How to build a capsule wardrobe – all the items you need
A CAPSULE wardrobe is a term often thrown about in the fashion business, but what is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a specific selection of go-to staples you can rely on day in and day out, season after season, year after year.
A capsule wardrobe is essentially a minimalist collection of clothes, that you can put together in different ways to create a simpler, more sustainable way of dressing - and easier in the mornings too - as you can mix and match those staples with other key pieces or trend items.
Typically a capsule collection is a refined collection of some of your most worn pieces, your classic go-to's you can't live without, but are versatile enough to see you through every season, any occasion, year after year.
Some of the most popular wardrobe staples we have in our closet - and have done for many decades - include a trusted pair of jeans, smart wide-leg trousers, classic layering items, such as T-shirts and tanks, as well as a timeless leather biker jacket or blazer.
In most cases, you can wear every item in your capsule wardrobe as one complete outfit, or use it as a base to style with other garments for effortless, versitaile looks.
READ MORE ABOUT FASHION
Pair your failsafe Levi jeans with a white t-shirt, black heeled boots, and a black leather jacket for the office, after-work drinks, brunch with friends, or your next shopping spree.
Alternatively switch the white t-shirt for a more jazzy top for an evening out, either way your capsule wardrobe will be the base for many looks, save you money in the long run and leave you feeling confident and looking great.
The best part of a capsule wardrobe is it is timeless, so if you don't have select items in your closet already they are well worthy investment pieces to see you through any occasion, season, and style.
Generally, a capsule wardrobe is classic colours, and tonal hues, such as black, white, greys, navy, and camel, which can be paired with any outfit, hence why it is so popular to nail.
Most read in Fashion and Beauty
For those who may prefer a colourful wardrobe, you can easily inject colour through other layering items, accessories, or your make-up to elevate a look and make it more personal to your style.
And, if you change your style in years to come, the capsule wardrobe is still a fallback you can rely on.
If you are looking to declutter your wardrobe, slim down your closet, and start to forge a capsule wardrobe, we have some handy tips to help you curate the essentials.
The perfect black bag
Knott Pebbled Leather Medium Crossbody tote, £375 , Kate Spade
A classic black bag is a staple, it will go with any outfit and is suitable for any occasion, day or night, year after year.
You can't go wrong with this , which can be styled not just as a shoulder bag but also as a cross-body and handbag.
The pebbled black leather is an elegant choice that won't date, making it a great starting point for your capsule wardrobe and suitable for a multitude of events.
It's perfect to house your laptop when heading to the office, as well as your valuables for a shopping spree.
Jeans
501s Levis Original Jeans, £100, Levi's
Of course, jeans are a classic wardrobe essential, and while you may own a variety of styles; from skinny, to wide-leg, or flares, a straight leg in a classic blue denim wash is our top pick.
If we were only to wear one pair of jeans for the rest of our lives it would have to be , which complement any outfit, can be dressed up or down and are super flattering for all body types.
Levis have stood the test of time, and are available in numerous waist and leg lengths to suit every body shape.
From summer through to winter a pair of jeans are always a failsafe option.
While we are trying to keep our capsule wardrobe to a minimum we recommend stocking up on this style in blue denim, ecru and black.
Black oversized blazer
Relaxed Single Breasted Blazer, £69, Marks & Spencer
We love a blazer more than anyone, as they are a versatile statement piece for anyone of any age, and for any occasion.
Some may prefer fitted blazers, our personal favourite is an oversized design, as it is flattering, timeless, and much more versatile.
You can wear your blazer over jeans and a jumper when heading to the office, over leggings and a hoodie for a quick dash to run errands, over a dress for drinks for a little more coverage, or on its own with knee-high boots, and cinched in with a belt for full-on glam.
Blazers are created using various fabrics, such as wool, cotton, and linen, but we recommend a relaxed cotton design to see you all year long - as a wool blazer in summer or a linen blazer in winter isn't quite the most sensible style option.
Roll neck
Pure Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper, £35, Marks & Spencer
When it comes to Autumn and Winter, a turtle neck, or roll-neck jumper is a must.
