Men's Capsule Wardrobe Guide

Benefits of a capsule wardrobe

So fundamentally you simplify your wardrobe with a reliable assortment of clothing essentials. This lifestyle choice will exemplify everything from your everyday attire to your workwear and your formal selection. Ideally, your capsule wardrobe should have clothing for all seasons and weather, so try not to limit your choices when building your capsule wardrobe.

Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of fashion. With trends constantly fluctuating many people go to fast fashion to keep in style. But what if you streamline your wardrobe? Finding men's essential wardrobe pieces that will remain timeless can be beneficial in many ways.

1. Cost Effective

   Instead of consistently buying clothes you will find having a capsule wardrobe will change your mindset on spending. Before every purchase, you'll be eaten up with the nagging question Are these pieces necessary to my wardrobe? Or is it just an unnecessary spend? Deciphering between needs and wants is key to the art of dressing.

2. Sustainable

   Breaking the short clothing life cycle can be liberating. Each piece of clothing can tell a story, its make-up and how the material is sourced is a key feature of your capsule wardrobe men's range. Instead of spending your money on clothing made to be tossed away or donated within a matter of months, why not invest in storytelling? Invest in rich materials and environmentally conscious options for impactful clothing that can be worn for years to come.

3. Less time debating what to wear

   Gone will be the days of your wardrobe on the brink of exploding. Limiting the number of items you own will make picking each outfit much easier. The decision-making process of what to wear will not be time wasted with an organised rotation of men’s wardrobe staples to style no matter the occasion.

4. Still, on-trend. Yes, Really

   You may not be following trends but having a capsule wardrobe in no way diminishes your style credentials! Look to emerging trends such as 'Quiet Luxury' which is defined as understated pieces such as logo-free fashion (think of style moments in shows like Succession or look at David Beckham's current wardrobe for inspiration)

How to Build a Men’s Capsule Wardrobe

When it comes to building your capsule wardrobe you may think you have to start at square one but this isn't necessarily the case. It all starts with clearing out pieces that you no longer wear to free up space. Once you have done this you will find you may already have key components for the building blocks of a capsule wardrobe.

Another key element of a men's capsule wardrobe is more muted tones. Opting for minimalist colourways provides versatile styling. Monochrome and neutral hues can be effortlessly paired together. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to avoid vibrant colours and patterns altogether - we would never get in the way of your unique style! The best option is to simplify your selection with a more subtle than brighter tones ratio for easier and more efficient clothing collaboration

How many items are in a men's capsule wardrobe?

There is no definite answer on how many pieces of clothing constitute a capsule collection. We would recommend between 30-50 pieces to avoid you staring into the abyss of an overcrowded wardrobe.

How to make a capsule wardrobe for men

The best start to organising is to make sure essentials are covered - of course, men's clothing basics such as underwear and socks are a must!

Now think of a typical man's wardrobe (and remember this can be different for everybody) What occasions would you normally need to dress for in the future? Break down the following to start your capsule wardrobe checklist:

• Casualwear: Your day-to-day fits, the apparel you wear around the house or whilst running errands generally provides elevated comfort and ease of movement. Usually, men's tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and joggers are a go-to for laidback living.

• Smart Casual Wear: Going out for drinks with your mates? Trying to impress the in-laws? You will require some extra thought for your ensemble for smart casual dressing for an overall polished look. So you combine formal and casual vibes for signature styling. Keep it informal with men's jeans but then spruce it up with a nifty polo shirt and a premium pair of men's shoes.

• Office Wear: Tackle corporate settings and strict dress codes. Sharp workwear usually consists of understated tailoring for all-day business casual wear with a powerful touch. Look for tailored pieces that won’t restrict your day-to-day life. Be covered from commuting to the office with necessary accessories such as men's backpacks to carry your laptop.

• Formalwear: For refined occasions such as weddings and black tie events. You never know when the next event might arise so having formal clothing to hand is essential. Get suited and booted from head-to-toe with dapper men's suits and luxury loafers.

Men's Capsule Wardrobe Shopping List

Saving you the hassle of trawling through online we're here to give a run-down on a reliable selection of clothing essentials for your capsule wardrobe.

T-Shirts

A classic tee is essential for everyday fashion. Opt for minimalist men's t-shirts with a crew neckline for solid comfort. Invest in minimal block colourways and premium cotton construction with high-quality black, grey and white t-shirts. Mix it up with short-sleeve and long-sleeve tees for men that can be worn individually or paired with an overshirt for versatile styling options.

Polo Shirts

Amplify your attire with this preppy piece. Invest in men's polo shirts with low-key branded detailing for a high-end look. Opt for muted tones with navy, khaki and burgundy colourways that can effortlessly be paired with a pair of jeans. For luxury styling, cotton-pique polos will provide a luxe touch to your ensemble.

Shirts

Whether a rich cotton Oxford Shirt or a dress shirt for more formal occasions. This piece is a staple of men's essentials and is known for its longevity in clothing. Keep it classic with sharp shirts decorated in plain colourways such as white and blue. You could even opt for more subtle patterns such as stripes and check shirts. Find your fit with regular, tailored and slim-fit silhouettes.

