How to Build Your Plus Size Capsule Wardrobe to Feel Remarkable Every Day

We all know the struggle of having endless outfit options, but somehow, nothing feels quite right. That's why we'll always champion capsule wardrobes here at Joe Browns. They're the absolute best thing for trimming down your clothing collection to the very best pieces, ending unnecessary stress when getting dressed. In this guide, we're focusing our advice on creating a plus size capsule wardrobe, made up of our favourite versatile styles to complement curvy figures.

Now, we can’t wear the exact same outfits year-round, unless we want to roast in summer or freeze in winter. That’s why a transitional capsule wardrobe is so handy, with layering essentials built in to take your favourite pieces through each season. Just take a look at our transitional outfits guide for inspiration. 

Another option is to create a capsule wardrobe for each season. We’ve got a guide to Spring capsule wardrobe essentials, a guide to a Summer capsule wardrobe, and an Autumn and Winter capsule wardrobe guide, too. 

However, for this blog, we’ll look at plus size capsule wardrobe favourites that help you to look and feel your best in any season.

One staple of a capsule wardrobe is a pair of trousers that can be styled for all occasions, whether they’re dressed up for an evening out on the town or dressed down for every day. 

Jeans are the ultimate go-to for a versatile pair of trousers. While they’re typically associated with casual looks, they’re so easy to glam up for the classic ‘jeans and a nice top’ outfit. Plus, jeans are available in so many styles to suit a wide array of body types. 

If you want to accentuate your waist, choose high-waisted jeans as your capsule wardrobe staple. If you want to balance out an apple shape, choose wide-legged or bootcut styles. To flaunt your curves, skinny jeans belong in your capsule wardrobe. Or, you can always keep it simple with a classic straight-leg pair. 

Of course, jeans aren’t for everyone, so don’t feel like you have to have a pair in your plus-size capsule wardrobe. Perhaps linen-blend trousers feel best on your body, or maybe you opt for loose palazzo pants to move with ease?

One style that’s perhaps even more versatile than jeans is leggings. A trusty pair of black leggings is oh-so-easy to wear with a wide range of tops and dresses, and they hug your body so comfortably, with plenty of stretch to support you all day long. 

Lastly, if you work somewhere with a more corporate dress code, a pair of tailored trousers is a must. Wide-legged tailored trousers offer excellent symmetry to a plus sized figure when combined with a bold blazer. 

You don’t even have any trousers in your capsule wardrobe if that’s not your style. Try a small selection of skirts instead. Or keep your options open with one or two skirts and one or two pairs of trousers. 

Floaty maxi skirts are amazing for all sizes, flowing around every figure in the most elegant way. They also look beautiful with a cami top and sandals in summer, or a knit and boots in winter.

Or, if you prefer a contoured look, pencil skirts are similarly versatile for all seasons and are perfect for celebrating your curves.

One skirt style that is popular in plus-size wardrobes is the A-line. This is great for accentuating the waistline and balancing your silhouette. 

Now it’s time to choose a few staple tops for your plus size capsule wardrobe.

Firstly, a blouse is a must, ideal for a slightly smarter look. Blouses are also available in a number of fits, allowing you to choose what makes you most comfortable. A fitted button up blouse gives a slick, formal look, while a loose or floaty blouse offers elegance and ease of movement. Plus, if you worry about your arms feeling restricted, puff-sleeved blouses are a dream.

For casual style, you can’t beat a t-shirt. Choose one plain t-shirt that can be adapted into an array of looks, alongside a fun graphic tee that fits your personality.

Don’t forget more of a ‘going out’ style top, perfect for grabbing a drink or going out for a meal. A lace cami can be great for a party look, or try a Bardot blouse to show some shoulder. You could even go boho with a tunic top, featuring a gorgeous empire waistline to flatter any figure. 

Layering pieces allows you to create a transitional capsule wardrobe so you can wear your favourite pieces throughout the seasons. A loose, longline cardigan can be thrown over dresses and tops alike for cosy coverage. This style is wonderful for a comfortable fit that also elongates the body.

A blazer is another fantastic option for slick and smart layering. The tailored fit always complements a curvy figure. You could even choose a style with a statement collar or padded shoulders to exaggerate your curvaceousness further for a real showstopping look.

Include a dress or two in your capsule wardrobe for the days that call for some extra feminine flair. Two styles we particularly love for plus size capsule wardrobes are maxi dresses and wrap dresses, and we’ve actually written a blog on why these styles complement curvy figures.

For a capsule wardrobe, we suggest having a day dress and an occasion dress. A day dress might feature softer colours and cotton or jersey fabric. This should be a dress that can easily be dressed down with trainers or dressed up with heels and accessories. Meanwhile, your occasion dress might feature statement features like frills, sparkles or a halter neck to make you feel remarkable at those extra special events. 

A coat is crucial to keep you cosy. A longline military jacket or trench coat will elongate and streamline your figure beautifully.

Belted wrap coats are also incredibly popular because of their waist-cinching effect, offering an exaggerated hourglass silhouette for you to strut your stuff in style. 

In spring and summer, try a cropped jacket to elongate the legs and define the waist, pairing it with more figure-hugging clothes and a high-waisted skirt or pair of trousers.

You’ll need at least two pairs of shoes, a comfy everyday pair and some statement shoes that can dress up any look. 

For your everyday look, pumps are ideal. Choose a comfy pair that will carry you through the day, opting for a colour or pattern that adds a splash of joy to every outfit. 

To dress up a look, heels are ideal. Especially if your legs are a favourite feature, as heels elongate the legs and draw attention to them. However, if walking in heels is a struggle, there are plenty of statement flat shoes with occasionwear flair. 

Accessories are the secret weapon of any capsule wardrobe, as they can be mixed and matched to give a unique twist to your go-to outfits each time you wear them. They’re also a perfect way to draw attention to your favourite features for an extra dose of confidence.

Jewellery is a delight. Try an assortment of dangly earrings to frame your beautiful face, or a necklace to accentuate your neckline.  If you talk with your hands, add dazzle with bracelets and rings.

Chiffon scarves add softness and texture to a look. Plus, they can be styled in a range of ways, making them perfect for a capsule wardrobe. Drape them over your head like an old-school movie star, fling them over your shoulders as a shawl, tie them around your waist as a boho belt, or knot them at your neck for a classic look.