How to create a capsule wardrobe - everything you need to know

Perseverance and patience are two of the major prerequisites required for building a stellar capsule wardrobe. Perhaps you're more prone to an impulse buy than you'd care to admit, or can't bear to part with pieces that have seen better days? 

But we would highly recommend shifting your shopping habits towards a more classic, less trend-centric approach. If anything, it makes getting dressed in the morning an absolute doddle. 

What is a capsule wardrobe?

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For a wardrobe to be considered 'capsule', in essence it needs to be a compact edit of quality pieces that all work well together. A mix-and-match puzzle if you will that's compiled of harmonious tones and clean silhouettes that will play nicely together. 

A traditional capsule wardrobe usually leans into a neutral colour palette - grey, tan, charcoal, navy, black, white and the like - but this is not a hard and fast rule, by any means. A pop of red here and there can launch your capsule wardrobe into stratospheric status. 

What are the rules?

There are no fixed rules, but the idea is to think about which pieces will go the distance and elevate your wardrobe year upon year. Make no mistake – we can appreciate a killer trend with the best of them. But you want to avoid buying pieces that could quickly appear dated once next season rolls around.

The key here is knowing your body shape and sartorial tastes inside out. Consider which pieces you are naturally drawn to and silhouettes that you know suit you best (and most importantly of all, that you feel great and comfortable in).

One watertight way of getting this right is by hitting the shops - think upper end of the high street or, better still, a designer boutique as they will have expertly trained staff to advise you. Take the time to try on different styles of separates. Time consuming yes, but you'll learn heaps about the styles you like and what works well together.

How many pieces do I need?

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How long is a piece of string? The amount of clothes in an individual capsule wardrobe completely depends on your budget, as well as how much space you have available. 

The idea behind the concept is based around a modest (whatever that may look like for you) selection of pieces that work well with one another.

Basically if you dump your capsule wardrobe in a suitcase and unexpectedly jet off somewhere, you should be able to create several stylish outfits, all by the magical powers of a good old mix and match.

Where do I start?

Back to basics is always a good place to start when it comes to compiling a capsule wardrobe. Think flattering racerbacks, sculpting jeans and scoring the perfect white T-shirt is also an excellent shout. 

Focus less on trend-based pieces and more on timeless shirts, knits and a brilliant coat. When it comes to fabrics, opting for those that can help you nail the potentially tricky transitional (between seasons) dressing period is the way to go.

How we chose:

• Style: When combing through the internet's top fashion sites for the best capsule wardrobe pieces, we made sure that each of our picks felt both classic and flattering.
• Versatility and enduring appeal: The idea of a capsule wardrobe centres around timelessness and longevity. We've gone for a generally understated colour palette and chosen pieces – ranging from high street brands to luxe designer labels – that could easily be worn together or incorporated into your existing wardrobe.

Why you should trust me:

Working in fashion is simultaneously the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to me because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous pieces and trends lit a fire under my (already substantial) shopping habit. I love to shop. I live to shop. In a previous life, I worked in Personal Shopping, and I’m the person to take out with you if you want to be wholeheartedly talked into a purchase.

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