How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe

🕤 10 min read

The start of a new season calls for a wardrobe overhaul and with capsule wardrobes gaining a lot more attention in recent years, I can't think of a better time to give one a shot. I have been putting the capsule wardrobe to the test over the last three months and my verdict is in - I think I have finally found the solution to all of my past fashion faux pas. 

No more floordrobes, no more keeping hold of the thirteen identical beige jumpers I own just because "they look aesthetically pleasing when they are folded on my shelf". That's right, it is time to be ruthless and get rid of that coral blazer that was in style for two weeks in 2018 and replace it with timeless pieces that will age as gracefully as fine wine (which you will be able to afford more of now that you are saving money on clothes. Win-win).

If more money for wine isn't enough to convince you to give capsule wardrobes a chance, there are many other (more practical) benefits to giving them a shot. A well-thought-out capsule wardrobe will save you time and money while reducing your carbon footprint in the process, and let me tell you, it has made getting ready in the morning MUCH less stressful.  

So, here is everything you need to know about how to start your capsule wardrobe and some tips and tricks I have learned since curating my own. 

T-Shirts

We all need a solid foundation to build our wardrobes around, and there is no better place to start than with trusty t-shirts. Generally, it is good to have three basic t-shirts:

• White cotton t-shirt 
• Black cotton t-shirt
• Striped cotton t-shirt

While we are keeping it simple with colours to make mixing and matching easier, you can choose different variations on the classics. From V-neck designs to cap sleeves, there is the perfect tee out there for everyone. Spend a little time finding out which works best for you and what makes you feel most comfortable. For me, it's oversized all the way!

Style Tip – Wear a t-shirt under your favourite summer dress to turn it into the perfect summer – autumn transitional piece.

Organic Cotton T-Shirt in White Earth Wardrobe

Organic Cotton T-Shirt in Black Earth Wardrobe

Fairtrade Organic Loose Fit T-Shirt Earth Wardrobe

 

Tank Tops & Camisoles

Just like t-shirts, tank tops and camisoles are perfect to mix and match within your capsule wardrobe. While a tank top is a multifunctional essential, perfect for layering or running errands, a camisole can be dressed up for an alluring evening look. We suggest having three basic vest tops:

• White cotton tank top
• Navy Bardot/off-the-shoulder top
• Black silk camisole

Not only is a white vest top a top trend this autumn, but it is a timeless addition to any wardrobe and an additional top such as one with an asymmetric design, keeps your outfits looking fresh and individual. 

Style Tip – Make the most of your camisole in the colder months by layering over your favourite turtle neck for a simple and sophisticated way to change up your wardrobe. 

Shirts & Blouses

Shirts are one of the most versatile garments that can take your capsule wardrobe to the next level. Wear a light linen shirt over a dress for a cool and casual look, a shirt tied at the waist for laid-back summer vibes or team with your favourite trousers for a polished and professional aesthetic. We recommend having a selection of 2-3 shirts and blouses:

• Smart white cotton shirt
• Neutral linen blouse or shirt
• Black silk shirt

Style tip: Wear a shirt open over a monochromatic outfit for an effortlessly chic look.  

Organic Cotton Oversized White Shirt The White Company

Organic Bamboo Silk Shirt Laura Pitharas

Button-Down White Blouse Zalando

Jumpers & Sweatshirts

Be prepared for the colder months with a versatile and timeless selection of jumpers and sweatshirts (we had numerous debates in the office about what makes a sweatshirt a sweatshirt and a jumper a jumper - I say jumpers need to be knitted. Fight me in the comments). As always, we are keeping the colours neutral and timeless, but we think the following provide plenty of fashionable options:

• Neutral sweatshirt
• Hoodie
• Black jumper
• White jumper
• Black cardigan

It is always good to have a beloved sweatshirt and hoodie for errand days, a duo of trusted jumpers on hand to be dressed up or down, and a black cardigan for an extra, light layer when needed.

