A Dozen Items Every Capsule Wardrobe Should Have

If you’ve got a wardrobe that’s bursting at the seams, it may be time to think about creating a capsule wardrobe. Don’t panic, because a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be a tiny rail consisting of a handful of items. You might have 30 to 50 things that you wear regularly and that’s ok – the key is for the items to work well together. The ultimate aim is to have a range of basics and interchangeable items based around several good quality, solid classics, to which you add seasonal updates.

It’s a wardrobe type I’m keen to adopt, and a good way to cut down on ‘fast fashion’ fixes, especially if you mix in good quality vintage pieces. So let’s take a look at a dozen items every capsule wardrobe should have:

A Blazer

I used to wear a tailored navy blazer with silver buttons all the time with my jeans twenty years ago and I would happily wear it now if I still had it, so I know a good blazer is a great investment piece! Forever smart, timeless and easy to wear.

A Trench Coat

This is something I don’t currently have, so I’m keeping my eye out for one in stone or camel, rather than my usual go-to black or navy, to give my wardrobe a lift for spring.

Leather Biker Jacket

Real or faux, I think the biker jacket has come into its own and deserves a permanent place in the capsule wardrobe. It goes over everything!

Good Jeans

The quest for a well fitting pair of jeans is something we’ve all been through. If you have found your ideal pair, congratulations! Keep buying them and if you are still hunting, good luck. Consulting a personal stylist might be the way to go if you are struggling to find some jeans that work for you.

Tailored Black Trousers

Again, not something I currently have in my wardrobe, but having worn tailored fine wool trousers in the past I always found them really comfy and smart, paired with a knitted grey jumper and a white tee underneath. Classic and understated.

Essential Footwear

Boots, trainers and a pair of heels are a great starting point. Go for a classic Chelsea boot, or if you prefer a longer style, you can click here for cheap over the knee boots. A pair of timeless white trainers is indispensible as they look great with jeans or skirts, taking you through all seasons.

Shirt in Denim or White (or both)

A button front shirt, or two, in white and denim work so well teamed with the other essentials in your capsule wardrobe. Throw a denim shirt over a striped tee, or wear a crisp white shirt under a blazer. Never out of style, easy to wear and you don’t have to think too hard when getting dressed in the morning.

LBD

Every wardrobe, capsule or otherwise, needs a little black dress. Opt for a classic shift style and it will never date, or pick a style that you know flatters you and it will always come in handy. Dress it down for daytime or add sparkle and heels for a tried and tested night time look.

Basics

Make sure you have a small selection of cotton vests, short and long sleeved tees in navy, white, grey and black. You can add interest with the addition of stripes or a seasonal slogan tee.

Jumper

Choose a fine knit for layering or a chunky fisherman style roll neck – whichever you prefer, the choice is yours!

Cardigan

Again, a great layering item over dresses or a white tee. Every wardrobe should have one and you can go for a neutral or a bold pop of colour.

Skirt

You might opt for a classic knee length black skirt, but for now my choice would be a pleated midi skirt which is so popular and will see you through the seasons. Go for a colour block or a nice pattern such as snakeskin or leopard print (which is nowadays considered a neutral!)

What do you think of these suggestions, do you agree they make up an ideal capsule wardrobe? Is it a way of dressing you think you could adopt?

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