What is a capsule wardrobe anyway? Essentially, a capsule wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing with interchangeable pieces. This is a great way to maximize closet and dresser space while best utilizing your clothes. Generally, capsule clothing consists of timeless pieces in neutral tones that can be easily mixed and matched with each other.
A capsule wardrobe typically contains between 30 and 50 quintessential garments. Besides being versatile, capsule wardrobe items can be worn year-round while affording you a streamlined selection of outfit components. A men’s capsule wardrobe may include solid polo shirts, slim-fit tees, a long-sleeved henley or two, a versatile blazer, a small selection of pants, selective footwear and other classic men’s wear. Take a look at some of the garments you should consider when curating a capsule wardrobe.
Tip #1. Invest in Quality Basics You Can Rewear
Capsule wardrobes should contain items that can be reworn in new styles, creating the illusion of a variety of new outfits. Polo shirts, for instance, are a key component of a capsule wardrobe for men. Perfect for the golf course, a business meeting, dinner or a hot date, polo shirts are the definition of versatility. What makes polo shirts so versatile is that they can be paired with jeans, shorts and slacks, as well as worn beneath a sport coat.
If you style your basic polo shirt differently with each wear, you won’t look like you’re wearing the same shirt repeatedly. You can style a polo shirt with nice slacks to be business-ready. For happy hour, change into jeans, untuck your polo shirt, and add a sport coat. Polo shirts are great garments that are both versatile and easily reworn in new fashions. Solid colors in black and navy are your best bet in terms of versatility; both colors can be perfectly paired with denim or khakis and reworn time and again.
2. Choose Garments That Work With the Changing Seasons
When building your capsule wardrobe, consider garments that cross over into the changing seasons. Light shirts, such as henleys, that can be layered as the weather gets cooler make good choices. Typically made of lightweight cotton and akin to a long-sleeved t-shirt, a henley can be worn in all four seasons. A henley is a great shirt for cool summer nights and chilly fall days or can be layered under a vest or sweater during the cold winter months.
Besides being a great all-season crossover shirt, henleys are very versatile. A long sleeve henley is suitable for a day of hiking, an evening out on the town or a casual first date. A henley shirt looks great with jeans or cords and can be worn tucked or untucked depending on your preference and the occasion. Likewise, the iconic three buttons at the neckline can be left buttoned for a more sophisticated appearance or unbuttoned for a more casual aesthetic. Perfect for layering and highly versatile, a henley is a great year-round garment to add to your capsule wardrobe.
3. Select Items That Can Be Dressed Up and Down
Although t-shirts are generally considered to be casual garments, don’t underestimate the versatility of a good slim-fit tee. For starters, capsule wardrobes are centered around classic looks and garments. No item in your wardrobe is more classic than the white t-shirt. Not only does a white tee pair well with jeans and loungewear, but it can also be dressed up by layering other garments such as a v-neck, a leather jacket or even beneath a suit.
When stocking your capsule wardrobe with t-shirts, a slim fit is the way to go. Slim-fit clothing is cut closer to the body, creating a more flattering profile. Compared with a loose-fit tee, the slim fit is made of less fabric, which makes it more conducive to layering and tucking. Whether you’re hitting the gym or heading out of town for a weekend away, a slim-fit tee is always in style and ready to be dressed up or down.
4. Consider Colors Carefully
If you want to pare down your wardrobe, be sure to make color selections wisely. An assortment of pants is essential to a men’s capsule wardrobe. Certainly, your wardrobe must contain a smart-looking, comfortable pair of jeans; a dark-washed pair is recommended for its versatility and timeless aesthetic. The darker the jeans, the easier it is to mix and match casual and dressy shirts. A dressy pair of pants such as chinos can be paired with anything from a slim-fit tee to a shirt and tie. Cotton pants are best worn in neutral colors like khaki. Finally, a good pair of joggers, preferably in black or gray, are perfect for hitting the gym and other active pursuits.
5. Stick to Classic Styles
If you’re looking to minimize the number of items in your wardrobe, the smartest route is to choose classic styles. For example, your capsule wardrobe isn’t complete without basic footwear. Although you can certainly add a few additional styles, a comfortable yet versatile tennis shoe and a classic dress shoe are must-haves. Not only are a basic pair of white or neutral-colored tennis shoes comfortable for everyday use, but they also go with many outfit types. From loungewear to jeans and chinos to shorts, sneakers can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For your dress shoe, consider a brown brogue: a low-heeled shoe that is sleek and sturdy. A medium brown dress shoe, such as brogues, can be mixed and matched with business casual attire, jeans, chinos and beyond. Whether you prefer a low-top over a boot style or a tie closure over a buckle closure, this classic shoe style is always in fashion. Don’t forget to add a matching belt to your capsule wardrobe, too. Shoes and accessories are just as important to a capsule wardrobe as garments, but keeping it simple by sticking to classic styles will make your minimalist dreams a reality.
Outfitting the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe
Including these staple garments in your capsule wardrobe will eliminate the time wasted trying to decide what to wear each day. By reducing your options to neutral basics that are interchangeable, you’ll not only look stylish but also improve your space and time management. In addition to a few dress shirts, a jacket, a sweater and undergarments, the aforementioned garments are staples in any man’s capsule wardrobe.