Style tip: We are keeping it basic with the colours for versatility, however, playing around with different cuts and designs, especially with knitwear, is a fun way to inject a little more personality into your outfits.

Organic Essential Sweatshirt Earth Wardrobe

Navy Hooded Sweatshirt Cotton Traders

Boxy Turtleneck Knit Jumper & Other Stories

Trousers

Now we’re onto bottoms! You can’t go wrong with a pair of black and a pair of white trousers, they are like the cheese of the fashion world - they go with everything! We think everyone should have three pairs of trousers:

• Black trousers
• White/neutral trousers
• Casual trousers

Find the perfect fit for you, whether that is a slim leg, a wide leg or a pair of each! Finding the silhouette that makes you feel your best is the most important step.

Cotton Palazzo Trousers Farfetch

Brown Knit Pants Skims

Pleat Front Wide Leg Trousers M&S Collection

Jeans

We all need a trusty pair of denim jeans in your favourite cut. I recommend investing in good quality denim that will last for years to come, to avoid needing to replace them every few months. When choosing denim, spend time finding the perfect style for you. I recommend investing in two different washes:

• Light wash straight leg jeans
• Dark wash bootcut jeans

Avoid styles that are a fleeting trend such as low-rise and split hem jeans, and instead, look for classic and timeless fits to ensure your outfit always looks up to date. 

High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans Moda Operandi

Shaping Bootcut Jeans Levi's

Dresses & Jumpsuit

When it comes to dresses and jumpsuits, simplicity is key. You will need one dress that will be toasty warm and another that shows a little more skin (for the evenings and the days where you’re feeling yourself). Keep your jumpsuit game on-trend with neutral colours and a classic fit to avoid looking dated.

• Black camisole dress
• Jumper dress
• Jumpsuit

Style tip: Wear a button-up shirt under your trusty LBD to transform it from an evening look into a cool and casual outfit. 

Jackets

I don’t know what it is about jackets, but they are just an infinitely cooler way of keeping warm than coats. No shade on coats or anything, coats have their chic and sleek place in every closet, but you can’t deny a leather or a denim jacket offers a bit more swag - I think I even adopt a new, trendier walk when I wear my biker jacket. Invest in the following jackets:

• Black leather jacket
• Lightweight white/neutral jacket (denim/cord)

You can’t go wrong with a lightweight denim jacket in the spring and summer and if you find the perfect leather jacket for you, it might just last a lifetime. 

White Denim Jacket Axel Arigato

Reversible Sheepskin Aviator Jacket Next

Coats

Now that I have bigged-up jackets, it is time to show coats some love. Whether you are running errands in your comfy trousers and hoodie or heading to the gym, throwing on a longline black coat or a trench immediately makes you look sophisticated (and warm). We suggest keeping three coats:

• Puffer coat
• Long black coat
• Trench coat

A light-coloured coat, a basic black coat and a super-warm puffer coat are all you need to stay warm and stylish all year long. 

Bonded Malfile Chara Coat Joseph

Luxury Wool Long Belted Coat Herno

Cocoon Down Puffer Wrap Coat Sweaty Betty

Skirts

Skirts have the power to be playful or elegant depending on the fabric and the fit. As a rule, it is good to have one short skirt and one longer skirt to make the most out of your capsule wardrobe. One mini and one midi really is all you need to keep looking perfectly polished in the skirt department:

• Long midi skirt
• Mini skirt

Stylists suggest wearing one loose and one fitted garment for the best silhouette. Try pairing a slim and sleek silk skirt with an oversized knit for a cosy evening look. 

A-Line Wool Blend Mini Skirt Boden

Silk Satin Skirt Joseph

 

Blazers

Nothing says “I’ve got it together” more than a blazer. Even when we are channelling Hailey Beiber and wearing our favourite oversized blazer over a tracksuit, it still looks like we mean business. You don’t need to own your own company to wear a blazer, but you will look like you do with the right fit. To become a member of the Blazin' Squad, you will need:

• Black/navy oversized blazer
• Tan/neutral fitted blazer

Try to have two blazers, an oversized one for the days you want to elevate your favourite hoodie and a fitted blazer for when you mean business. 

