This week I was asked what I would have in my wardrobe if I could only have 10 pieces of clothing and this is the list I came up with:
- High neck black tank
- High neck white tank
- White button up shirt
- Crew neck sweater (or maybe a striped one for pattern!)
- Wide leg jeans
- Black jeans or trousers
- White pants or jeans, or even tan pants
- Black blazer
- Trench coat (or long camel coat)
- Oversized denim jacket
In the image above, you’ll see that I expanded on the list with the key accessories I’d add to round this out into a really versatile minimalist capsule wardrobe:
- Black crossbody
- Cream tote
- Black belt
- Black high tops
- Black ballet flats
- Black sandals
- Tan sandals
- French pin
- Gold hoops (and necklaces, too!)
- …and of course sunglasses to complete the looks!
Now that we’ve discussed accessories, the next big factor is weather — how to adapt these for cooler or warmer climates? Some quick ideas to consider…
- COLDER WEATHER: Go with a wool camel coat instead of a trench, like this one. Also, swap the sandals for a black and a tan pair of boots, and swap the tank tops for long sleeve tops like this (or even a turtleneck like this). Consider swapping the rope tote for a leather option like this or this.
- WARMER WEATHER: Swap the pants for shorts versions in the same colors, or choose pants that are made from lightweight, breathable fabric. Ditch the trench for a versatile dress like this one. Choose a breathable cotton sweater for the crewneck (or skip the sweater altogether and go for a tee in a brown shade instead). You could also consider swapping the blazer for either a linen/lightweight version, or a black tee since layers are less important in warm weather. Also consider adding in pattern with a bag or accessory.
- RAINY WEATHER: Definitely ensure all of the pants are cropped, and swap in a pair of rain-resistant boots in black and beige instead of the shoes listed. Ensure the coat is waterproof and protective. If it’s cold, consider swapping the tanks for long or short sleeve tees in the same colors.
This was a really fun exercise and serves as a valuable reminder that you don’t need very many things in your closet in order to have great style and plenty to wear!
P.S. A few codes for you if you if you happen to shop any of the links above — NATALIE10 for La Ligne, BORTON15 for Sold Out NYC, Natalie15 for Ozma of California, and BORTON15 for your first Freda Salvador order.
Hi Natalie, I would love your input on choosing a new trench coat. I have an old J Crew trench but it doesn’t seem to have the same feel as the ones you wear or I see on some of my other favorite Intagram accounts. It seems you favor something a bit more oversized, lighter, less structured and longer than what I have. Could you give me some pointers on choosing a trench that will feel more modern? Thank you! I love your site and style 🙂 –Lisa
But what are the sunglasses?!
Coming soon to Natalie Borton Designs — https://www.natalieborton.com/pages/sunglasses