The term capsule wardrobe gets thrown around a lot, especially because it's a favourite of the fashion world. But building one can feel like a vague and distant dream without a solid foundation. Don't worry, it's actually quite achievable! A capsule wardrobe is all about a curated selection of pieces that work together seamlessly. Once you put it into action, you'll be amazed at how it simplifies your style choices.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsThe idea of a capsule wardrobe is to make your clothes work harder and smarter. By the time you've finished curating, you should be wearing everything in it. If you include too many items, it no longer becomes a capsule wardrobe.
You may also wish to create several smaller capsule wardrobes to work for different seasons and occasions, for example, you may have a winter capsule wardrobe, a spring capsule wardrobe, a summer capsule wardrobe and an autumn capsule wardrobe; you may also decide to have some pieces kept aside specifically for a capsule wardrobe for travel or borrow from other seasons accordingly.
It's important to revisit your capsule wardrobe before the start of each season to make sure everything still works and is relevant for your lifestyle. Our tastes change as we get older too and an over 50s capsule wardrobe will likely look very different to a capsule closet of a 30-year-old.
Your capsule wardrobe basics are the building blocks of your wardrobe. These are the pieces that underpin all the trend-led items you might inject within a season. They are the staple styles that hold your wardrobe together and as such should be the best quality you can afford as you will be wearing them regularly.
Your building blocks might include an array of well-cut jeans, tailored trousers and a sharp blazer, alongside a failsafe evening dress and your party-ready jumpsuit. These are the items you might want to invest a little more in as you are likely to wear them on repeat and they'll always make you feel good.
Tops
When it comes to choosing the right tops for your capsule wardrobe many of these decisions will in large part be down to your particular body type and the silhouette of top that works best for you.
If you have a larger bust, you will be more likely to opt for a scoop or v-neck over a boat or high neck top as it helps to balance your proportions. Likewise, if you are a pear shape, you may want to emphasise your shoulders to balance out wider hips, meaning that puff sleeves or shoulder pads could work best for your figure.
The types of tops you need in a capsule wardrobe include: round/scoop neck, V-neck, Breton top, camisole, sweatshirt.
Knitwear
You might automatically associate knitwear with winter months, but must-have knitwear can play an important role in your capsule wardrobe all year. While you might only wear heavier knits – such as the best oversized jumpers - on the iciest of days, lightweight cotton iterations make a great basic building block in spring and summer months. If you're looking for the most versatility stick to neutrals and block colours that will remain timeless.
The types of knitwear you need in a capsule wardrobe include: Striped sweater, cashmere sweater, fitted roll neck, cable knit sweater, V-neck sweater, loungewear hoodie, sweater dress, short cardigan, long cardigan.
Shirts and blouses
When it comes to the best shirts for your capsule wardrobe there are a few different silhouettes to consider. Opt for classic styles like boyfriend shirts from quality brands to ensure these pieces last, then you can update these styles with new trend-led prints or colours to refresh you look.
Don’t forget as well that there are many different ways to wear shirts, so this will make your wardrobe work even harder says sustainable fashion stylist and expert Jennifer Walderdorff.
“The cotton shirt, can be worn buttoned up, open, with a roll neck, wrapped or off the shoulder, “ she says. “Wearing one item can give you different looks, ranging from formal, and casual to dressy - based on its coordinating items."
The types of shirts you need in a capsule wardrobe include: White shirt, silk blouse, pussy-bow blouse, statement collar shirt, denim shirt and striped shirt.
Jeans
Curating your jeans collection for your capsule wardrobe does require some thought. Notoriously tricky to buy, finding the best jeans for your body type can be a nightmare. But, once you do, we advise you exercise some brand loyalty, as it will, in the long run, make your life easier.
It's also good to remember that when it comes to jeans shapes, not every shape will work for you and that's ok. Like to feel sculpted and shaped? A the best high waisted jeans are what you're after. If you're balancing out a larger bust, look for the best wide leg jeans. Meanwhile, everything from kick flares to full flares will draw the eye away and down your body.
If you live in jeans, you may want two or three of the same cut so you don't wear pairs out too quickly and can rotate. Equally, think about what colours of jeans you need. Lighter blue washes are always seen as more casual, deep indigo without any distressed elements can be worn smartly, but very black jeans will always be the smartest.