Suits

Suits are needed for many occasions. From looking dapper in the office to a formal event. Keep the tailoring simple and opt for suave men's suit jackets, single-breasted or double-breasted tuxedos, waistcoats and trousers. As for colourways you have to keep it timeless, black, grey and navy suits are your go-to as they will easily complement a crisp white shirt.

Trousers

Find the mix of casual classics to smart casual saviours to sort out all your trouser needs. For WFH days joggers have become a staple. When you need to be in the office opt for suit trousers. Of course, your men's trouser collection would not be complete without timeless chinos in rich cotton constructions and understated beige colourways.

Coats & Jackets

Layers are a must! Whether lightweight styles or practical pieces to keep you warm and dry. For smart casual styling opt for trench coats, shackets and bomber jackets for transitional styling. For outstanding men's outerwear that will protect you against the elements puffer jackets and parkas are a go-to. Add a rebellious edge with denim and leather jackets for styling added styling props!

Shoes

Make sure you have a signature pair of shoes for every occasion. For relaxed everyday fits men's trainers are a must ( white and black colourways for effortless styling.) For more formal occasions invest in rich leather brogues, Oxford and Derby shoes for a luxury touch. Try brown and tan hues to complement your formal attire. For seasonal styling, sandals are necessary for the summertime, whilst practical boots will equip you during the winter months.

Accessories

Want to add to your look? With low-key accessories you can, whether it's formalwear or styling your everyday look with a hat or baseball cap. Carry your essentials in high-end leather backpacks and overnight bags from designer brands. Keep it signature with minimal belts in black and brown colourways and premium leather compositions Select a high-end watch to add to your mainstay wardrobe with luxury timepieces that will stand the test of time. For your formalwear, no suit is complete without cufflinks for a dapper touch.

Seasonal Capsule Wardrobes

Another key component to building your capsule wardrobe is to take into account the ever-changing seasons. To stay organised, place off-season clothing on one side of your wardrobe or store it away for effective rotation throughout the year!

Spring/ Summer Capsule Wardrobe:

First off don't worry, we have taken into account that the weather during Spring can be temperamental that's why transitional clothing is essential. What is transitional clothing? Well, we're glad you asked because you can have those in-between days covered with men's lightweight jackets and soft knitwear staples that can be layered or worn individually. If the sun is just peaking through it may be too soon to get your legs out but you can still mix it up with chino and cargo trousers. The spring season calls for softer colour hues with beige, light blue and green tones.

If you have gone in search of the sun find your formidable summer fits. Get ready for t-shirt tan lines with short-sleeve tees and shirts with breathable cotton and linen constrictions. You can finally ditch the trousers and get your shorts out for staple summer styling. Of course, protection from the sun is essential that is why men's sunglasses and baseball caps are a must during the summer months. It goes without saying that a pair of swimming trunks is needed in every man's wardrobe so why not invest in a quality pair that can be worn for many holidays to come? No summer fit is complete with this modern staple, slides have become a necessity for your holiday wear or to slip on in the comfort of your own home.

Autumn Capsule Wardrobe:

Much like earlier in the year, the Autumn season can consist of in-between days. But unlike its transitional season counterpart the Autumn climate calls for a more darker and earthy colour palette. Boots are a must and the humble men's parka jacket is essential for this time of year. If you want the ultimate cosy fit knits a premium roll-neck jumper can be easily dressed up or down. Why not add some heritage to your wardrobe too? Tweed pieces are staples for autumnal dressing and have remained a timeless piece.

Winter Capsule Wardrobe:

The winter month calls for investing in your wardrobe. You want pieces that you know will deliver IT’s time to wrap up so heavy coats and luxe layers are essential. Indulge in a down coat or jacket for optimum warmth and protection against the elements. You will need winter accessories such as men's wool hats, gloves and scarves in rich burgundy and navy colour tones. If facing the brisk weather outdoors is too much purchase fleece-lined sweats to keep the cold at bay.

Conclusion

Creating a capsule wardrobe is simple. Most of the key pieces will have already cemented their place as wardrobe favourites. Building on this will be effective and provide huge benefits not only for your wallet but your general day-to-day life. This handy guide and shopping list aims to eliminate unnecessary spending and debate on what to wear by curating a ready-to-buy men's capsule wardrobe. Discover a lifestyle of high-quality clothing, footwear and accessories for every season full of understated colour hues and luxury compositions.

FAQs

• What are basic wardrobe essentials for men?

  These everyday pieces effortlessly fit into your wardrobe without you noticing. If you were to look through your clothing now it’s guaranteed you will find a majority of these styles but let's go over them. A man’s wardrobe usually consists of a variety of men's t-shirts, shirts, trousers and shoes for everyday dressing. Your essentials can change throughout the season with knitwear, coats and jackets needed for the colder months and shorts essential for summertime.

• What colours should a capsule wardrobe be for men?

  For ease-free dressing that doesn't clash, understated colour palettes are your best bet. Discover the art of simplicity with tonal monochrome hues (everything goes with black and white.) Opt for earthy tones with green, beiges and creams that can offer versatility with these nature-inspired hues providing a soothing organic touch. If you wish to inject some colour into your capsule wardrobe it’s probably best to stay clear of brighter tones and opt for cool lighter hues for efficient styling.