How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe That Stands The Test Of Time

A capsule wardrobe consists of foundational pieces that can be styled in a variety of ways. These pieces should be timeless rather than trendy, and offer ample opportunity to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion at hand. Vogue editors swear by white T-shirts for their versatility, often pairing them with tailored trousers or a midi-skirt for a day at the office. Finding the right fit, however, can be more difficult than you might expect, as opinions on what a perfect T-shirt consists of can vary – so be sure to try different materials and weights before settling on the one. And if you’re ordering online, then remember to read product descriptions to understand if the fit is designed to be oversized, slim, boxy or baby.

For outer layers, something minimal that can withstand weather fluctuations will always be your best bet. You can’t go wrong with a trench coat – ideal in spring and surprisingly effective when layered over cosy knits in the depths of winter. For colder months, a longline wool coat will be your saviour when in need of something that looks smart and will also keep you warm. Stylish takes come courtesy of brands such as Toteme, Róhe and The Frankie Shop, while high-street hero brands Cos and & Other Stories offer iterations that you’ll cherish for years to come.

As for shoes and bags, designer options are a lifetime investment that should age beautifully over the coming decades, while more affordable styles from contemporary and high-street brands might show signs of wear-and-tear more quickly. That said, the high street’s offering has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, so if you care for your pieces, they have the potential to last well beyond the first few outings.

In terms of footwear, opt for something comfortable – and, if you so wish, try playing around with trainers in bold colours or prints that will give your capsule a mood boost.

This will vary according to what is already in your wardrobe, but a good starting point – as mentioned above – is working out what you actually wear. Our top tip? Turn all your coat hangers to face the same way, then every time you wear something, turn it around. By the end of the month, you’ll have a good sense of the wardrobe heroes that you can’t live without – be it a white shirt or straight-leg jeans – as these are the pieces you should be basing your capsule around.

Consider donating any unwanted items to charity, or if you’re savvy with resale, try listing them on eBay. You might even find some vintage and pre-loved pieces that fill your wardrobe gaps in the process. Most importantly, do as the late, great Vivienne Westwood advised: “Buy less, choose well, make it last.”

This will depend on your lifestyle and style preferences, but broadly speaking, you should be able to adapt the core parts of a capsule wardrobe for different seasons. For example, a well-chosen shirt should look great in summer with denim shorts, but equally as appealing in winter with a knitted skirt and knee-high boots. That being said, we find that there are certain specific wardrobe heroes that lend themselves to a particular season. For winter? Think warm coats, knits and sturdy boots.