Primer on the Capsule Wardrobe
What is a Capsule Wardrobe and is it a Good Goal to Build Towards?
In the last article I went over some basic articles that in my opinion should be part of every man’s wardrobe. Now let’s go over the next step and talk about building a wardrobe.
The term “Capsule Wardrobe” has been used since the 1940s by many american publications and refers to a small wardrobe of interchangeable articles which can be combined to make many outfits with the emphasis on simplicity, meaning no single item sways too far from the general theme of the wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe can serve as a fantastic foundation for starting a wardrobe because of it’s versatility and the fact that the items can be acquired over time.
This method of expanding your wardrobe from a solid foundation has the additional advantage of preventing you from looking into your closet and even though it is full, you find that you have nothing to wear. It also allows you to save up for high quality, well made pieces that you will continue to enjoy and wear for many years to come.
The perceived negative side of this method is that all the pieces are basic ones, since they have to go together which means no statement pieces or flashy items, but then again classic style is hardly about loud and flashy pieces.
So let’s start with a few examples of a basic capsule wardrobe might look like:
A Three Piece Suit
A Double Breasted Suit
A Sports Coat or A Single Jacket
A Waist Coat
A White Poplin Dress-Shirt
A White Waffle-Weave Dress-Shirt
A Pastel Coloured Dress-Shirt
A Winchester Shirt
A Pair of Flannel or Wool Trousers
A Pair of Chinos
A Pair of Summer Pants
A Pair of Black Cap-toe Oxfords
A Pair of Dark Brown/Burgundy Shoes
A Pair of Dress Boots
A Pair of Monk-Strap Boots
A White Linen Pocket Square
2 Ties
21 pieces that are, admittedly, extremely formal but do serve as a complete daytime wardrobe for someone who might need to dress up to the office. Change some items and you can modify it to your own need.
A Three Piece Suit
A Leather/Denim Jacket
A White Poplin Shirt
An Oxford Cloth Button-Down Shirt
A Flannel Shirt
2-3 White/Black T-Shirts or Polo Shirts
A Pair of Dark wash or Black Denim
A Pair of Wool Trousers
A Tie
A White Linen Pocket Square
A Pair of Black Cap-Toe Oxfords
A Pair of Wing-Tip Boots
Two Pairs of Leather Sneakers
This should serve as a much more casual or practical, depending on your needs and preferences.
Do note that I did not mention 3 types of items in my list:
Underwear and Socks, because they should be changed often.
Cold weather and rain wear, which can be added depending on where you live
Accessories, Items like Sunglasses, Hats and Watches are the best way to differentiate and personalize your wardrobe at a minimum, or maximum, cost. These depend almost entirely on you , but you can expect articles on them at some point in the future.
Next few article will take a deeper look into the history of stable items in menswear and as always I do appreciate you taking the time to read this one.
Yours truly,
Farid Mahnad