In a world with constantly changing style trends, the concept of a capsule wardrobe that consists of key staple items to work seamlessly with these passing trends is key. A capsule wardrobe is built of quality basics for you to adapt your style around and build outfits from. This approach to personal styling is great for saving storage space in your home, saving money from rebuying items and avoiding waste caused by throwing out garments that you don’t wear enough.
For men seeking simplicity, style, and sustainability in their styling, the capsule wardrobe is a game-changer. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to help you build a capsule wardrobe that not only reflects your personal style but also simplifies your daily routine.
What is a capsule wardrobe for men?
A capsule wardrobe is a specifically curated collection of versatile, timeless pieces that effortlessly mix and match, allowing you to create unlimited outfits with a minimal number of items. These items should be of high-quality, to allow for longevity and should be simple in design so that any style-defining or stand-out items you introduce can seamlessly contrast with them. The key is to create a set of foundational pieces that you can wear time and time again for many years and can be styled easily to make preparing your outfit for any occasion a breeze.
How to create a capsule wardrobe for men
To create a men’s capsule wardrobe, there are several basic items that you will need. But, before we delve into the specifics, there are some things that you should first consider to help you purchase the right items for you.
Step 1: Define your own personal style
Take a moment to define your personal style and when doing this, consider your day-to-day lifestyle. Whether you’re a professional navigating the corporate world, an adventurer embracing the outdoors, or perhaps a mix of both, understanding your lifestyle will guide your capsule wardrobe choices as these activities will have a bearing on how you like to dress from a practical standpoint.
From a styling perspective, whether you’re reworking your whole wardrobe or just filling in the gaps, you’ll first need to determine your favourite fits for basic pieces like t-shirts, jeans and jackets. If you have a preferred, go-to style that you find yourself going back to time and time again, for example, an oversized tee with straight leg jeans, then opt for these silhouettes as you are more likely to reach for them regularly. Next, identify a colour palette that resonates with you and suits various occasions, ensuring both versatility and cohesion. While a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to consist of just muted colours, we do advise having several more subtle tones incorporated into it to better blend with the more colourful pieces.
Step 2: Assess your current wardrobe
To build a successful capsule wardrobe, you need to know what you already own. Take inventory of your current clothing items and assess their condition, fit, and versatility. Identify pieces that align with your defined style and lifestyle, and set aside items that may no longer serve a purpose or fit well. This step helps you to get familiar with your wardrobe, what is missing from it and what will work well with it when investing in new pieces.
Step 3: Make it versatile
As we’ve mentioned, a capsule wardrobe thrives on the ability of each piece to seamlessly integrate with others. So when you begin shopping, be sure to consider versatile clothing items that can transition effortlessly from casual to formal occasions. A classic button-down shirt, for instance, can be dressed up with chinos for a business meeting or paired down with jeans for a smart casual look.
Step 5: Always choose quality over quantity
The whole point of building a capsule wardrobe is that it reduces the number of garments you have, and makes them work harder for you. As such, the key is to prioritise quality over quantity. Investing in well-made, durable pieces that stand the test of time is a better option for your wallet, and the environment and makes styling much simpler as a well-made piece is more likely to make you feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing.
Step 6: Take a seasonal approach
To ensure year-round practicality, consider the weather and build a wardrobe that accommodates any seasonal changes. Layering pieces like a versatile jacket or a lightweight sweater can help you adapt your capsule wardrobe to varying weather conditions. The type of items you require will depend on the typical weather of the area you live in, and may even change depending on the time of year. If you live in an area that experiences significant seasonal weather changes, you may wish to create two separate capsule wardrobes to cater for this.
What items should be in a men’s capsule wardrobe?
There is no set number of garments needed for a capsule wardrobe, nor any specific style of items, as this should be largely personalised to yourself and how you like to dress. However, there are some basics that we would recommend to create a well-rounded wardrobe that will allow you to quickly and easily put together your outfit no matter what the occasion calls for.
Plain tees
A plain t-shirt never goes out of style, and having a collection of quality tees in your wardrobe is great because they will go with just about everything that you own. We recommend investing in tees that are cut from good quality fabric too, as this will ensure you get a good amount of wear from them.
If you like a tighter, slim fit to flatter your body shape, the Timberland Dun River Slim T-Shirt is a solid choice. This piece features a plain-dye colourway for styling versatility, with an embroidered logo on the chest for a hint towards the quality of the item and extra styling points. It also comes in 10 colours, so you can pick from your favourites and tailor your choices to the overall aesthetic of your clothing collection.
