The Ultimate Starbucks Dress Code Approved Capsule Wardrobe
I think it is so helpful to know exactly what you can wear versus what people actually wear when starting a new job. I am so excited to put this entire list together for any new baristas or years-long partners looking to update their capsule wardrobes. As you begin this journey, it's natural to want new clothes. As a seasoned partner, I'd recommend starting with secondhand items.
You will be hot and cold every day - guaranteed, which means you will get gross and sweaty. You will also have mishaps, including whipped cream spraying on you, bleach getting on your clothes, or even the dreaded spoiled-milk smell from a drink being dumped on you. Will it happen every day? Possibly. You want to have enough clothes to make it through the week without having to stress about laundry when you are going on day 4 of 5 days. There is nothing worse than realizing that nothing is clean and you need to leave for work in 15 minutes.
This is a comprehensive guide which will include a four-season wardrobe, although it is currently summer time here in Indiana. It’s good to have a list to come back to when the seasons change, and maybe you need to find awesome alternatives to what you already have. So, without further ado, here is my Ultimate Starbucks Dress Code Compliant Capsule Wardrobe.
The Ultimate Starbucks Dress Code Capsule Wardrobe
Here is how I am going to break this down. Firstly, let me say you do not need everything in this list. This is a comprehensive guide of items I have come to enjoy having or wearing after working for the company for years. Most of the time, I will get my items from a charity shop like Goodwill or go to a secondhand consignment store like Plato’s Closet to purchase items I need for my wardrobe. I would highly recommend purchasing shoes, socks, and hair products, as it feels more hygienic to me personally, new. I’ve linked some of my favorites and items that are very similar to my everyday items.
Tops
When it comes to tops, I would recommend having 7 Solid Black Tops, 1 Crew Neck Sweatshirt, and 1 Lightweight Jacket. I’ve linked some below for your convenience. Here is my thing: If you are working 30-40 hours per week, going to school full-time, and are living life, then you may not want to do your laundry every two days. If you, unlike me, are totally fine with laundry, I will make a minimal list by bolding the items that will give you the best cost per wear.
Fitted Scoop Neck Tee https://amzn.to/3RCtR57
Two Pack of Tees https://amzn.to/4ebI4P8
Mesh Tee https://amzn.to/4dTq4Yy (For layering)
Fitted Boat Neck Tee https://amzn.to/4nYvyFZ
Oversized Tee https://amzn.to/4nZNMHi
Button Downhttps://amzn.to/4vbFU7U
Quarter-Zip https://amzn.to/4o1r29V
Crew Neck https://amzn.to/3Q6vBTP
Bottoms
For bottoms, many of us baristas have 2-3 pairs that we rotate. I would absolutely recommend at least two and a pair of shorts (keep in mind to be in dress code, these need to be no more than 4” above the knee). If I were building my bottoms, I would do 3 pants (a denim, a black, and a khaki), 1 pair of bermuda shorts in denim, and 1 flowy black skirt. When in doubt, just buy black.
Denim Pantshttps://amzn.to/4dUQGIO
Denim Shortshttps://amzn.to/4nYez6U
Lightweight Black Pants https://amzn.to/4u55Z7S
Khaki Cargo Pants https://amzn.to/4fQ7cMF
Lightweight Skirt https://amzn.to/3RC9jKc
Shoes
I feel very strongly about footwear these days, as I’m well into my thirties. When my feet hurt, my body hurts. So for me, having really good footwear is really important. I have successfully used the Shoes for Crews brand and Crocs. They are both great options, as nothing is getting through them, and you are not going to fall and bust your butt. I would recommend at least 1 Sneaker or Clog and 1 Pair of Boots for the colder months.
Sneakershttps://amzn.to/4fgdIfE
Clogs https://amzn.to/4fN0RS7
Boots https://amzn.to/436zPxH
Accessories & Nice To Have Items
I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten to work and realized I forgot my hair tie, headband, or even God-forbid a tampon. Having a bag I lovingly regard as my barista bag that holds all my pens, Sharpies, name tags, and the aforementioned. It allows me to have a simple place to put all of these belongings, including a place to store my apron to and from work. I also carry a little deodorant, body spray, and hair brush just in case.
Bag https://amzn.to/49ZVMlM
Headbandshttps://amzn.to/3PRvpYj
Hair Tieshttps://amzn.to/4xdNb9g
Crew Cut Socks https://amzn.to/4vicuVB
Ankle Bambas Socks https://amzn.to/49Xu9tC
Lunch Box https://amzn.to/4nSXafG (This one has so many different colors and patterns to choose from).
Water Bottle https://amzn.to/4vDj35F (I was gifted one of these in a different pattern and love it).
Body Mist https://amzn.to/4vtnkID
Spray Deodorant https://amzn.to/3RGB2JJ
Travel Brush https://amzn.to/4dQ9f23
Organizer Pouch https://amzn.to/4uKSqLQ
Permanent Marker that is click-able https://amzn.to/4awdwFA
Pens https://amzn.to/43dlTCb
Because I am always going from one place to another, I like to have a little pouch like the one I have linked above to corral the things I don’t really want people to see or that I don’t want to lose. Grouping the brush, hair ties, and headband keeps me organized and helps me know exactly what to expect when I go digging for something in my bag.
Upgrades You Will Want for Winter
The thing with Starbucks Coffee Houses is that they are either super hot or super cold. There isn’t much of an in between. You will also be working in the elements if you are covering the drive-thru winter in any capacity, which means wearing layers is so important. I would highly recommend having the following for the winter months (especially if you live in a climate with cold, wet winters):
Puffer Coat https://amzn.to/4dOIpay
Cuddl Duds https://amzn.to/43hy1lu
Wool Socks https://amzn.to/4ulHqDv
Fleece Lined Beanie https://amzn.to/4ujyeQh
Gloves https://amzn.to/4xpXZ4e
Long Sleeve Shirt https://amzn.to/4uRRNQR
This is also the season when I would recommend a boot that can go from the snow onto the floor without having to change from snow boots to work shoes. It is doable, but it's time-consuming and a bit annoying. By no means do I think that anyone should have to go out and buy everything on this list all at once. That is not a sustainable option, but it is something that I would begin saving for and replacing when needed.
All in all, I hope that this list is super helpful for you in your journey at Starbucks! Wishing you all the luck in the world!
Michelle
