wardrobe with a collection of timeless staples that can transform your closet into a powerhouse of versatility.

Good News-  Elegance Edit readers enjoy 10% off all Classic Six pieces with this code: THEELEGANCEEDIT

Quince

quince dresses

Quince marries luxury fabrics with affordable prices, offering pieces like sumptuous silk dresses that I wear often. Their high-quality staples are perfect for building versatile, stylish outfits.

Everlane

Everlane womens modest Clothing

Everlane is the reliable friend in  fashion—no fuss and always there in a pinch. Their classic, versatile pieces, like tailored blazers and simple dresses, make dressing effortless.

Minimalist Closet FAQs

Yes, but it works best for people who are willing to repeat outfits and committed to keeping their closets small.

To make it work for you,  focus on the end goal of minimizing clutter and prioritizing the best pieces in your closet rather than hyper fixating on the specific number of pieces. You may find that a ten-piece closet is not enough but a 15-piece one gives you the right amount of flexibility. This still embraces the principle of doing more with less clothing.

The wardrobe contains 10 core pieces and supporting pieces to round out the outfits. The core pieces will include tops, bottoms, and outerwear. For example, a ten-piece capsule could contain 3 shirts, 1 sweater, 2 pairs of jeans, 2  skirts, 1 blazer, and 1 cardigan. Shoes and accessories are not counted as part of the 10 items.

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