A capsule wardrobe is a great option for men who want to simplify their wardrobes and introduce a more minimalist approach to fashion. In this blog, we’re sharing our top tips for how to build a capsule wardrobe from scratch, what to include and how to maintain one. What is a Capsule Wardrobe? Based on the foundations of minimalism and the ‘less is more’ philosophy, a capsule wardrobe is a type of wardrobe in which all items are specifically chosen because of their style, colour and wearability. A capsule wardrobe is usually a small but mighty collection of clothing that can fill every clothing need, from a casual weekend outfit to formal dinners and workwear. A capsule wardrobe usually consists of clothing items of high quality, designed to last through multiple seasons and provide long-lasting wearability. Why Would You Want a Capsule Wardrobe? If you have ever stared at your wardrobe, at the many shirt and pant options and wondered what you were going to wear, a capsule wardrobe may be a good solution. If you are someone with a very busy schedule, someone who doesn’t prefer to follow trends or who doesn’t care about fashion but needs help creating appropriate outfits for work, a capsule wardrobe could be your ticket to fashion freedom. Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe? Although a capsule wardrobe may sound like a lot of work, they have many benefits, including: You wear clothes you actually enjoy Reduces the closet clutter Reduces the anxiety associated with having to choose an outfit from so many clothing options You have staple outfits that work for every occasion, lessening the need to purchase clothing regularly Your outfits are timeless and classically fashionable, so you always look well-presented and put together What To Include in a Capsule Wardrobe? While there is some freedom to what you include in your capsule wardrobe, there are three essential things to consider when choosing items for your capsule wardrobe. Timelessness The first thing you want to look out for is items of clothing with a timeless and classic feel – clothing that looks good now and will probably look good in 20-30 years from now. These are items of clothing that always make you look well-put-together and dressed for the occasion. Timeless items of clothing include white button-down shirts, classic straight leg jeans, dark wash chinos, etc. Versatility You want your capsule wardrobe to be filled with items of clothing that can create multiple different looks and outfits. Capsule wardrobes, not only have good quality individual pieces but pieces that can be mixed and matched together to create several different outfits that all look highly fashionable and unique. A dark wash blazer is a great versatile option as it can be worn to the office, on dinner dates and layered in outfits during the winter. Colour Although there is nothing wrong with trends, you want your capsule wardrobe to be filled with items that are timeless and versatile – and both factors work on colour. Colour is crucial and can make or break how your outfit works, if it’s fashionable or appropriate for the occasion. Opt for neutral colours – black, white, cream, tan, navy or charcoal. There is nothing wrong with having some pops of colours, like bright blues or greens in your capsule wardrobe, but it’s better to start with the majority as neutral colours, making it much easier to style different pieces together. Once you’ve created a foundational capsule wardrobe, that’s when it’s time to introduce colour. How to Build a Starter Capsule Wardrobe? The best way to start building a capsule wardrobe from scratch is to think about what you do day to day and week to week. Some questions to ask yourself could be: Do you work from home, or do you work from an office? Do you have an active social life, or do you go out only once or twice a month? Where do you live? Is it usually hotter or cooler most of the year? Do you have regular activities, occasions or hobbies you participate in? Golf, Saturday morning sport, date nights, etc.? Thinking about your lifestyle, regular activities and work expectations can help you get a better understanding of what clothing you need for your capsule wardrobe. When building your wardrobe, it’s recommended that you have enough clothing/outfits to last you a whole week, including the weekend. So, a variety of basics and statement pieces will work to cover all your regular activities, as well as any spontaneous events, like last-minute get-togethers, parties or occasions. Capsule Wardrobe Checklist 3 X Long Sleeve Button-Downs 2 X Basic T-Shirts 1-2 X Polo Shirts 2 X Chinos 2 X Business Pants 1 X Jeans 2-3 X Shorts 1 X Crew Neck Jumper 1 X Rugby Jumper 2 X Knitwear 1-2 X Blazers 1 X Jacket As a start, these are the items you should consider including in your starter capsule wardrobe. Now, let’s discuss each of these in more detail, which colours to choose and why they should be included. Shirts Shirts are a staple in every man’s wardrobe, especially for a capsule wardrobe. They can be worn in the office, after-work drinks, on the weekends and for more formal occasions. Having at least three long-sleeve button-down shirts in your capsule wardrobe is a must for creating easy outfits. Opt for shirts in various colours, like white, dark grey, cream or black. If you like to play with colour, you can also find light blue shirts that also work well