They are chic, classy, timeless, formal and flattering as they elongate your arms and neck.
They work as the perfect winter warmer, as you can style under a blazer, shacket, another jumper, or leather jacket.
has an impressive range of turtle neck designs, which also come in its signature Heatgen technology for extra warmth in the colder seasons.
But come the warmer seasons you may switch to a sleeveless tank for layering.
Chunky knit jumper
Mock Neck Sweater, £45, & Other Stories
We love a cosy knit jumper, and this number is a classic.
A knit jumper is perfect to layer in winter, wear on its own, under a blazer or parker jacket, with jeans, leggings, a skirt, over a dress, paired with boots, trainers, you name it.
But you can also keep it with you in the Spring and Summer seasons too, drape it over your shoulders so it is easy to slip on when the balmy nights turn a little chilly at those upcoming garden parties.
This & Other Stories' jumpers are long-lasting, with a slightly boxy fit, so you have room to move or layer underneath.
White t-shirt
Crew-Neck T-shirt, £17, Arket
We have an entire drawer filled with T-shirts, the majority of which are classic white round-neck styles.
Why? Because they go with everything.
A round crew neck boxy t-shirt is a lifesaver for everyone and a non-negotiable in your capsule wardrobe.
boxy style is perfect, as the short sleeves are the perfect length, the collar is not too tight or loose around the neck, and best still - the fabric is not see-through, yet not too heavy.
Tuck into jeans, a skirt, or shorts, or wear over leggings, you can dress up or down, wear on its own, or layer on top.
However you choose to style a white T-shirt, it will always look chic.
Black heeled boots
Cube Boot, £595 , Dear Frances
If you only buy one pair of boots, make it a pair of classic .
One of the classics we return to time after time is a block heel ankle boot with a pointed or square toe because it goes with every outfit.
You can pair this footwear must-have with jeans, a skirt and jumper for the office, and a blazer dress for weekend drinks, the possibilities are endless.
Dear Frances has plenty of boot designs, but the Cube Boot is part of the Core Collection, which speaks volumes in our opinion.
Cotton shirt
Extra Fine Cotton shirt, £29.90, Uniqlo
A cotton shirt sounds super formal but it doesn't have to be styled solely for the office with a suit.
It's a must-have for those days you want to look "done" and well put together but with minimal effort.
Worn with jeans and trainers, it looks classic and is a brilliant base under a chunky round knit jumper and leggings, or with smart trousers.
You can even wear the shirt undone over a bralette for an evening out.
Classic white trainers
2740 Platform Nappa, £110
A pair of classic white trainers will never go amiss in your wardrobe.
Some may prefer the timeless Converse, whether its high or low tops, Veja, the New Balance 550, or or Cotu Classic, which are hugely popular with Kate Middleton.
What we love is not only are they super fashionable, but they go with everything, and provide a little platform to elevate you.
Pair with skirts and floral dresses in the summer, with jeans or trousers in winter and spring, as long as they are crisp and clean you will look super chic.
Leather trousers
Vegan Leather 90s Straight Pant, £82, Abercrombie & Fitch
Over the last few years, our major obsession has been with leather trousers, faux or real, is up to you.
Currently, we're loving a wide-leg leather pant, a more wearable silhouette than the PU leggings of seasons past.
While they may not be the most summer-appropriate trousers, they will see you through every other season and occasion.
You can pair your leather trousers with a slogan jumper, trainers and a trench coat for a casual but put-together look, with heeled boots, or a blouse and heels for evening drinks.
I have lived in my straight, wide-leg, high-rise leather trousers for years, and continue to get compliments on them because they give a polished look no matter how you style them.
Midi dress
Wildflower Print Clover Midi Dress, £59
A midi dress has been our firm favourite style for many years now, as it is practical, moveable and versatile.
This design is suited for all ages, and suits various style preferences, as you can opt for midi shirt dresses, midi slip dresses, midi wrap dresses - and so much more.
One of our personal favourites is a floral printed midi dress, like , which is short-sleeved and falls midway down your calves as you can dress it up or down.
Pair this number with sandals or trainers in the summer, heels for a wedding or formal occasion, or layer with a chunky knit jumper, tights and boots for the winter months.