When it comes to buying trend-led jean shapes, these can be injected as and when and are unlikely to form part of the building blocks of your capsule wardrobe. For these pieces, look to straight-to-market brands for cheaper options rather than investing in branded styles.
The types of jeans you need in a capsule wardrobe include: straight jeans, flared jeans, skinny jeans, ankle cropped jeans, dungarees, kick flare jeans.
Skirts
Having a selection of skirts in your capsule wardrobe will help you to maximise your tops. Essentially, building a capsule wardrobe is all about getting good basics together that you can mix and match as this increases the number of possible outfits you can create.
Once you’ve got your basics covered, after that, you can look for more trend-led iterations – such as denim maxi skirts - to mix up your wardrobe. Opting for neutral block colours will always be more versatile, but if you love colour and print, you should certainly add these into your building blocks too.
“Introduce prints strategically to add interest and personality to your wardrobe,” advises Franny.
The types of skirts you need in a capsule wardrobe include: Leather skirt, denim skirt, slip skirt, pleated skirt, maxi skirt, knitted skirt.
Trousers
Building your capsule wardrobe with trousers follows the same logic as finding the perfect jeans. You need a variety of styles to suit different occasions, all of which should complement your existing tops and shirts.
Once you discover a well-fitting pair of trousers, consider buying multiples. Trends shift quickly, and you wouldn't want to lose a favourite style! Stick to neutral colours for maximum versatility. You can always add pops of colour or trendy pieces later on.
The types of trousers you need in a capsule wardrobe include: Tailored trousers, tuxedo trousers, leather leggings, wide leg trousers, cargo pants, pajama pants (not for sleeping in).
Dresses
Dresses are the simplest way to feel put together. While a wardrobe of separates requires some styling, the best dresses and flattering jumpsuits are a full good-to-go outfit - just add shoes and jewellery. When it comes to building your capsule wardrobe of dresses, consider your body type and the shapes that suit you. If you're looking for dresses to highlight an hourglass shape, look for fit and flare or belted silhouettes.
Want stylish dresses to hide a tummy? High-waisted styles or ruched iterations will look fantastic. Learn how to wear a wrap dress - to nail one of the most universally flattering fits, while the best shirt dresses always look smart. You might also want to consider the best shapewear under a dress to help sculpt and smooth your silhouette.
The types of dresses you need in a capsule wardrobe include: Shirt dress, denim dress, little black dress, slip dress, knitted dress, leopard dress.
M&S Shirt Dress
View at M&SRRP: £69 | A printed shirt dress has a cool yet refined finish that is also extremely comfortable. With an adjustable waist tie, it makes for a flattering fit. Team with a trench coat and the best white trainers for work year-round.
Aligne Denim Midi Dress
View at AligneRRP: £110 | The best midi dresses in a relaxed fit are a seasonless buy - especially when they're . With a straight long sleeved fit, this is the ultimate transitional piece that will pair perfectly with an oversized fur coat come winter, or a cropped denim jacket in spring.
&OtherStories Mini Dress
View at &OtherStoriesRRP: £95 | A long sleeve cut can help to balance out the shorter length of an LBD. The simple design of this piece makes it suitable for any occasion. Layer up with tights and knee-high boots when you want some extra coverage.
AllSaints Floral Slip Dress
View at AllSaintsRRP: £99 | A slip dress is ideal for all year wear. In the summer wear bare-armed, or slipped over a white t-shirt. Come autumn or winter, add a roll neck knit underneath or slip a jumper over the top to create the look of a skirt and sweater instead of a dress.
Hush Jumper Dress
View at NextRRP: £46 | Sweater dresses are a wardrobe staple in autumn and winter. This bright red hue will liven up any seasonal ensemble, so team with boots and a patterned scarf for a simple and cosy look. Hush is really on a roll right now so check out the rest. of their current collection too.
Hush Leopard Print Midi Dress
View at HushRRP: £88 (was £110) | A leopard print midi dress will never fail to make you feel confident. The fashion pack's version of a neutral and won't go out of style. Pair with heels for dressy occasions or team one with boots and a leather jacket for a casual twist.
