You’ve got a few minutes to pick an outfit and dash out the door. You try several options, nothing fits quite right, so you grab the same T-shirt and jeans you’ve worn a million times, throw on your tired sneakers and you’re on your way, knowing you’re not dressed to impress.
Does this sound like you? Newsflash – you don’t need to make more panic purchases. Every time you add an item, it becomes harder to make a choice when getting dressed paralysis by analysis, if you will. The cure? A carefully curated capsule wardrobe, perfect for the time poor man who wants to look impeccable, anytime, anywhere.
What is a capsule wardrobe and what are the benefits?
Think of it as the building blocks of your closet. A simple, minimalistic and expertly chosen collection of essentials that will meet your every need. Centered around timeless, versatile and neutral pieces, mix and match without worrying about following trends. Here’s what you’ll want to focus on:
Timelessness
First and foremost, keep an eye out for clothing with a classic feel that will look good several decades from now. These are the brands and pieces that will always make you look well put together and dressed for the occasion. Think high-quality basics from James Perse, a t-shirt Los Angeles brand that evolved into a high-quality ready to wear collection, or Italian shoemaker Officine Creative, renowned for their superior craftsmanship.
Versatility
The key to a great capsule wardrobe is selecting superior quality, interchangeable pieces, to create a plethora of outfits and looks that are both fashionable and unique. We love Eleventy - Italian masters of smart luxury staples you’ll wear forever!
Colours
A tailored wool navy suit? You’ll wear that forever. Now picture it in lime green... harder to pull off! Colour is crucial - it can make or break an outfit and defines if it’s fashionable or appropriate for an occasion.
There’s nothing wrong with adding pops of colour to your wardrobe, but it’s best to build your foundations on neutrals that don’t overpower each other. Shades of white, beige, black, grey, navy, olive, khaki, tan and brown are flattering and pleasant to look at. They will never go out of style and create a strong backdrop to introduce bright colours or bold prints that reflect seasonal trends.
Take stock of your fashion needs
We’ve covered the pillars of a solid capsule wardrobe. Now it’s time to shape it around your life, needs and preferences! Picture your workdays and weekends – what looks will seamlessly take you through the day? Use these pointers to help you delve into your daily routines and define your taste, to build a better wardrobe around your needs:
- What climate do you live in? Do the seasons shift much? You might consider going heavier on the knitwear, or adding swimwear, depending where you live or travel to frequently!
- Do you work from home, an office or a bit of both? Is there a strict dress code?
- What percentage of your life is corporate, how much is casual?
- Is your social calendar busy, or do you prefer quiet nights in? Think hobbies, parties and events!
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What do you gravitate towards: earthy tones or crisp monochromatic colours?
Build your capsule wardrobe
We’ve covered the cornerstones of your capsule wardrobe – now it’s time to select classic, neutral staples you can reimagine, time and time again. Here’s what you’ll want to focus on:
Take your time
You’ll only reach for an item if it fits well, it’s comfortable and suits your taste. Make sure you find a silhouette that works, select a cut that you like, and purchase the winner in a few complementing tones.
Invest in high-quality pieces
Capsule items should never go out of style – they are worth a splurge! High-quality shoes, suits, and outerwear can last for years, removing the need to replace them constantly. Focus on quality craftmanship – Theory is our go-to for slick tailoring and simple designs!
Purchase the right amount of items
Ensure you have a variety of basics to get you through the whole week, supplemented with trendy items to layer onto your foundational pieces. You want your picks to cover your regular activities throughout the whole week, as well as any spontaneous events, like last-minute get-togethers, parties or special occasions!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of putting together your capsule wardrobe, why not let our experts guide you? The start of a new year is the perfect excuse to book a styling session with us! Visit our Brisbane store or book a virtual consultation, from the comfort of your own home, wherever you are in the world, to build a bespoke collection you’ll love! In the meantime, why not browse our new arrivals for inspiration?
