How to build a capsule wardrobe – all the items you need
A CAPSULE wardrobe is a term often thrown about, and it can confuse some people.
In short, a capsule wardrobe is a limited selection of go-to staples you can rely in day in and day out.
A capsule wardrobe 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, classic layering items, such as T-shirts and tanks, as well as a timeless leather biker jacket.
In most cases you can wear every item in your capsule wardrobe as one complete outfit, or use as a base to style with other garments too, which is why it’s a capsule wardrobe.
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.
If you are looking to declutter your wardrobe, slim down your closet, or maybe forge a capsule wardrobe, we have some handy tips to help you curate the essentials to help you nail every look.
(AD) The perfect black bag
A classic black bag is a staple you will never tire of, as it will go with any outfit, is suitable for any occasion, day or night, year after year.
You can’t go wrong with this Kate Spade Pebbled Leather Tote, which can be styled not just as shoulder bag but also 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.
You can also get 25% off all Kate Spade items until midnight on Sunday 5 March, so make this bag yours for less.
- (AD) Knott Pebbled Leather Medium Crossbody tote, £350 from Kate Spade – buy here
Jeans
Of course jeans are a classic wardrobe essential, and while you may own a variety of styles; from skinny, mom jeans, to wide leg, flare or boyfriend, a straight leg, pale wash is essential.
But, if we were only to wear one pair of jeans for the rest of our lives it would have to be Levi’s 501s, which complement any outfit, can be dressed up or down and are super flattering for all body types.
- 501s Levis Original Jeans, £100 from Levis – buy here
Black oversized blazer
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 oversize 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.
- Eliana Oversized Blazer, £69 from Weekday – buy here
Black turtle neck
When it comes to Autumn and Winter you will not see us in anything but a turtle neck, or roll neck.
They are chic, classy, timeless, formal and flattering as they elongate your arms, and neck.
They work as the perfect winter warmer, as well as layering item, you can style under a blazer, shacket, another jumper, or leather jacket.
M&S has an impressive range of turtle neck designs, which also come in its signature Heatgen technology for extra warmth in the colder seasons.
- Roll Neck Jumper, £22.50 from M&S – buy here
Chunky knit jumper
We love a cosy knit jumper every time of year.
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 with you in the Spring and Summer seasons too, drape 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 is long lasting, with a slightly boxy fit, so you have room to move, or layer underneath.
- Mock Neck Sweater, £35 from & Other Stories – buy here
White t-shirt
We have an entire drawer filled with T-shirts, and 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 life saver for everyone, and a non-negotiable in your capsule wardrobe.
Arket’s boxy style are 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 you tee, you will never leave the house without it.
- Crew-Neck T-shirt, £17 from Arket – buy here
Black heeled boots
Black boots are all the craze, and have been for many years – we predict many more to come too.
There are whole host of designs, from pointed toe, square toe, flat boots, heeled, block heel, stiletto heel, ankle, knee high, thigh high, to croc effect, and everything in between.
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, a blazer dress for weekend drinks, the possibilities are endless.
- ASOS DESIGN Remmy set-back heeled boots, £40 from ASOS – buy here
Satin shirt
A satin or silk shirt sounds super elegant, and it is – but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
It’s a failsafe wardrobe must have for those days you want to look “done” and well put together, but with minimal effort.
Wear to the office, after work drinks, date nights, special occasions, and everything in between, as you can dress it down with jeans and heeled boots, or unbutton a little with a lace bralette underneath and satin slip skirt.
- Fitted shirt, £17.99 from H&M – buy here
Classic white trainers
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, but the New Balance 550’s are all the trend, and one we are stocking up on.
What we love is not only are they super fashionable, but they go with everything, and provide a little platform to elevate you.
- New Balance BB550 GS Trainers, £69.99 from Office – buy here
Leather trousers
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 PU leggings of seasons past.
While they may not be the most summer appropriate trouser, 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.
- Vegan Leather 90s Straight Pant, £69.70 (Was £82) from Abercrombie & Fitch – buy here
Midi dress
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 Nobody’s Child which is short sleeve, has a side leg split, 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.
- Nobody’s Child Floral Round Neck Midi Column Dress, £55 from M&S – buy here
Linen shirt
Spring is fast approaching, which means we are pulling out the linen shirts.
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 day time, 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 a vibrant green or bubble gum pink.
- White Linen-Look Oversized Shirt, £27.99 from New Look – buy here
Leather biker jacket
For shoppers looking for anything leather, or remotely biker/ rock chic inspired, Allsaints is the only destination.
We have lusted after their leather jackets for longer than we can remember, and if you have yet to secure one in your closet, 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, win win.
- Billie Oversized Leather Biker Jacket, £399 from Allsaints – buy here
LBD
The LBD – also known as 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 makes the cut in our capsule wardrobe.
Our personal preference is a satin slip dress, which you will wear forever more, whether it is for a festival, drinks, or date night.
You can pair with knee high boots, heeled boots, stilettos, layer with a blazer or biker jacket over the top, even opt for a t-shirt or sheer long sleeve underneath for a day time look.
The styling options know no bounds.
- ASOS DESIGN scoop neck super mini satin slip dress in black, £26 from ASOS – buy here
Wide leg trousers
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 al little restricting.
- Tailored trousers, £24.99 from H&M – buy here
Trench coat
We love a trench coat in the Spring and Summer months, as well as the transitional periods between seasons.
You can style 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.
- Maxi Trench Coat, £119.20 (Was £149) from Warehouse – buy here
Racer vest
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.
- White Rib Racer Vest Top, £9 from River Island – buy here
Gold jewellery
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 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.
- Medium Chubby Hoop Earrings, £98 from Missoma – buy here
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