Linen shirt
Linen Shirt, £35, Marks & Spencer
Linen shirts are essential when the warmer weather hits, whether that is in the balmy spring and summer seasons.
If you are heading on holiday, or making the switch over from your winter wardrobe to summer, a linen shirt is paramount.
You can layer over a t-shirt, tank top and jeans, or a skirt, for the daytime, or wear over a bikini for those pool days.
It's lightweight and effortless, and you can even be bold by opting for a block colour such as vibrant green or bubble gum pink.
Linen fabric is super gentle on the skin, and breathable, which is why it's a welcome alternative to a cotton poplin.
Leather biker jacket
Billie Oversized Leather Biker Jacket, £399, AllSaints
For shoppers looking for anything leather, or remotely biker/ rock chic inspired, Allsaints is the place to go.
We have lusted after their leather jackets for longer than we can remember, and if you have yet to buy yours, now is the time to do so.
We recommend an oversize biker style rather than a fitted leather, as it is more timeless, and goes with everything.
Plus, the larger style, means you can wear it more if your body changes over the years.
And the worn and weathered look after years of wear just makes it look cool and vintage, a win-win.
LBD
Linen strap dress, £32,99, Mango
The LBD - also known as the little black dress - has been the iconic evening look for many years, and it is not going anywhere.
A little black dress is classy and timeless, so it's no surprise it cuts our capsule wardrobe.
Whether it is cotton, scuba or a satin slip dress, an LBD is a garment you will wear forever more, whether it is for a festival, drinks, or date night.
You can pair it with knee-high boots, heeled boots, or stilettos, layer with a blazer or biker jacket over the top, or even opt for a t-shirt or sheer long sleeve underneath for a daytime look.
The styling options know no bounds.
Wide leg trousers
Pleated Wide Leg trousers, £40, River Island
Wide-leg trousers have made a comeback in recent years, and we aren't mad about it.
This style is flattering as the high-waisted design, and wide leg feature, means the trousers elongate your legs and skim over them so they appear longer and leaner.
They are also a welcome alternative to formal smart trousers in the workplace, and jeans, which can feel a little restricting.
Trench coat
Premium Trench Coat, £51.60 (Was £129)
We love a trench coat in the Spring and Summer months, as well as the transitional periods between seasons.
You can style it with a classic white top and jeans for a casual, yet chic, everyday look, or layer over a jumper or knitted roll neck should you wish.
Some even wear over a tracksuit with a cap for those off-duty days.
Racer vest
White Rib Racer Vest Top, £10, River Island
A racer vest has become another wardrobe staple in recent years, and a welcome alternative to roll necks and t-shirts we wear all year round.
This summer style is perfectly paired with trousers, jeans, shorts, as well as skirts, so you can get creative.
What we love is River Island's design is longer length and not cropped, which some may prefer for more coverage.
Plus, you can shop an unmissable deal on racer vests at River Island, which is two tops for £18.
Gold Jewellery
Medium Chubby Hoop Earrings, £115, Missoma
We don't feel an outfit is complete without jewellery.
Over the years the resurgence of gold jewellery has proved hugely popular, and we are well on board.
If you are unsure how to style gold jewellery, we recommend easing your way with a statement gold hoop, whether it is a smaller huggie or chunkier style.
For those who love their accessories as much as we do, layer up with stackable rings, bracelets and bangles, as well as chokers and pendants - more is more.
Missoma has a vast array of styles to shop across rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, so you can shop sets or individual pieces to your heart's content.
Tailored Coat
Fawn Felt Single Breasted Coat, £170, French Connection
Outerwear is essential, and one coat design we see time and time again is a pea coat, tailored coat, and straight coat.
It comes under numerous titles but it is a straight coat, with button front fastening, is a long line and is more structured than a trench coat.
You can style it with any outfit, as it instantly elevates any look.
New Balance trainers are the hottest footwear trend now, but what is the best style for you?
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Best trainers for women, these are our favourite pairs to snap up.
A leather jacket has always been one of our wardrobe staples, here's where to shop the outerwear.