Jackets
There are three key jacket shapes you should consider for your capsule wardrobe. All three can be worn in warmer months as outerwear without a coat on top, but in cooler months don't be afraid to wear them instead of a cardigan for extra versatility. One of these is definitely a denim jacket. A recent survey by Freemans found that a third of those surveyed said they wished they had saved their denim jackets for the next generation, so it pays to pay a good quality jacket – especially as they just get better with age.
When purchasing a jacket it's also good to think about how you will wear them. Traditionally bikers, denim jackets and blazers are often left undone, so don't worry too much about being able to fully do them up. The best way to judge the fit is how it feels across your back, shoulders and arms. You want the sleeves to sit correctly on your shoulders and you want to be able to freely move your arms. A jacket that is too tight will be uncomfortable and might also rip.
The types of jackets you need in a capsule wardrobe include: Leather jacket, denim jacket, blazer.
Whistles Leather Biker Jacket
View at WhistlesRRP: £239.20 (was £299) | A classic biker is a capsule wardrobe staple you won't regret investing in. The best leather jackets look better with age, so don't be afraid to get your wear out of it. This one will add a tough edge to floral dresses and luxe up a jeans and t-shirt outfit.
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Jigsaw Denim Jacket
View at JigsawRRP: £79 (was £99) | Made from sustainable denim, this jacket is available in multiple washes. When it comes to how to style a denim jacket, throw it over your favourite midi dress or be brave and go for full on double denim.
H&M Double Breasted Blazer
View at H&MRRP: £32.99 | The power of a good blazer is unrivalled. Adding instant polish to any look, it can smarten up jeans, or a great dress, rendering most items office ready. Choose a neutral hue to get the most cost per wear.
Outerwear
When it comes to the best coats for your capsule wardrobe, there are a few wardrobe essential styles that will stand the test of time. A good camel coat in a cosy wool will be a piece you can turn to as soon as the winter chill hits and fall outfit ideas take centre stage.
Wool coats are the perfect way to sharpen up any look, as they will instantly make an outfit look smarter, from your best jeans to a tailored outfit. While puffer coats are definitely for more casual moments, the best puffers offer unrivalled warmth, giving you ultimate protection against the elements. Meanwhile, trench coats offer fantastic weather protection and the smartest iterations are a straight swap for your best-tailored wool coat as soon as the sun starts to shine. These three key styles will take you through the year with ease.
The types of outerwear you need in a capsule wardrobe include: Trench coat, wool coat, puffer coat.
Bags
As with shoes, if bags are your way of injecting personality into your look, don't feel you need to be confined to just a couple of items, however there are some key styles that should be in your capsule wardrobe, both for their timeless design and their practicality.
The types of bags you need in a capsule wardrobe include: Crossbody bag, tote bag, clutch or evening bag.
Jewellery
Jewellery is the speediest way of switching up your look. Dress any outfit up or down in a flash by swapping your sparkle.
“If you are a fan of colour and print, you can inadvertently partake in the colour via multi-colour, with accents like jewellery to accentuate the colour if you want to lean in,” advises Jennifer.
Some simple, gold, silver and rose gold designs will add instant chic to the most casual of looks and make every outfit feel finished. At the start of every season consult the latest trends - read all about the jewellery trends 2024 - and buy into statement trend pieces via high street brands. Use these trend-led designs to update your wardrobe staple pieces to give them a refresh.
If you wear glasses, you can make sure that your look always feels fresh by tapping into the eyeglasses trends 2024.
The types of jewellery you need in a capsule wardrobe include: Stacking rings, statement necklace, hoop earrings.
We've got some essential items to consider for your capsule wardrobe, depending on your personal style. The key is to pick pieces that reflect your taste and how you live. It's not about rigid rules or sacrificing fun. It's about having those core essentials and making every item you buy something you love and wear often.
How to build a capsule wardrobe for a jeans or trouser wearer
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you are someone who subscribes to the stylish tops to wear with jeans AKA 'jeans and a nice top' code of dressing, your capsule wardrobe should contain a selection of these pieces. Take note if you're considering building a denim capsule wardrobe and need some extra inspo.
