TALI’S CAPSULE EDIT: 25 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR DREAM CLOSET

Tali Kogan
8 min readJan 16, 2021

Why do I love capsule wardrobes? Because when you have one, your clothes become tools so that you can really dress to impress, and getting dressed is effortless every day. A capsule wardrobe is all about smart casual. My Capsule Edit especially works for stay home moms or entrepreneurs and boss ladies, or just anyone who wants to look polished and chic but still very comfortable.

Since we’re on this styling journey together, I want to make sure you have everything you need in your wardrobe to create the killer looks you’ve been waiting for. As a personal stylist for the last 10 years, I give every client my Capsule Edit of wardrobe essentials they just need to have. These items are available at every store and every price point! I’m sure you already have a few items from my list in your wardrobe… But just in case you don’t, take a peek at my top picks that are just for you. Plus, you can join me every week for Wednesday Workshops where I will be sharing trends, bestsellers, and must-haves with the 900 shops on Michigan Avenue. It’s free to join, and takes 10 seconds to RSVP here! For the full How to be a Capsule Queen video, check out the 900 shops IGTV.

Don’t forget to download the Capsule Wardrobe Checklist, save this post, and happy styling!

CLOTHING

PLAIN WHITE TEE

Everyone needs a plain white tee in their closet. It’s a go-to with denim, your favorite jacket or blazer, and you can dress it up with pumps or down with sneakers. You can’t get more classic!

CLUB MONACO, $28.50

GRAPHIC TEE

I know everyone has a graphic tee! Whether it’s a band tee, a cute slogan, or your favorite artwork, you can make a graphic tee look super elevated if you style it with other chic basics. Graphic tee, blazer, and biker shorts is my go-to look!

ANINE BING (BLOOMINGDALE’S), $99

CAMISOLE/STAPLE TANK

Whether it’s for the (zoom) office, girls night out, date night, or just running errands, a drapey camisole is the perfect all-occasion piece. Add a leather jacket or blazer and call it a day!

ARITZIA, $40

WHITE BUTTON DOWN

Everyone forgets about a white button down, but you can’t live without it! I can’t wait to teach you all the ways it can be dressed up, layered, tied, tucked in, worn as a dress, and more…. P.S., I recommend sizing up for a slight relaxed fit.

J CREW, $79.50

BLACK TURTLENECK

The ultimate layering piece!! Add warmth and the cutest layered look with pretty much every outfit. This long sleeve black turtleneck will look so cute under dresses, tees, jackets, blazers, chunky sweaters, jumpsuits, hoodies… the possibilities are endless.

J CREW, $36.50

VERSATILE SWEATER

Of course, every fall capsule wardrobe needs the perfect sweater!! Especially a neutral one with a fun element like boyfriend v-neck and cashmere.

JCREW, $138

LEATHER LEGGINGS

Let’s be real, some days wearing pants is just not on my agenda!! But leggings can be super chic, too. Swap your workout leggings for this elevated leather pair, and style with hoodies and sneakers for the coziest fall capsule wardrobe look!

ARITZIA, $138

HIGH WAISTED JEANS

Once I went high-waisted, I never went back! It holds everything in, flattens the tummy, and hits at the most flattering spot in my waistline. Guaranteed flattering shape! Plus they are just so trendy. I love light wash with some distressing!

AGOLDE (BLOOMINGDALE’S), $198

LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Sometimes you have to switch it up and wear a dress, just because! And here’s a hint–it doesn’t need to be black, it can be a print with a pop of color! Style it with a cropped sweater and over the knee boots for an epic Instagram.

KATE SPADE, $132

MATCHING LOUNGEWEAR SET

The top trend of 2021. I love neutral matching sets because they are so versatile to make outfits with the separates. I style mine with a leather jacket and statement shoes! It’s even more fun to go full monochrome with a statement coat over…

JCREW, $79.50
JCREW, $69.50

STATEMENT COAT

Pro tip, don’t go for a classic winter parka… instead, find a super stylish coat and make it part of your outfit! A pop of color brings the brightness to your winter days.

JCREW, $290

CLASSIC OVERCOAT

Nothing is more classic than a long coat in a neutral color. You’ll wear this from fall to spring, and it’ll never get old! It matches with everything.

