My Guide to The Perfect "Capsule Wardrobe"

In the 1970’s, the term “Capsule wardrobe” was used by London boutique owner, Susie Faux. The concept is to have versatile, basic clothing items that work effortlessly together to create multiple looks. Accessories and other elements can be added to these foundational pieces to elevate them or change the look. 

Creating a “Capsule Wardrobe” can take a lot of skill and requires an attention to identifying good quality garments that are timeless and easy to maintain. Another element to consider when curating your “Capsule Wardrobe” is how to get your style across. Your wardrobe doesn’t have to be neutral t-shirts, jeans and white trainers, especially if you want to ensure you never get bored of your wardrobe, it’s important to know how to make your “Capsule Wardrobe” reflect who you are. To discover more on how to identify your signature style, I recommend reading my post, “My Guide on How to Discover Your Signature Style”. 

So let's have a look at these 9 basic pieces:

• T-shirt

• Pair of jeans

• Pair of trousers

• Jumper

• White trainers

• Coat

• Shirt

• Belt

• Chain necklace

Images taken from the John Lewis website for menswear and womenswear inspration. These are just examples and I advice creating your Signature Style mood board and finding your own examples that reflect your own individaulity.

How can you make a white t-shirt more you? There may be other casual tops that suit your style personality more. How about when it comes to your body shape? Can you find a t-shirt that flatters you physically? This is where you can use the “Capsule Wardrobe” concept as inspiration, tailoring it to suit your style. Instead of a wool coat, you may prefer a maxi leather trench coat. Instead of a cashmere crew neck jumper, you may prefer a floral cardigan or distressed hoodie. 

I recommend creating a capsule wardrobe for different aspects of your life. For example, workwear, going out, holiday, etc. A good way to figure out what capsule wardrobes you may need, jot down what elements make up your life. Some days you may be meeting up with your dad/mum's friendship group and prefer versatile, comfortable and durable outfits for playing with your kids. However, you may need a separate date-night wardrobe for when you want to feel fabulous and channel your most confident self!

By thinking of fashion as a tool, it makes it easier to curate multiple capsule wardrobes that helps you with all the elements in your life whilst reducing the amount of garments you have in your wardrobe and streamlining the efficiency of each wardrobe. Once you have created your “Capsule Wardrobe”, feel free to add to your wardrobe, ensuring your “Capsule Wardrobe” pieces are your foundations. You can nod to trends, seasons, colours as they come and go whilst maintaining your foundational garments as constants.

I hope this helps, especially if you’re thinking of starting a new wardrobe or a complete style over-haul! If you would like more help with your wardrobe, I recommend checking out the Wardrobe Package, which covers a wardrobe cleanse and outfit building to ensure your wardrobe is efficient and works for you, along with a look-book of all the outfits you can create using your current garments.