Stylist's tip...
"A good pair of jeans is a great basis for a capsule wardrobe and once you’ve found the perfect pair for your body shape, they can fit almost every aspect of a versatile wardrobe as they can easily be dressed up or down. For work opt for pairs in darker shades such as over-dyed black or indigo for a smart look that mimics more typical office-appropriate trousers. Team with a tailored silk blouse, stylish blazer and smart shoes or boots for a look that will instantly make you feel pulled together. For weekend outings, the same jeans can be dressed down with a t-shirt, jacket and trainers for a stylish off-duty look." - stylist and fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski.
M&S Shaping Jeans
View at M&SRRP: £45 | Great jeans, like this dark wash, magic shaping pair from M&S, will work with everything from tailored blazers to casual t-shirts, so stock up on several pairs in various hues to underpin your closet and ace your look for the season ahead.
H&M Ankle Length Trousers
View at H&MRRP: £19.99 | A well-fitting pair of tailored pants is essential when it comes to capsule wardrobe dressing. Ankle grazers work especially well at flattering petite frames. This slim cut pair by H&M have become a cult favourite - snap them up in every colour way.
& Other Stories Jumper
View at StoriesRRP: £75 | Striped jumpers are the back bone to a jean wearers capsule wardrobe and a timeless classic. We love this knit with wide sleeves that will pair beautifully with more fitted denim and even denim maxi skirts in warmer weather.
Reiss Double-Breasted Blazer
View at ReissRRP: £118 (was £268) | A classic blazer will dress up jeans and finish off tailored pants looks in a jiffy. Opt for neutral hues such as black, navy, grey and camel or a Princes of Wales check for the most timeless style and invest in the best tailoring you can afford.
Boden Jersey Shirt Top
View at BodenRRP: £50 | A ruffle blouse is a piece you can wear for absolutely any occasion. Keep it simple in white and team it with light or black denim to keep things uniform yet comfortable, no matter the occasion.
Leopard Print Crew Neck T-Shirt
View at Nobody's ChildRRP: £39 | Add bold animal prints to your jeans ensembles to create some interest. We love leopard print for year-round wear, but especially this coming fall as animal prints in general made a big impact on the runways in all fashion cities.
How to build a capsule wardrobe if you wear dresses or skirts
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Love dresses and skirts? Your capsule wardrobe will focus on these instead. Start by finding flattering shapes and colours that work for you. Then, build a collection for various occasions – workwear, casual outings, and everything in between. Remember, dresses aren't one-and-done outfits! Layering lets you personalise your dresses and wear your favourites year-round. Here are some must-haves to get you started.
Stylist's tip:
"I pretty much live in dresses and skirts. In the summer I let my lighter-weight dresses speak for themselves, pairing with sandals and simple jewellery, but come the cooler months I'm all about layering them to give them longevity. It's a great way of helping those pretty summer prints live on into the winter, cheering up darker days," Rivkie Baum, fashion channel editor, woman&home.
"I would interpret a capsule wardrobe as any set of items you wear a whole lot", says wardrobe consultant and stylist, Dr. Anne Hamlyn, of Dr. Dress Me.
"Jeans, knitwear, a blouse, a jacket, a skirt or dress, that can be relied upon, mixed and matched, dressed up or down and enhanced by more creative and individual additions that bring you pleasure and make you feel alive and confident and uniquely you in the world."
The idea of a capsule wardrobe has always centred on wardrobe essentials that you must own like a white shirt or the best blazer, but these items don't necessarily take into account body type, personal tastes, or lifestyle. In reality, there is no mathematical formula to a capsule wardrobe, and injecting your personal style does play a vital role. That said, there are some key tips you can follow.
Dr Anne Hamlyn agrees: "If you want to live a subsistence sartorial life made up of 20 items because a uniform makes you feel safe and sorted that’s totally fine, many people just want to get dressed with minimal fuss and not think about it anymore, but there’s not much creativity, pleasure or risk in that. That’s only the beginning. Most people who come to me want to express something with their clothes that’s uniquely them."
