5 Pieces, 8 Outfits: A Capsule Wardrobe for College Grads

June 08, 2018 | Filed in: Your Closet

With graduation season in full swing, a new generation will soon ask themselves the age-old question: “What the heck do I wear to work?!” We asked MM stylist Ashley (a recent grad herself) to reflect on what she’s learned about dressing for work—and challenged her to create a capsule wardrobe for young professionals (or anyone building a work wardrobe from scratch). Using just five pieces, she created eight complete outfits. Below, Ashley explains how to mix and match each piece, and fellow stylist Getchine (also a recent grad!) models each combination. 

Dear Class of 2018,

Congratulations! You’ve turned in your last paper, and your well-deserved degree will open a lot of doors. What it won’t do, however, is teach you how to dress for your first real job.

As a student, I lived in sweats, too engrossed in my studies to put on a real pair of pants. I had little time, energy, or extra funds to devote to personal style. While this worked in college, it quickly became apparent that this attitude would not serve me well in my professional life. If I have learned one thing from my time in the “real world,” it’s that presenting yourself well—not just socially, but in the way you dress—is just as critical as working hard.

When you’re building a professional wardrobe from scratch, it can be tempting to head straight for the sale rack—but those irresistible low prices often go hand in hand with low fabric quality and fit. Here’s my advice (and this is coming from a woman who stole dining-hall food for a year because she was too stingy to pay for groceries): Invest in a few high-quality garments that will last for years. (My first two were the Morandi sweater and the Foster pant.) Taking the time to find a few key pieces that fit well and make you feel good will ultimately let you focus on what’s really important: your work.

Below, I’ve picked five essential pieces that can be mixed and matched to make eight outfits (that’s nearly two weeks of workwear). Swap out accessories and shoes to change up each look.

The Pieces

The Rachel dress: A simple, tailored sheath is the blank canvas of your professional wardrobe. It can be dressed up with a formal jacket and heels or down with a jean jacket and sneakers. And it’s made from a pajama-soft Italian ponte, to boot.

The Didion top: Essentially a work-appropriate T-shirt that looks fancy but is machine washable. ‘Nuff said.

The Lagarde shirt: While a crisp, white collared shirt may have felt too formal for your college lifestyle, it will quickly become one of the most versatile players in your professional wardrobe. The collar and sleeves offer full coverage, and the neutral color works with everything.

The Foster pant: A classic pair of pants will give you years of value. I love these for their machine-washable fabric and the button at the hem that allows you to wear them at two different lengths (great for commuting!).

The Woolf jardigan: Think of the Woolf as the cool, sophisticated sister of the traditional blazer. Crafted from a breathable knit with tons of stretch, it’s structured enough to elevate your ensemble without feeling stiff or overdressed.

The Outfits 

1. The Didion top + the Foster pant 

Why it works: The ease of the Didion top balances the fitted silhouette of the Foster pant. Eye-catching accessories, like the Carmenta necklace (or the Pomona necklace Getchine wears) and red shoes pack a punch.

When to wear it: This combination is perfect for Mondays, when you want to look polished as you ease into the workweek. 

2. The Rachel dress + the Lagarde shirt + the Aradia necklace

Why it works: Layering the collared Lagarde shirt under the Rachel dress offers coverage while still looking fashion-forward. The rich green color of the dress pops against the light top.

When to wear it: This is a power look—wear it for your first big meeting or presentation.

3. The Rachel dress + the Aradia necklace + the Henrietta earrings

Why it works: A classic, versatile sheath dress can be worn countless ways, including on its own. Add simple accessories, like the Aradia necklace and Henrietta earrings, for some shine.

When to wear it: Wear this desk-to-drinks outfit on warm days when you don’t have time to change before meeting friends for happy hour.

4. The Rachel dress + the Woolf jardigan + the Aradia necklace

Why it works: Pairing a structured jardigan with a sheath dress is polished without being too formal.

When to wear it: Midweek, when you’re tired (how did you ever complain about classes that started at 10:00 A.M.?) and need an outfit that says, “I’m totally on top of it.”

5. The Rachel dress + the Didion top + the Matte satin belt

Why it works: To get extra mileage out of your sheath, layer an easy top like the Didion over the dress. Add a belt to create a peplum-like silhouette.

When to wear it: A day full of meetings, when there will be multiple eyes on you (and your ensemble).

6. The Didion top + the Foster pant + the Woolf jardigan

Why it works: Structured but comfortable, this outfit is the grown-up version of the T-shirt, yoga pants, and jean jacket uniform you wore as a student.

When to wear it: A day when you overslept and need a work-appropriate look that can be pulled together quickly. Bonus: The machine-washable Didion top and Foster pant can handle a sweaty sprint to the office.

7. The Lagarde shirt + the Foster pant 

Why it works: Pairing a tailored button-up with a classic work pant creates a streamlined silhouette from head to toe.

When to wear it: A day when you’ll be on the go (who knew being an adult meant so many errands?) and want an outfit with full coverage as you navigate unpredictable temperatures.

8. The Lagarde shirt + the Foster pant+ the Woolf jardigan

Why it works: Layering the blazer-like Woolf over the Lagarde top is a great alternative to a full suit, and the stretchy fabrics will keep you comfortable all day.

When to wear it: When your day involves a mix of meetings, coffee with your mentor, and dinner with friends—and you need a look that will keep you looking polished but feeling cool.

Ready to build your own capsule wardrobe, whether you’re a newly-minted college alum or a seasoned professional? Book an appointment or reply to the chat window in your browser to work with a stylist who will create a wardrobe just for you.