Fall Athleisure Capsule Wardrobe | 24 Pieces, 100+ Outfits

I’ve slowly been transitioning my closet into a capsule wardrobe. You know I am all about a system; from how I meal plan and grocery shop to my morning routine and now… my clothing. 

I love clothes. I love mixing a few high end splurges with affordable options. I like timeless looks with trendy touches. A capsule wardrobe allows you to wear exactly what you want and love; there is no sacrificing style, but you gain so much.

I’m talking a bit about a capsule wardrobe but if that’s not you jam, enjoy creating endless clothing combinations with 24 items you likely already own for some serious outfit inspo.

A FEW BENEFITS OF A CAPSULE WARDROBE

• an organized, less chaotic closet
• decreased decision fatigue over what to wear
• getting dressed becomes a much quicker process
• you get to know your style + what styles you feel best in
• less pressure to buy what’s new + what’s posted on social media
• money saved on not buying items you don’t like the next season
• honestly, I love my clothing so much more

WHAT IS A CAPSULE WARDROBE?

A capsule wardrobe is basically a collection of a few practical and versatile clothing pieces that don’t go out of style. You can think of it as a small collection of useful clothing.
It’s a great way to minimize your wardrobe without decreasing the number of outfit options.
 

WHY AN AHTLEISURE CAPSULE WARDROBE?

First off… many of us probably have WAY more clothing items than what would be required for a capsule wardrobe. I’m not someone to throw out perfectly good clothing and dive head over heels into the minimalistic approach. BUT I do see the benefit so I’m slowly transitioning, beginning with my athleisure clothing (items I wear to the gym, for errands, lounging and out and about).
Also, instead of picking out 24 new pieces that you need to buy, I thought it would be more fun to select items you likely already have in your closet to give you tons of outfit ideas!
 

ONE RULE – THE COLOR STORY

I can do a separate, in depth blog post on the “how to’s” I’ve learned on how to build a capsule wardrobe. One important rule is the color story. 
1. pick a base color; with athletic wear, black is probably the most common.
2. add neutral coordinating pieces: white, gray, beige, tan, chambray, etc.
3. choose an accent color… mine is pink.
4. decide on a few patterned items too; I like a nautical pattern (stripes or stars) or leopard print.
5. add coordinating shoes + accessories that are versatile and can work with all these options.
Finally, you try to buy in those categories. The key is to get all items to coordinate together so you can make countless options out of just a few items.
You’ll notice this capsule wardrobe is primarily neutral. Add your personal touches by picking your accent color, patterns, etc.

ATHLESIURE CAPSULE WARDROBE: TOPS

SPORTS BRA
here is the supportive, strappy one I love for $24
I suggest black because of the versatility. I also like a “longline” option which comes down lower on your stomach because it can also serve as a layering piece under a jacket.
 
MUSCLE TANK
shorter options: here for $14 shorter option, here for $42 Alo Yoga option – I LOVE both
full length options: here for $15 option, here for $47 Alo Yoga option
I like a high neck, loose, muscle tank. Personally, I prefer the shorter length because with high waisted leggings, you still don’t see the tummy but I also provided longer options.
 
BASIC TANK
here is a 2 pack for $19.99 – I wear these ALL the time
you MUST try these; they come in a 2 pack on Amazon. I got black and gray. They have the cutest tie in the back which allows you to control the length and how tight or relaxed the fit is. They’re SO FLATTERING! 
 
WHITE TEE
here is another 2 pack I ordered; i got black and white. These are the softest, most comfortable t-shirts I own. The length is amazing – you can wear it long to slightly cover the bum, front tucked or tied up.
 
GRAPHIC TEE
here is the $10 one I got because I could see it working at the gym, with leggings and even denim. have fun with this… use your accent color!

ATHLESIURE CAPSULE WARDROBE: BOTTOMS

SHORTS
here are my favorite splurge denim shorts; I’m ALWAYS asked about them… they are longer than most denim shorts I’ve tried yet still have that adorable cut off look. I order 1 size up in jean shorts because I don’t like them tight. Worth the buy in my opinion!
 
BLACK CROPS or 7/8 LENGTH
these are hands down my favorites + these are a close, affordable ($24) second favorite
I really prefer the 25 inch also referred to as 7/8ths length as I find it more flattering than a standard “crop” legging length
 
MOTO LEGGINGS
here are my most worn Alo Yoga ones; here are Amazon ones for $22 that look nearly identical
moto leggings are a staple for me because you can wear them to the gym but they also look like cute pants you can wear dress up out and about 
 
FUN LEGGINGS
here are my $13 leopard ones; I wear a small
again, use your accent color and/or desired patterns here
 
JEANS
here are my favorite jeans of all time

ATHLESIURE CAPSULE WARDROBE: JACKETS

HOODED SWEATSHIRT
here is the $17 one I love
this is considered “crop” but with high rise leggings, I don’t show my stomach; I love how it’s lightweight so I don’t overhead
 
SLEEK ZIP UP
here is the most flattering Lululmeon zip up I’ve had for 5+ years; here is a very similar style for $41
this is a wardrobe staple you’ll use for YEARS
 
DENIM JACKET
here is the exact one I have and have worn for years
 
LONG CARDIGAN
here is the one I am ordering
I get so much use out of my longline cardigans; you can toss them over any outfit and they look so chic
 
PULLOVER
here is the star pullover sweater I love

ATHLESIURE CAPSULE WARDROBE: SHOES

FASHION SNEAKER
here is a page with a bunch of Dr Schools slide on sneakers
they’re my choice for comfort and cute sneakers that can be work with any outfit
 
BLACK FLATS
here are $23 mules
I wear mine all of the time; these make any outfit look chic and polished
 
ATHLETIC SHOES
here are the sneakers you see me wearing 6/7 days of the week; here is a whole list of look-a-likes at a lower price
ATHLETIC SLIDES
here are the slides I can’t recommend enough

ATHLESIURE CAPSULE WARDROBE: ACCESSORIES

HAT
black here or pink here
 
LAYERING NECKLACES
here is the $12 set I bought that gives you 9 layering necklaces
 
HEADBAND
here is the adorable 3 pack for $14
I love how these can work with a white tee and leggings or a dress and pumps
 
TOTE BAG
here
I’ve worn this tote for over a decade and my current one is a few years old
 
SCRUNCHIE
here is a 14 pack for $13
I love that there is an optional bow look so it’s like 2 in 1

FALL ATHLEISURE CAPSULE WARDROBE – OUTFITS

Watch for a post next week on how I’m creating outfits with these items. Here are a few ideas of what is coming… moto leggings styled 3 ways: lounge, workout, out + about!