A capsule wardrobe is about grounding your wardrobe in relevant basics, making sure you purchase clothes that will work with existing items in your wardrobe so that you can maximise their wear, and most importantly, end up with a closet of clothing you enjoy and feel good in.
“Think of a capsule wardrobe as a shortcut - it gives you something to build a look from, which can save you time and headspace when you’re getting ready. And if you shop smart, you’ll build a collection of key pieces that will stand the test of time and give you fantastic cost-per-wear. It can also be built upon with the addition of extra pieces which might be a little more trend-led or occasion appropriate,” says fashion stylist, Karen Williams - and having dressed everyone from David Beckham to Beyoncé, she should know.
This is the tricky bit. Your capsule wardrobe will largely depend on your lifestyle, personal taste and body type. We will break down a few key style personalities and what those capsule wardrobes might look like, but overall, all capsule wardrobes will include a combination of the below.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When it comes to starting a capsule wardrobe, the very first thing you need to do is a thorough clear-out. We know it’s a daunting task but it will certainly pay off in the long run.
“Having a wardrobe clear-out can be therapeutic and traumatic in equal measure - it can be so hard to let things go,” says Karen.
“My advice would be to get rid of anything and everything that isn’t serving you - either because it doesn’t fit right, doesn’t make you feel fabulous or it’s no longer worn and is no longer relevant to you. Be disciplined and ruthless.”
To make the whole process a little bit easier, Anna recommends sorting clothing into three piles:
“If you can’t do it all in one hit, do it in stages,” adds Karen. “This is most definitely a process. Have a first edit, and then go back and look at it again in a month’s time and reappraise the items you’re not wearing. Repeat and repeat! Once you’ve edited your clothes, you’ll also find it much easier to spot some of the gaps in your wardrobe, too.”
Once you’ve decluttered, you should be left with clothes you love and wear regularly. These pieces will form the basis of your capsule wardrobe which you can then build upon over time if you feel you are missing a few essentials.
Invest in your basics...
When it comes to buying the building blocks of your wardrobe, invest as much as you can. Whether that's the best tailoring you can afford, the best denim or a great coat. The idea is that your basics are the foundations of your wardrobe, you'll wear these pieces all the time (for many seasons), adding in newer, often cheaper, more trend-led pieces as and when. But always think about whether that new purchase will go with at least 3 things in your existing wardrobe.
Keep your basics (fairly) neutral...
This just means they can easily be combined with newer purchases. Before you invest, always ask yourself 'what colour suits me? From there, you can form a colour palette for your key wardrobe building blocks.
But...
“Above all else, you need to look at what makes you feel good. What fabrics do you feel most comfortable in? What fits do you go back to time and time again? What outfit silhouette do you feel most flatters your body? You want to fill your wardrobe with pieces that are not only practical, versatile and comfortable, but that also make you feel fab,” adds Anna.
It saves you money: A capsule wardrobe will not only save you time in the morning, it can also have a positive impact on your bank balance. According to a study from ClosetMaid, the average woman has 103 items in her wardrobe, with an eye-watering 58% of those items hanging unworn for the past six months.
A capsule wardrobe is all about getting your wardrobe working for you and adding pieces to it that you can wear with existing items. It's all about shopping smarter.
It saves the planet: A capsule wardrobe could also be beneficial to the environment. It's no secret that the rise of fast fashion has had a devastating impact on the environment, with the UN stating that by 2050, the fashion industry will take up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget. By buying less but better, or buying clothing that is more functional for our needs and wardrobes, we're more likely to keep hold of it for longer and less like to dump it into landfill or simply have clothes lying unloved.
"An ideal capsule collection should comprise of a selection of good quality, enduring pieces designed to withstand the test of time, both in terms of durability and versatility,” advises Franny. “This not only ensures longevity in wear but also contributes to reduced carbon footprint through decreased consumption and waste, better for the planet, and your wallet!”
Remember you can always learn how to sell clothes online, to make some money to fund new items in your capsule wardrobe, while giving your unloved pieces a new home too.
It saves you from shopping regret: A capsule wardrobe requires you to really think about your purchases.
“If you're in doubt about buying something, ask whether you can wear it three different ways; if you can only wear an item one way, it’s not worth it,” says stylist Susie Hasler.
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