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  • Writer's picture#ExtraLikeKristin

A New York City Capsule Wardrobe

Updated: Jun 23, 2021



New York, I'll be back soon, and I will be rocking this outfit when that happens!


Now that Covid restrictions are being lifted, I definitely have travelling on the brain. Sadly, I don't have any actual plans to do so, not yet anyways, but a girl can dream. If I was travelling the first place I would want to go is New York City. It's truly my favorite place in the world, and I cannot wait until the day I get to go back.


When it comes to packing, I'm for sure an over packer. I like to have several outfit options for each day, especially when taking a trip to NYC. I mean you always want to look your best in in a major fashion capital. Plus, you never know who you might run into on the streets. I'm 99 percent sure I crossed paths with Louis Tomlinson when I lived there. This being said an easy way to pack less but still look your best is to create a capsule wardrobe.


Typically a capsule wardrobe consists of about 30 pieces that are great to mix and match to create many different outfits. It's great for people who want to live a more minimalistic life. That's obviously not me, but it's also great for travelling, so for this fictional trip to NYC I've decided to create a capsule wardrobe perfect for the Big Apple.


For the purposes of this fictional yet fabulous capsule wardrobe, I've chosen ten articles of clothing and ten accessories that channel a modern day Holly Golightly. This means this wardrobe is Breakfast at Tiffany's meets Fashion Week Street Style, and the color palette consists of black (because duh), light blue, pink, and a few more neutral tones.


Oversized Black Blazer

Show NYC you mean business!

This piece is a true necessity in NYC. Any blazer can make any outfit look instantly look chic even sweatpants as many celebrities and influencers have demonstrated. For my capsule wardrobe, I've chosen black because it goes with everything, and is New York's staple color.


Light Wash, Straight Leg Jeans

A staple in any wardrobe.

Jeans are simply an essential in every wardrobe, and even more so when wanting to create a capsule wardrobe. A light wash, straight leg pair goes with everything. I prefer mine to have distressing to add a more fashion forward element, and give a bit of edge.


Light Blue Cami with Pearl Detailing

A glamourous take on what is otherwise a simple top.

Camisoles are easy pieces to layer and create multiple outfits, however, when creating a Holly Golightly inspired wardrobe, a simple one just won't do. This one has elegant pearl details that make it more feminine and worthy of a shopping trip to Tiffany's.


A Sleek, yet Frilly Pink Skirt

Carrie Bradshaw.. but make it sleek.

In Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn wears this amazing, frilly, pink mini dress, and I knew I wanted to channel that with this capsule. This skirt is both sleek and frilly which is perfect for the city. Plus, it gives off modern day Carrie Bradshaw vibes, so it really is a win all around.


A Classic White Button Down

An absolute necessary.

There should be a written rule that every wardrobe, capsule or not, needs a white button down. It's such a versatile piece of clothing as it can be dressed up or down, and goes with everything. This is why it's even more of a must for a capsule wardrobe especially in NYC. This look is sleek and will make you look like a true New Yorker versus a tourist.


Black Mesh Corset

Always love a chic corset moment!

Corsets are truly having a moment, and they're not going anywhere anytime soon. This black mesh one should be an essential in any chic city girl's wardrobe, and is truly a must for a trip to the Big Apple.


Pink Blazer

Show NYC you mean business, but in pink!

A colored blazer is just as important as to a city wardrobe as a black one. Plus, they're a bit more fun. They're perfect for layering and can make any outfit look instantly chic!


Pink Shorts

Because matching sets are also having a moment.

Obviously, the matching shorts to the blazer above would make the cut in this fictional wardrobe. While matching sets are an easy way to look like an NYC it girl, these shorts can also be a great piece with other options due to their chic tailoring and cute color.


Black Satin Slip Dress

Shocker... another essential.

A present day Holly Golightly would absolutely have a black slip dress. Any LBD is a simple way to look elegant and classic. It's a perfect piece for any capsule wardrobe, but especially one created for NYC.


Blue Cutout Maxi Dress

Technically not essential, but absolutely a NEED.

Capsule or not, every wardrobe needs a statement piece. Especially if that wardrobe is created for NYC. This cutout dress will easily turn heads at any fashion show, Broadway show, or even a rooftop bar.


Embellished Blue Heels

I'm obsessed!

I have a general rule when it comes to packing for any trip. I pack at least one practical pair of shoes and at least two pairs of statement shoes. Obviously this is a statement shoe. However, it pairs perfectly with the blue pieces in this mini wardrobe, and deserve to be shown off all over the city.


Black Embellished Booties

Will I ever stop talking about how amazing these booties are? Nope!

I have these booties and obsessed is an understatement. I can't wait for the day I get to wear them in NYC. As I've said many times, the black color makes it neutral enough to go with any outfit, while the rhinestones make them more glamourous and statement making.


White Chunky Sneakers

To still look fashionable as you walk miles.

Remember when I said I always pack one practical pair of shoes. This would be that pair, and they're definitely the preferred pair when it comes to walking through the city. However the white and chunky sneaker trend has not gone anywhere and they look great paired with any outfit!


Black Tights

These just have a way of elevating any outfit.

Black tights are a great accessory to have because they can make any outfit look more sleek. These would complement many pieces in this capsule wardrobe, and are perfect for NYC!


Black Handbag with Pearl Straps

Pretend it's Chanel.

I almost included the Chanel version of this bag, but then decided to keep it realistic (but, hey, I can dream). A handbag can really make or break and outfit, and the pearl detailing makes it one I can totally envision Holly Golightly carrying her lipstick in.


An Initial Necklace

This one says "One in a Million" on the other side which makes it even better!

When I lived in NYC I wore this exact necklace almost everywhere. I called it my "Carrie" necklace because she always wore the same one throughout Sex and the City. There was just something about making memories wearing it that I loved, so I definitely would be wearing it there again.


A Gold Rhinestone Necklace

Cause you can never have enough necklaces.

This necklace would be great to layer with the one above, but also would complement any of these outfits on its own. I love how the rhinestone adds a bit of sparkle, but won't take away from any look.


Rhinestone and Pearl Hoops

I mean, why have one, when you can have both?

What I love most about these earrings is that they time both the rhinestone and pearl elements used in many of these pieces. It gives a way to tie them both together. Plus, they're glamourous and would look great with anything!


Simple Studs

More sparkle please!

Simple studs are a great way to add a bit of sparkle to any look without taking anything away from the outfit itself. This set had both rhinestones and pearls and would complement many pieces in this fake capsule.


Pearl Hair Accessories



In Breakfast at Tiffany's, Holly Golightly wears tiaras with a few of her dresses and it's stunning. Sadly, in present-day, that's considered too #extra. However, I have the solution, pearl clips and pins are a fun way to make any look more glamourous and, well, perfect for the overall vibe of this NYC wardrobe capsule!


The whole time I made this fabulous, fictional capsule, I found myself thinking a few things. First, I wish that I owned all of these pieces. Two, I wish I was back in NYC. While, I don't know when that will be, I know that day is coming soon. In the meantime, I will be building on my modern day Holly Golightly wardrobe because I think I nailed it.


XOXO,

Kristin



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