How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe

Everything you need for the perfect mix and match capsule wardrobe, as chosen by the w&h fashion team

The average woman has 150 items of clothing in her wardrobe and spends 4 days of every year deciding what to wear. Sound like you? Then this guide to capsule wardrobe essentials is for you.

What is a capsule wardrobe? Well, it’s the dream for many of us: a collection of classic, perennially stylish wardrobe essentials you can count on your fingers and toes. These wardrobe basics mix and match together effortlessly, will see you through season after season and make that daily ‘what to wear’ panic a thing of the past. 

So how do you go about building a capsule wardrobe, without simply adding new ‘wardrobe staples’ to those already heaving stacks and racks?

1. Determine what is essential clothing

First things first, clear out your existing wardrobe. Sort everything into bin, charity shop, keep (for items you love and wear or intend to wear at least once a month only), mend and vacuum pack (for those items you don’t wear regularly, but can’t bear to get rid of just yet) piles.

Live with the ‘keep’ pile for at least a week. “Just see what it feels like to live with less clothing,” advises Caroline Rector, author of minimalist fashion blog Unfancy, who whittled her wardrobe down to 37 pieces in 2014.

2. Select your staple clothing

Feeling brave? Take things a step further by picking 10 items of staple clothing from your wardrobe and challenging yourself to wear just these pieces for the next 10 days.

Now you’ve got a better idea of the scope and limitations of your existing wardrobe, you can start to fill in any gaps. Yes, that means going shopping! 

Click through to discover which 15 items of essential clothing should be on your capsule wardrobe list – and where to find them. Remember, a capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring – find the styles that gel with your own taste, shape and colouring and you’ll never want to take them off! And, once you’ve got your classic clothing sorted, there’s no harm in jazzing it up with a little trend-inspired addition here and there. What are you waiting for? It’s time to start building your capsule wardrobe…

The Shirt Dress, £39.99, Zara Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Shirt Dress, £39.99, Zara

Instant outfit? Sold. The shirt dress will see you through any occasion in style. Since you don't need to worry about mixing and matching, why not take the opportunity to go bold? Team with flats or nude courts for summer soirees, then slip a roll neck knit and knee high boots underneath for a snug '70s-inspired look when the weather turns. Switch it up with a statement belt for an original twist.
The Black Riding Boot, £325, Russell & Bromley Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Black Riding Boot, £325, Russell & Bromley

What's snug, stylish and made for walking? This pair of boots. Love a midi skirt, but can't abide tights? Black knee-highs will keep you cosy without exposing inches of goose-pimpled flesh, whilst a mid-height block heel strikes just the right balance between comfort and style. This pair is even available in half-sizes, for the perfect fit. It's an investment...

The Breton Striped Top, £12.50, Boden Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Breton Striped Top, £12.50, Boden

The Breton-striped top is a wardrobe classic for a reason: its understated elegance works with skirts, jeans and trousers to evoke the impression of effortless style. Dress it up with a statement necklace.

The Wrap Skirt, £125, Karen Millen Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Wrap Skirt, £125, Karen Millen

A wrap-style midi is more forgiving than a pencil skirt, but offers a sleeker line than a pleated A-line version. This sleek tailored style can be dressed down with a Breton-striped top and flats, or dressed up with a shirt and heels.
The Blazer, £39.50, Marks & Spencer Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Blazer, £39.50, Marks & Spencer

A blazer is for life, not just for the office. Mix and match with your favourite tailored skirts and trousers for a laid back take on boardroom chic, then throw on over your favourite shirt dress or go-to jeans and T-shirt combination when the weekend rolls around. Oversized double-breasted versions are currently trending, but waterfall detailing slims and conceals problem tummies.
The Nude Court Shoes, £185, L.K.Bennett Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Nude Court Shoes, £185, L.K.Bennett

If you invest in one pair of heels, make them nude. Not only will they work with any outfit, they'll make your legs look inches longer. A block heel will add height without compromising comfort, whilst adjustable slingback straps will keep your shoes secure without 'cutting off' your legs at the ankle.

The Silk T-Shirt, £60, Jigsaw Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Silk T-Shirt, £60, Jigsaw

Every woman needs a classic T-shirt in her wardrobe, but a silk version will give you more bang for your buck. Use it to jzhuh up a casual jeans and trainers ensemble or subtly dress down workwear and tailoring.
The Perfect Jeans, £54.95, GAP Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Perfect Jeans, £54.95, GAP

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is never easy, but, if you're going to buy one pair, make it this one. Their smart silhouette will have you feeling perfectly polished at work and play, whilst a dark indigo hue and hint of stretch keep you looking trim. A straight cut tends to be more flattering than a super-skinny fit.
The White Trainers, £98, Jigsaw Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The White Trainers, £98, Jigsaw

From Dame Helen Mirren to the Duchess of Cambridge, every celebrity worth her style salt has been seen out and about in white trainers. They make the perfect partners for skirts, shirt dresses and tailored trousers, as well as jeans. Don't believe us? Give them a go...

The Trench, £160, Somerset by Alice Temperley Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Trench, £160, Somerset by Alice Temperley

A well-cut trench coat will see you through season after season (and shower after shower). Opt for a midi version and you'll be able to throw it over everything from jeans to ballgowns. Petite? Opt for a hip-length version to avoid being swamped.
The Cashmere Knit, £185, Winser London Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Cashmere Knit, £185, Winser London

Every woman deserves a little luxury in her life, and cashmere will always be in style. Team this classic cashmere knit with jeans or tailored separates, or slip it under a shirt dress. Black is classic, but can have an ageing effect, whilst off-white is more forgiving than bright white. Grey suits blondes and silver-haired ladies, whilst green flatters redheads, camel suits brunettes and navy works for everyone.
The Nude Flats, £29.99, Zara Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Nude Flats, £29.99, Zara

Can flat shoes elongate your legs? When they're nude, they can! An elegant flat will work with everything from tailored workwear to occasion dresses. Not a ballerina fan? Try a loafer or backless mule, instead.
The Silk Shirt, £285, Frame Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Silk Shirt, £285, Frame

Do you really need a 'crisp white shirt' in your wardrobe? Actually, we think you deserve silk. This open-necked style flatters larger busts and will make you feel less 'starchy'. Don't be afraid to experiment with trends, either. This style nods to the pyjama trend but is classic enough that it won't feel dated next season.
The Wide Leg Trousers, £125, Marella Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Wide Leg Trousers, £125, Marella

Wide leg cuts lengthen legs whilst skimming over and balancing out troublesome hips and thighs. A high-waisted fit will flatter hourglass and pear-shaped figures, whilst adding curves to slimmer ladies. Apple shapes should opt for a hipster fit.
The Top Handle Backpack, £70, Fiorelli Click or tap to zoom into this image
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The Top Handle Backpack, £70, Fiorelli

Thought backpacks were for kids? Think again. This take-anywhere tote transforms from elegant top-handle handbag to practical backpack to take all the hassle out of the transition from work to play.

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