The term ‘capsule wardrobe’ is bandied around a lot in menswear.
If you’re not yet familiar, it means a selection of classic foundational pieces that, in theory, should work together in any combination. It could be a pair of straight leg jeans, an Oxford shirt, some white trainers or simply a plain T-shirt – essentially classic pieces that every guy should have in their wardrobe which transcend fads, trends and seasons.
Learning how to dress with a capsule wardrobe mindset can help in more ways than one. Above all, it makes it easier to get dressed in the morning. It might sound arbitrary, but trust me, it will save you time and energy every single day. Instead of fretting over clashing colours and silhouettes, you can quickly grab and go and look like you’ve made an effort – even when you haven’t.
Secondly, it will make you a pro shopper. You’ll leave the days of indecision, remorse buys and endless returns behind. Instead, you’ll know exactly what you’re searching for the moment you’re in a store – virtual or otherwise. When you’re after a specific look, you can scroll through a website or browse a shop and quickly find options that will complement the rest of your collection.
How to shop for a capsule wardrobe
But what, in particular, should you be looking for? T-shirts, shirts, knitwear, jeans, tailoring, sneakers, smart shoes, bags and glasses can all fit the capsule wardrobe mould. Just make sure you go for classic pieces in versatile colours that are well-made and use good, high-quality fabrics.
In terms of colour, I’ve always found that it’s best to stick with white, black, grey, neutrals and blues. Once you’ve got the basics locked down, you can think about a pop of brights here and there to add some interest and shake things up: think a cherry red jumper or a pair of sneakers in racing green.
Aim to buy quality pieces whenever you can. Since design is generally on the basic side, the fabric and finishing make all the difference. If you want it to look expensive, best to size up – just take a look at The Row’s fashion shows to see what I mean.
Or, you could simply let me do the hard work (I don’t mind, honestly) and snap up the top capsule wardrobe picks from my curation below.
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Wax London Jeans
Can you think of a pair of trousers that are more vital to a healthy wardrobe than a great pair of jeans? Wax London’s selection is one of the best, with straight, loose and slim fit options, all of which are made using top-tier organic cotton denim.
Price £110 - £120
Buy now, Wax London
Collars & Co The Maranello Contrast Collar Polo Navy
A navy polo neck is a must-have. Whether you opt for a classic cotton piqué or a luxury knitted take, like this one by Collars & Co, they’re easy to wear with denim, trousers or even shorts when summer hits. An easy win across the seasons.
Buy now £98.00, Collars & Co
CLAE Bradley Sneakers
Though court shoes are particularly popular right now, it’s a silhouette that’s been around for years - for good reason. They work with all types of trousers and, if you go for plain white or black, they’re easy to pair with just about anything. CLAE’s Bradley fits the bill perfectly.
Buy now £140.00, CLAE
Velasca Leather Loafers
If you’re yet to add a pair of loafers to your footwear collection, consider this your cue. They will be your saving grace whenever you hear whispers of a smart-casual dress code.
A classic penny loafer is our top pick, but if you want something more fashion-led, go for a horse bit – but please, avoid tassels at all costs. Italian shoemaker Velasca has a great selection to choose from so you’re covered either way.
Price £300 - £390
Buy now, Velasca
David Gandy Ultimate Crew Tee
There’s a lot to be said for a quality T-shirt. The fabric’s better, the fit is next level and it will retain its shape and colour for much longer than something second rate.
Enter: David Gandy’s Ultimate tee, which ticks all of these boxes, and then some. The only downside? You’ll want all eight colours.
Buy now £38.00, David Gandy
Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend Bag
For classic luggage, Carl Friedrik’s your best bet. From suitcases to backpacks and crossbodies, the London-based label offers minimal takes across all categories so you’re covered no matter what your preference. Our favourite is the leather Palissy Weekend Bag – but, as a general rule, it’s always best to avoid tan and go for darker hues like black or chocolate.
Buy now £745.00, Carl Friedrik
JAK Royal Hi White Sneakers
High tops are nothing new (did someone say Converse All Stars?), but why not give your basketball-coded canvas a smarter upgrade with this leather design by JAK? They’re a great alternative to a court shoe in the colder months and the triple white leather is just as versatile. No wonder it’s one of the brand’s best-selling styles.
Buy now £210.00, JAK
London Sock Company Simply Sartorial Socks
A man’s choice of sock says rather a lot. White sport socks with trainers work for casual settings, while formal events call for black dress socks with smart shoes, and novelty socks are always a firm no. But, for day-to-day wear, our number one pick would always be a simple ribbed design – and The London Sock Co. has one of the best colour selections on the market.
Buy now £14.00, London Sock Company
Meller Kessie Sunglasses
It’s not easy finding great sunglasses for an affordable price – until you’ve heard of Meller, that is. The Spanish eyewear label has a selection of on-trend and timeless styles, and this time, we’re going for the latter.
My tip? Never buy them full price because there’s nearly always a two-for-one offer available.
Buy now £49.00, Meller
Void Watches V03D Watch
When you’re shopping for watches, it’s best to go for designs you can see yourself wearing, ahem, time and again.
I’m talking black, brown or metal straps, silver or gold hardware, a white or black face and a low-profile silhouette that could fit under a shirt cuff. Void Watches’ V03D is the perfect fit.
Buy now £166.25, Void Watches
