How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe with Lilly Pulitzer

Most people think capsule wardrobes need to be boring and basic coordinates of grey, beige, black, or white.

However, I love wearing color so I decided to build a colorful capsule wardrobe full of patterns, prints, and LOTS of color.

I want to show you how to build a capsule wardrobe full of basic pieces that can be mixed and matched with all of the bright colors and prints you can throw at it.

To put this capsule wardrobe together, I went to the queen of color, Lilly Pulitzer.

Her clothes are loaded with pops of color, interesting patterns, and figure flatting silhouettes as you can see here.

As much as I’d like to wear head-to-toe prints every day, you do need to integrate solids into your wardrobe to give the prints a bit of breathing room.

Paired with navy, white, or a pop of solid color can be just what your outfit needs to create an elegant print + solid ensemble.

Here are ten of my favorite solid Lilly pieces you can wear that will mix and match with Lilly’s bright colors and prints.

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Lilly Pulitzer Linen Button Down Shirt

#1. Sea View Linen Button Down Shirt

Breezy and exceptionally versatile, Lilly Pulitzer’s Sea View Linen Button-Down Shirt is an essential addition to your wardrobe.

Thanks to its soft washed linen, this long-sleeve top is the ultimate warm weather solution. Wear it with jeans for a classic look, pair it with your favorite printed shorts for resort-ready style, or toss it over your swimsuit for an effortless cover-up.

Made from natural European-grown fibers, this style will get softer and more luxurious with every wash and wear.

#2. Elsa Silk Top

Get ready for a style epiphany: this long-sleeve silk blouse is the secret workhorse of your closet.

You can wear this silk shirt tucked in or styled like a tunic top, sleeves pushed up or blissfully long, styled with a belt over leggings, peeking out from under a blazer, draped over the top of a skirt.

Lilly Pulitzer’s Elsa is one shirt with an endless number of looks year-round. The smocked neck and gold button-front placket add feminine flair to this versatile staple.

#3. Florin Reversible Top

The Florin Reversible Tank Top is sure to be one of the most versatile pieces in your closet.

This two-layered top is machine-washable, reversible, and bra-friendly with a seriously flattering V-neckline and shirt-tail hem.

Wear it under a blazer or jacket and pair with denim or leggings for a polished look.

#4. Buttercup Stretch Shorts

Lilly Pulitzer’s Buttercup Stretch Short is a wear-anywhere and wear-often staple made for the sunshine of spring and summer.

Its low-rise silhouette is fashioned from stretch fabric with a basketweave texture that looks and feels great, while the scalloped hem adds a jaunty touch. Front and back pockets are perfect for everyday essentials.

#5. South Ocean High Rise Jeans

White high-rise skinny jeans are a year-round staple, and Lilly Pulitzer’s South Ocean High-Rise Skinny Jeans give this iconic style a chic update in rich custom colors.

The hallmarks of classic denim design are all here: front scoop and back patch pockets, a front fly, and ankle-length skinny silhouette.

#6. Terri Cashmere Ruana Wrap

Luxury meets softness and style in this coveted Terri Cashmere Wrap.

Styled like a ruana, this opulent layering piece is the perfect topper for all your cool weather outfits, whether you're packing up for a getaway, heading out for an elegant evening, or staying cozy at home.

The ultimate Lilly Pulitzer indulgence, it's also ideal for gift giving.

#7. McKim Sandals

Need a go-to sandal that has an elevated look? Check out Lilly Pulitzer’s McKim sandal. From the walking around town to a night on the town, I wear these leather sandals everywhere I go.

#8. Etta V-Neck Tee

Looking for a casual yet figure flattering top to pair with all of your Lilly Pulitzer prints? You’ll love the pre-washed cotton Etta V-Neck Tee is a short sleeve tee in a machine washable slub jersey. In vibrant prints, this easy fit cotton t-shirt pairs perfectly with custom color bottoms.

#9. Seaspray Denim Jacket

Throughout the years, one type of jacket has withstood the test of time--the jean jacket. The Lilly Pulitzer version of the classic, the Seaspray Denim Jacket, goes bold and bright with a rich, blue color and gold logo shanks. This wear-often and wear-with-anything staple is a must for all seasons.

#10 Lana Scarf

The Lilly Pulitzer Lana Gold Scarf is great for pairing with all your printed pieces. You’ll love this oversized metallic scarf with mini tassel edging and light & airy drape.

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colorful capsule wardrobe