Shoes

While my heart says you can never have too many shoes, my head knows that would not be great for either the environment or my purse. If I had to choose a limited selection of shoes, I would choose a selection of comfortable and practical shoes:

• Heeled knee boots in the winter and sandals in the summer
• Flats shoes (such as ballet pumps or loafers)
• Trainers
• Flat ankle boots
• Court shoes

This will give you a shoe for every occasion and every outfit and by sticking to neutral shades, you will have a versatile collection that will last you through the seasons. Stick to styles that are timeless and you can’t go wrong!

Bags

Now onto my favourite subject of all - bags! I would never usually condone limiting the amount of bags anyone owns, but for the sake of the environment, I guess I can make an exception. These three bag styles should be all you ever need (unless you plan an arctic exhibition this November, then you might need something a little more than a leather clutch, even if it is gorgeous):

• Tote bag
• Cross body bag 
• Clutch/evening bag 

A bag for shopping, a bag for when you’re out and about and a bag for when you hit the clubs, these three styles have you covered. Opt for natural leather for a bag that will see you through multiple seasons to come. 

Style tip: While there are exceptions to the rule, if you are in doubt, match your bag to your shoes to immediately look put together and polished. 

Accessories

Accessories may just be seen as the finishing touch to an outfit but they are every bit as important as the clothes themselves. Even in the cooler months we get the occasional sunny day, so it is always important to have a good quality pair of sunglasses with the correct UV filters and a trusty set of winter warmers will be your best friend from September through to February. The following will keep your accessories drawer sleek and simple:

• Sunglasses
• Scarf
• Hat
• Gloves

Once again, choosing versatile colours that complement your wardrobe will ensure you always look put together and polished. 

RB3857 Frank Legend Square-Frame Sunglasses Ray-Ban

'Bowness' Oatmeal Cashmere & Merino Wool Beanie Hat Pure Luxuries London Naturals Collection

'Oxford' Oatmeal 100% Cashmere Scarf Pure Luxuries London Naturals Collection

'Windermere' Oatmeal Cashmere & Merino Wool Gloves Pure Luxuries London Naturals Collection

Jewellery

While it may be small, jewellery can make or break an outfit. Simple, gold jewellery immediately elevates any outfit making it look thoughtful and sophisticated. Earrings such as the ‘Roisin’ hoops are perfect as they can be worn in multiple ways - during the day they can be worn as traditional hoops and in the evening you can add the sparkly bead for a little extra glam. Try investing in a set all crafted from the same metal e.g. gold, silver or rose gold:

• Necklace
• Bracelets
• Earrings

Keep it simple and understated so you can wear each item regularly and opt for designs that can be worn in multiple ways for a little extra freedom. 

Style tip: You can even mix and match - add the sparkle beads from the ‘Roisin’ earrings to your favourite necklace for glittering change. 

'Roisin' 18CT Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver Sparkle Hoop Earrings Pure Luxuries London

'Apate' 9CT Yellow Gold Hollow Figaro Bracelet Pure Luxuries London

'Girona' 18CT Yellow Gold Plated 925 Silver Fine Trace Chain Necklace Pure Luxuries London

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While keeping your capsule wardrobe neutral helps with versatility, every capsule wardrobe will be different based on your beautifully unique style and personality. Even though you are working with a limited number of garments, it doesn’t mean they need to be boring! Creating the perfect capsule wardrobe is all about finding the right fits and colours for you, saving you time and money, and saying goodbye to fast fashion.

Will you be trying a capsule wardrobe this season? Join the conversation over on our social media and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for daily fashion inspiration! If you would like to share your AW22 style with us, use the hashtag #mypureluxuries.