Capsule Wardrobe Essentials for Straight Size & Plus Size Bodies - What to Include and Where to Buy

jordanbogigian1
Mar 1, 2021
4 min read

In a world where everyone on Instagram seems to be wearing a completely brand new outfit every day, it can feel daunting to get dressed when you don't have the resources to do the same thing. More realistically, we all have a somewhat finite number of pieces in our closets to work with. So how do you choose the best, most versatile pieces that you can get the most use from while looking your best?

I used to be more of a maximalist and the thought of committing to a capsule wardrobe seemed almost sad- why limit myself? As I get older and refine my sense of style, I realize that having a base wardrobe with essential pieces actually helps me be more creative with what I wear. Because I don't have to think about the basics, I can be more creative with my additions, accessories, and trend items. A capsule wardrobe is comprised of a certain number of pieces (I chose 12), but unless you're a capsule wardrobe purist, you don't have to stick to *only* those pieces. The capsule can also help you craft a more sustainable, less wasteful wardrobe. By investing more money into the basic pieces you can wear over and over, you are more intentionally shopping which allows for purchases of trend pieces here and there. Since those will come and go, you don't want to focus your energy or your funds on them.

When building a capsule wardrobe, I'd recommend you stick to 3-4 colors that mix well together. Within those colors, you can include a range of tones (tan, medium brown, chocolate brown, for example). If you already know that all the pieces in the capsule go well together interchangeably, you don't have to think very hard when you get dressed. The idea is that you can grab any top, any bottoms, any outerwear and they will create an outfit. I chose neutrals for mine, but the possibilities are endless. Stick to what you like and what makes you feel your best.

The most important thing, in my opinion, is that there are no hard rules to follow when it comes to this- or to dressing in general. I made this series to provide a guideline to how I personally like to shop and get dressed, but at the end of the day my philosophy to getting dressed is to wear whatever the hell you want, end of story. I'll be going through the pieces I've included in my personal capsule as well as recommendations on where to get them or similar items. To see them styled and for more capsule wardrobe/fashion content, follow me on Instagram at @jordanbogigian.

Below you can find a link to each item as well as some alternatives varying in design, price point, sleeve length/fabric weight (to accommodate for different weather/comfort levels) and size ranges. Links with an asterisk * are products I have and love. Links below galleries are in order of images shown!

H&M Wide-Cut Cotton Tee (Sizes L-4XL) $9.99 *

H&M Wide-Cut Cotton Tee (Sizes XXS-L) $9.99

Target Plus Size Ribbed Tee (XS-4X) $12.99

Target Plus Size Short Sleeve (1X-4X) $9.00

Unfortunately this exact style is sold out currently, but I'll link some other items you could use in its place! They may not be super similar dupes, but the beauty of the capsule is that... they don't have to be!