This NYC Capsule Wardrobe Formula Starts at £11 at Amazon

While some may see personal style as a series of inspired risks, I’m not afraid to admit that I take a more formulaic approach to dressing. I typically follow an outfit equation, and my capsule wardrobe is full of pieces that fit seamlessly into it—that way, I can effortlessly put together stylish looks, day after day. 

By keeping an outfit blueprint in my proverbial back pocket, I never find myself saying, “I have nothing to wear.” Living in New York, my go-to outfits reflect the trending styles of the city, while also being comfortable enough to wear during long commutes, museum days, and day-to-night downtown hangouts. 

Ahead, discover five outfits that follow this simple blueprint, offering a consistently polished yet comfortable look every time. While these outfits are inspired by New York, they’re versatile enough for any destination, so I use them as a guideline when I pack, too. Everything is available at Amazon, and pieces start at just £11. 

Outfit 1

Wide-leg pants like these pleated trousers are pivotal to my outfit formula, because they’re breezy enough to keep me cool in stuffy subway stations but elevated enough for dinner in the Meatpacking District. Paired with comfy sneakers like the stylish and sporty Gola Bullet Leather Sneakers, I can log 10,000 steps on SoHo’s cobblestone streets with ease. 

This outfit will easily take me from day to night—which is important since going home to change between activities is rarely possible. These pants have an elevated look while still being comfortable enough for long days, thanks to the elastic waistband and stretchy fabric. I’d pair them with a statement belt and a sleek black bodysuit for a happy hour look, although if you add a blazer, this look can be worn on business trips, too.. 

Outfit 2

This outfit is put-together enough that I can wear it to my office, which tends to lean more casual, although I would wear it out to dinner, too. I love the thick contrasting stripes of this oversized button-down shirt, and I’d pair it with flowy, dark-wash jeans that give the outfit a relaxed feel. Shoppers love the Potili Drawstring Jeans, which deliver on both comfort and style. When the weather cools down, you can layer a V-neck sweater over the button-down. 

I love that this outfit formula plays with trending, oversized silhouettes while still offering plenty of room for self-expression. In New York, the last thing you want is to look like everyone else, and I find that accessorizing is the best way to set yourself apart from the rest. I’d pair this look with a fashionable east-west bag, plus colorful retro sneakers to balance out the dressier elements. Opt for the lush green shade of these Hailey Bieber-worn Reeboks, or play it safe with a neutral-colored pair that’s just as stylish. 

Outfit 3

This look just screams “Sunday morning in the city,” which usually means bottomless brunch. The feminine eyelet details remind me of the effortlessly elegant women I spot on shopping trips, bagel runs, and walks through Central Park. I’m loving these eyelet pants that are ideal for warm weather, and their elastic waistband ensures they’ll be comfy all day long. Right now, I’d wear them with a delicate embroidered tank, and when the weather gets cooler, I’d swap that with a simple sweater. 

Since the pants and top are super feminine, add an element of sportiness with a Yankees cap and suede sneakers. This outfit is ideal for weekends in the city and European vacations alike (although an international trip may warrant foregoing the baseball cap in lieu of something more polished). 

Outfit 4

I love the tomboyish, slouchy look of wide-leg jeans, but if I want to try a more refined take on the style, I opt for white jeans like this pair from Lookbookstore. Reviewers rave about their stretchy, comfortable fabric and love that they pair well with boots, sneakers, and heels. As we inch toward fall, I’d pair these crisp jeans with a simple short-sleeve sweater—and this £32 option is highly rated. 

Bold pops of color are what distinguish New Yorkers from other cities’ fashionable dressers, so I’d accessorize with yellow Adidas Sambas sneakers and a rich-colored tote bag (New Yorkers are still loving the woven style that’s been trending in recent years). 

Outfit 5

This refined aesthetic is extremely popular in NYC. Whether you’re heading to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or as City dwellers say, the Met), the office, or just running errands, you will look sophisticated and feel comfortable in this versatile outfit. The Hooever Cotton-linen Trousers will keep you comfy all day thanks to the breezy fabric and elastic back waistband. Pair them with a simple white tank and cream-colored New Balance sneakers for an on-trend monochromatic look that’s just as cozy as it is good-looking. 

A preppy over-the-shoulder cardigan is a New Yorker-loved hack that adds a dash of style to any look, plus it ensures you have a layer as the weather drastically changes throughout the day. I’d use it to add a pop of color and opt for the blue Trendy Queen Cardigan.

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