Women’s capsule wardrobe: the art of doing less but better

At Yvo et Moi, we believe in the power of essentials. Those carefully chosen pieces that we love to wear day after day, without ever getting tired of them. That’s the whole promise of a capsule wardrobe: creating a compact closet where every garment has its place and coordinates perfectly with the others. In this article, we explain what a capsule wardrobe is and give you examples of pieces to put together.

What is a capsule wardrobe?

The concept of a capsule wardrobe , or capsule wardrobe , comes from the 1970s. It was Susie Faux, owner of a boutique in London called Wardrobe , who laid the foundations: a limited selection of carefully chosen clothes that can be easily combined with each other.

The idea? To create a minimalist , coherent and sustainable wardrobe – in opposition to overconsumption and the ephemeral trends of fast fashion.

At Yvo and I, we fully share this vision. Our collections are designed to last, with fine materials and timeless cuts.

In practice, a capsule wardrobe consists of between 30 and 50 pieces. It includes the essentials of your wardrobe, which you wear regularly and which can be combined with each other effortlessly.

What is the list of pieces in a capsule wardrobe for the whole year?

A capsule wardrobe is built around high-quality , well-cut basics that make you feel beautiful and comfortable. Here’s a look at the essentials to include in your capsule wardrobe.

The highlands

1/ Plain t-shirts

A good t-shirt is an everyday essential. The ideal? A flattering cut, a soft and durable material (like organic cotton) and understated colors: white, grey, black, ecru.

2/ A shirt

White or striped, it adapts to all occasions. Worn open over a tank top, tucked into jeans or buttoned all the way up for a more demure look: the shirt remains a versatile classic.

3/ A warm sweater

A merino wool or cashmere sweater will see you through autumn and into the heart of winter. Natural, warm, and breathable: opt for a beautiful knit that will last.

4/ A chunky knit vest

It can be worn all year round, for example over a camisole or blouse. We love ecru for its timeless appeal.

5/ A thin sweater

Made from lightweight knit fabric (merino or cotton), it slips easily under a blazer or pairs perfectly with jeans for a more casual look. And why not add a touch of color to refresh your outfits?

Our Dean olive green merino wool and silk model, with a graphic openwork knit design, could well become your favorite.

6/ Undershirts

Essential in winter, they can also be worn on their own in the mid-season.

At Yvo et Moi, we create undershirts in flattering cuts and natural materials (merino wool is our favorite). Our signature style? Twisting basics with feminine details: a bit of lace here, a graphic guipure there.

women's mid-season undershirt

Another option? A bodysuit, for a more glamorous look, that covers the entire body. We’ve designed an ultra-flattering model in merino wool and silk to brave the cold.

women's black merino wool bodysuit

7/ A silk camisole

Among camisoles , the silk version is an ultra-feminine piece that is essential in a capsule wardrobe.

Wear it on its own in summer, under a jacket in the mid-season, or even under a cozy cardigan in winter. In short, we love its versatility! Especially since no matter how you wear it, it remains chic, elegant, and sexy.

women's black silk tank top

8/ A plain tank top

A plain tank top is a basic item that you can’t do without. Wear it on its own in summer, or under a sweater in the mid-season.

Marius is our signature tank top in ribbed knit merino wool and silk. And the good news is, it comes in many colors: red, black, dusty rose, olive green, etc.

Women's olive green merino and silk tank top

9/ A dress

The little black dress is timeless, versatile, and elegant in all circumstances. A flowing summer dress is also perfect for warm days.

The stockings

1/ A pair of blue jeans

Which of us doesn’t have a pair of blue jeans in our wardrobe? Comfortable and easy to match, it’s up to you to choose the cut that flatters you the most (straight, flare, mom, slim: you’re spoiled for choice).

2/ Black trousers

Whether in raw denim, cigarette style or tailored trousers, black trousers structure a silhouette and can be worn both at the office and in the evening.

3/ White jeans

It adds brightness to your looks, in any season. In winter, wear it with a sweater and boots; in summer, pair it with a romantic blouse.

4/ A pair of shorts

Whether in denim or linen, it’s perfect for sunny days. Choose a well-cut and comfortable one, ideal for strolling on the beach or relaxing at home.

5/ A denim skirt

We prefer it at midday for its versatility: with tights and ankle boots in winter, bare legs and a white t-shirt in the warmer months.

The jackets

1/ A blazer

The blazer is THE ultimate all-purpose jacket. Worn with jeans and sneakers, it adds a touch of chic to your outfit. In a tailored version, it becomes even more elegant.

2/ A coat

The essential item for winter? We’re talking about: the coat. We choose one that’s well-cut, warm but breathable, in a neutral shade (camel, heather grey, black or navy blue) so that it complements all our looks.

3/ A trench coat

Classic and timeless, the trench coat transcends seasons without ever going out of style. Lightweight, waterproof, and elegant, it’s perfect for rainy mornings as well as mild spring days. Choose it in beige, khaki, or black to go with everything.

4/ A raincoat

This is the perfect piece to slip into your capsule wardrobe. Why not choose a bright or pastel color to add a touch of fun to rainy days? Try canary yellow, sage green, or a spicy orange.

The shoes

1/ White sneakers

White sneakers are simple, versatile, and comfortable. They’re the kind of pair you can wear with both a dress and pants for a cool yet polished look.

2/ Boots

Whether in smooth leather or suede, boots are everyday essentials. From dresses to jeans, they go with everything and add character to any outfit. A true staple of the capsule wardrobe.

3/ Sandals

If you could only keep one pair of shoes for summer, it would be natural leather sandals. Comfortable and practical, they go with all outfits: shorts, jeans, skirts.

Accessories

1/ A scarf

Beyond its primary function (protecting the neck), a scarf can completely transform an outfit. Worn around the neck in the mid-season, in the hair, or attached to a bag, it adds a touch of whimsy and color. As for materials, silk, wool, or linen are preferred, depending on the season. And you can have fun with floral or animal prints.

2/ A hat, scarf and gloves

A winter trio that’s both practical and stylish. To stay warm and comfortable, opt for natural materials like merino wool or cashmere, which keep you warm without making you sweat.

The ideal solution? Choose a versatile palette that matches your coat and bag.

women's snood in merino wool and silk

3/ A pretty bag

Shoulder bag, messenger bag, or tote: the choice is yours, depending on your daily life. The important thing is to select it in a beautiful, durable material, with a neutral color (camel, beige, brown, black), or a slightly spicy one (copper, deep red), so that it matches the rest of your capsule wardrobe.

4/ A hat (or a cap) and sunglasses

A straw hat is a summer essential. Wear it to the beach, on a terrace, or around town. Prefer a more urban look? Swap it for a baseball cap or a bucket hat.

When it comes to glasses, the focus is on frames that fit the shape of the face, combining sun protection and elegance.

Capsule wardrobe for women: it’s your turn to play

Creating your capsule wardrobe means choosing the right pieces once and for all. The ones that adapt to your daily life, your desires, and your style.

Our advice? Set a number of items of clothing to structure the outfit: 30, 40, or 50 pieces – it’s up to you!

At Yvo and me, we love clothes that last, beautiful materials that we find season after season, pieces that we can put together with our eyes closed.

You should therefore probably find what you’re looking for in our online store to create your dream wardrobe!