Maybe you prefer a more relaxed, oversized fit, and if so, we recommend the MA.STRUM Oversized Back Logo Print T-Shirt. Featuring a jet black colourway, this piece will seamlessly fit into your wardrobe and can be styled up for going out and dressed down for casual wear. With a small logo on the chest and a branded graphic decal on the back, this t-shirt adds a unique staple piece to your collection and features a straight hem for a boxy fit.
Timberland Dun River T-Shirt, £26.95 and MA.STRUM Oversized Back Logo Print T-Shirt, £44.95
Denim Jeans
A pair of denim jeans stands as an indispensable addition to any well-curated capsule wardrobe. Renowned for its enduring style and versatility, denim effortlessly straddles the line between casual and refined, making it a timeless choice for a variety of occasions. From skinny jeans to straight-leg and oversized baggy jeans, many unique fits can be experimented with when choosing a pair of jeans. Perhaps having a variety of fits would be a good option for versatility, or maybe you know your go-to style and having a couple of pairs in that silhouette would work better for you. Whatever your preference, some of our favourites include the Calvin Klein Jeans Authentic Straight Jeans and the HUGO 708 Slim Jeans. Both offer a well-rounded fit that suits most, as well as great quality craftsmanship that these classic brands are renowned for, for a great investment for your wardrobe.
Calvin Klein Jeans Authentic Straight Jeans, £89.95 and HUGO 708 Slim Jeans, £77.95
Classic sweatshirt
A layering essential, but beyond its fundamental role in providing warmth, a quality sweater serves as a foundational piece that effortlessly elevates a look. Whether layered over a crisp shirt for a polished look or paired with jeans for a more relaxed aesthetic, the sweater’s ability to seamlessly blend with other wardrobe staples is unparalleled. The comfort associated with a well-crafted sweater makes it a go-to choice, adding both practicality and style to your outfit.
Having a few options to hand is a great idea to suit different occasions, but also to suit changing seasons. We recommend a sporty style, such as the Lacoste Logo Sweatshirt, as well as a smarter piece such as the Jack & Jones Bradley Half Zip Sweatshirt, so that you’re covered for both work and play. The Lacoste Logo sweatshirt comes in 6 stylish colours, while the Half Zip Sweatshirt comes in a statement black and a subtle neutral.
Lacoste Logo Sweatshirt, £104.95 and Jack & Jones Bradley Half Zip Sweatshirt, £31.95
Versatile trousers
In addition to a quality staple pair of denim jeans, adding a few other trouser styles to your capsule will ensure you have enough styling options for any event. We recommend incorporating both smarter styles that can be worn for work occasions or heading out with mates, as well as more relaxed pieces for more chilled activities like walking, shopping or relaxing.
For your smarter style choice, the Tommy Hilfiger Denton Structure Chino Trousers are a classic option. With the ideal blend of classic chino style with an added hint of contemporary style tropes, these trousers feature a logo button, open pockets and an embroidered logo to showcase the premium quality of this prestigious brand.
Looking at the more relaxed option, you can’t go wrong with a pair of cargos and we love the Carhartt WIP Aviation Cargo Trousers, which feature buttoned leg pockets and open side pockets for ample storage, as well as a stylish slim fit and low waist.
Tommy Hilfiger Denton Structure Chino Trousers, £119.95 and Carhartt WIP Aviation Cargo Trousers, £119.95
A staple shirt
A classic shirt is a basic element in constructing a versatile wardrobe. The adaptability of a basic shirt allows it to effortlessly transition from formal to casual settings, making it an ideal piece for various occasions. The crisp lines and structured silhouette of a well-fitted shirt provide an instant touch of refinement to your outfit, or perhaps you prefer a more relaxed overshirt style for casual wear. Whatever your preference, some of our favourites include the Tommy Hilfiger Core Flex Poplin Shirt for smart styling and the Carhartt WIP Master Overshirt for a more dressed-down aesthetic.
Tommy Hilfiger Core Flex Poplin Shirt £67.95 and Carhartt WIP Master Overshirt, £79.95
Seasonal pieces
From cold-weather accessories like hats, scarves and gloves, to summer staples like a quality pair of shorts and relaxed tank tops, you’ll also want to add some season-specific basics into your wardrobe to make it truly versatile. A good jacket or coat is also key to ensuring you remain protected and suitably warm when less favourable weather strikes. We’ve suggested some of our favourite options below:
GANT Archive Shield Cotton Beanie, £44.95, Barbour Easton Liddesdale Quilt Jacket, £199.95 and Lacoste Slim Fit Chino Shorts, £84.95
Hopefully, you’re now feeling inspired and equipped to build a quality men’s capsule wardrobe that works for you. Check out our full range of men’s designer clothing at Standout and select the items that suit your favourite style trends and your lifestyle.