How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a core collection of timeless and versatile styles that you can always rely on. Forget the ‘I have nothing to wear’ and struggling to find an outfit that matches - a successful capsule wardrobe can be mixed and matched with ease, curated to suit your style and lifestyle. 

 

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How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe

First thing’s first, it’s important to know that a capsule wardrobe is extremely personal and should be tailored specifically to you. There isn’t a set number of styles to have in a capsule wardrobe, but it’s advised to be no less than 50, but closer to 25 if you’re able to. A capsule wardrobe is a more minimalistic type of styling and living, so the point isn’t to have too much in your collection!

 

Step 1: Define your lifestyle

When it comes to creating a capsule wardrobe, it’s useful to categorise the type of clothing you need. Although there is advice on the specific items you should include in a capsule wardrobe, it really is personal to you and your lifestyle. The categories you need may be workwear, casualwear, occasionwear, loungewear and activewear, for example. 

Once you have defined your wardrobe categories, you’re one step closer to creating a capsule wardrobe that is suited to you.

 

Step 2: Review your outfits

Before curating your capsule wardrobe, we recommend taking the time to review your current looks. Take note of the items you reach for most, and the ones you don’t. This will help you to form the basis of your capsule wardrobe from the items you already have, and give you an idea of the looks you need most. Also take into account the different seasons, as your capsule wardrobe may alter throughout the year.

 

Step 3: Clear out

Time to get ruthless! We’re all guilty of keeping things we don’t necessarily need, but it’s time to move past the separation anxiety to cull your wardrobe. Remember, the point of a capsule wardrobe is to create a more minimal wardrobe, not maximal. If you haven’t worn an item within the last year, you probably don’t need it!

 

Step 4: Create a collection of wardrobe essentials

As we've mentioned, a successful capsule collection will be bespoke to you, but there are some particular garments and styles that might help you decide on the important wardrobe essentials to keep in your collection:

These items should form the basis of a capsule wardrobe to take you through the seasons. With different lengths, fits and layers, these items can be mixed and matched to suit your occasion.

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Maria from @thatgirlwiththebob

“My key pieces would be those that can be easily mixed and matched. Generally sticking to monochrome but with a few statement colourful pieces.

A leather biker jacket and denim jacket that can dress down a look and a black blazer to dress it up, plus a maxi wool coat and trench for the British weather. A maxi dress, both printed and an LBD, jeans and a satin midi skirt - all pieces that are versatile and can be dressed up or down. For warmth, both a cashmere knit and cardi to layer over the top of outfits.”

 

Abi from @stealmystyle40

"I have some hero pieces which I’m always happy to spend a bit more on as they’re classic and work hard in my wardrobe. Here are my top picks (bear in mind I’m very much a school run mum and always on a football sideline so dresses and skirts don’t feature as often as I’d like them to!) I adore a maxi dress or skirt and they dress up and down so well but my day to day life really revolves around jeans!

Good fitting jeans, be it skinny or straight or whatever shape suits you the most, as they are a basis for an everyday wardrobe. A pair of white trainers as they work well for both summer and winter, and pair of loafers, great for three of the four seasons of the year. A good fitting blazer and good quality white tee are essentials too.

A piece of cashmere is important. Most of my cashmere is in polo-neck form as it’s warm and classic, but I have small button front cardigans which are great for layering under blazers and bikers for added warmth.”

 

Hopefully we have helped to instil some confidence in how to build a capsule wardrobe from scratch. A capsule wardrobe makes everyday styling much more efficient, and it’s a more sustainable way of building up your wardrobe due to its versatility and longevity.

Within our collection are some timeless cashmere jumpers and sweaters designed as essentials for any capsule wardrobe, in addition to more contemporary and statement styles that will still look good for years to come!