BLOOMINGDALE’S, $110

COZY CARDIGAN

Outerwear we can’t live without. For those days when it’s too breezy for a tee, but too warm for a full sweater. I love this updated oversized neutral style! Don’t you?

SANDRO (BLOOMINGDALE’S), $249

BLAZER

Hands down, this is the #1 most worn item in my wardrobe. I always buy blazers a size up so they are relaxed and effortless. I style blazers with sweaters, shirts, graphic tees, crop tops, dresses, jumpsuits, pretty much everything!

KATE SPADE, $196

LEATHER JACKET

Every styling session, this is the first thing I make sure my clients have! Especially in fall/winter, a leather jacket is the most stylish way to add layers and warmth to your look. This faux leather jacket from Amazon is so affordable! But my favorite is the All Saints Balfern leather jacket, it was my first investment purchase and I still have it 3 years later.

ALLSAINTS (BLOOMINGDALE’S), $498

DENIM JACKET

From spring to fall, a lightweight denim jacket gets you through it all. It’s extra chic layered over your favorite sweater, or a plain white tee, or your favorite dress with booties or sneakers! I love embellished denim jackets for a stylish touch on the classic.

JCREW, $110

VEST

Don’t be afraid of vests! I style them over dresses, sweaters, blazers, leather jackets. I especially love a fun texture or pop of color. If you saw the pink fur vest on my IG Live, reach out to Michele Lopriore store for more details on how to purchase!

PERFECTLY FITTED BRA

Getting the right bra size makes the biggest difference. I’m a 32DD, so finding the right shape, support, and quality is non-negotiable. This brand has the perfect shape and lasts me 2–3 years!!

SIMONE PERELE (BLOOMINGDALE’S), $99

UPDATED WORKOUT SET

Matching sets have been the most stylish way to wear workout clothes! Let’s be real, it is way easier to slip on without thinking. Plus it doubles as an outfit! Check out all my favorite Goldsheep sets and get 15% off a new workout set using promo code TKOGAN15.

GOLDSHEEP, $56
GOLDSHEEP, $98

SHOES

GO-TO BOOTIES

Black booties are the holy grail of shoes! I can’t think of one outfit these wouldn’t match with. 100% the easiest way to elevate any look is to add booties with a short heel and you have instant chic!

COACH (BLOOMINGDALE’S), $157

COMBAT BOOTS

I love to mix feminine styles with a little edge, to keep things fresh and stylish. Add studded combat boots to your favorite dress, or denim with a smart chic sweater, and it creates the most effortless casual look!

KNEE HIGH BOOTS

My favorite look is over the knee boots peeking out with a dress or skirt! There is something so classy and sexy about it.

MICHELE LOPRIORE, $390

WHITE SNEAKERS

I wear sneakers with everything from work outs to daytime looks to suits. A great affordable option is the Nike Air Force 1’s, so classic!

NIKE, $90

WHITE PUMPS

Saving best for last… these white pumps are genuinely the only shoe a woman needs in her closet!! They match with every style, every look. It adds the brightest, chic pop to every look whether its all black or bold color. These are under $100 and the best investment you will ever make!

MICHAEL KORS, $99

ACCESSORIES

UPDATED BAG

I’m head over heels for everything from the Coach collection!! When it comes to a capsule wardrobe, you really only need one amazing versatile bag, and this is it!!

COACH, $197

STATEMENT BELT

We’ve all been there when a sweater or dress is a little boxy and just needs the perfect belt to cinch the waist and bring the look all together. My latest obsession is this rhinestone belt from Intermix, because it’s elegant and adjustable for any size!

INTERMIX, $188

SCARF

A great scarf is the most underrated accessory. When you need that pop of color and extra texture element, it’s a no brainer. Tie it around your neck or around the handle of your bag and wait for the compliments to roll in!

DESEDA, $145

I hope this blog post was really helpful and got you inspired! Please keep in mind that I am also offering 1:1 styling services, workshops and so much more. Click here for my full services and sign up for my newsletter. You can also always shop my top picks on the Tel Aviv Couture Boutique!

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