with neutral colours. T-shirts are another great option to include in your capsule wardrobe. Although more on the casual side, having one or two neutral-coloured t-shirts in your collection will give you a good breadth of options for casual, relaxing weekends or holiday trips. Neutral coloured t-shirts can easily be styled with coloured shorts or layered under a jumper for cooler days. Polo Shirts Polo shirts are a great weekend option and provide heaps of versatility for different outfits. Polos can be worn with chinos to offices that are on the more casual side, to Saturday morning sports games, golf with friends or even on casual weekends days that don’t require any formality. As polo shirts are on the more casual side, you can choose any colour that you prefer, from neutral to bold and bright. Colourful polos should only be worn for casual days and are a good option to include if you enjoy casual activities. Pants Just like shirts, pants are a crucial part of your capsule wardrobe. Having classic pants that work for many occasions and settings will make it much easier when putting outfits together. Chino pants are a classic option to include as they can be worn for both casual and smart occasions. Opt for two pairs of chinos in different colours, like Walnut, cream, tan or navy. Business pants are a great option to include in your capsule wardrobe. If you work in an office that has a business formal or formal office dress code, dress paints are crucial for hitting the dress code. Choose dark coloured business pants, like black, navy or charcoal to match with a corresponding blazer or coat that can be worn time and time again and still remain classic. Jeans are another staple for your wardrobe and are a great option for more casual settings. Paired with a relaxed t-shirt or rugby jumper creates the perfect relaxed outfit for weekend wear. Opt for dark wash denim rather than a light-coloured pair, as dark wash jeans can be matched with lots of different shirt combinations, expanding your outfit choices. Shorts For warmer days and during the summer, having a pair of stylish shorts can make the difference between staying cool and comfortable and being unable to go out due to not having a proper outfit. Our range of casual shorts is a must for your capsule wardrobe. With a huge selection available, from our Linen Blend Shorts that are super comfy and light for all-around summer wear to our Modern Club Shorts that are more structured and formal, find something for every wardrobe. Opt for two to three pairs of shorts depending upon your location and the types of activities you do during the warmer months (beach trips, picnics, BBQ’s etc.) Our selection of shorts come in both neutral and coloured options, so make sure to choose two pairs in neutral colours, like cream, tan or navy and either the third pair in a neutral colour or a bright colour, like blue, green or orange. Jumpers and Knitwear For the cooler months, having quality jumpers and knitwear is essential for staying warm and stylish. Jumpers, like our crew neck jumpers and rugby jumpers, can be worn over a plain t-shirt or polo shirt during the cooler months and provide a fashionable layering effect to any outfit. Our wide selection of knitwear, like our crew neck knits or our stunning Merino knits, can be worn by themself or layered over a business shirt for an understated yet classic look. Choose knitwear in a neutral tone, like navy, black or tan, that can then be layered underneath a coat or jacket for very cold weather. Jackets and Blazers For your capsule wardrobe, having a jacket or blazer that can be worn over your outfits is essential for creating an aesthetic layered look while staying warm during cooler weather. Our selection of blazers can help add a sense of sophistication to any outfit, whether that’s for the office, formal party or get together with friends and family. A blazer can be worn with either chinos or business pants and a long sleeve button down and work well for a variety of occasions. Our casual jackets are a must for cold winter weather. Our lightweight puffer jackets offer essential wind protection and warmth from cold air, while also being incredibly stylish and timeless, perfect for winter after winter. Capsule Wardrobe Hints and Tips Accessories When it comes to accessories, it’s all about individual preference. Some people enjoy having lots of accessories, like multiple watches, ties and pocket squares, while others will just stick to one or two accessories. Accessories can help to create a unique feel to each outfit, even though you are re-wearing similar items of clothing. Underwear For a capsule wardrobe, having enough underwear to last through the week is generally the recommendation. However, this is not a stock standard rule and will be different for every person. Having multiple pairs of underwear that don’t have any holes or tears is the best option. Shoes Shoes are another clothing item that is really dependent upon the individual. We suggest having one pair of shoes for each occasion/activity. This could include: 1 X pair of runners for sporting activities/gym sessions 1 X pair of sneakers (casual shoes) for weekends and casual events 1 X pair of stylish boots or dress shoes for formal/work occasions For building the ultimate capsule wardrobe this season, make sure to check out our selection of men’s wear and accessories from GAZMAN now.