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How To Build An A/W Capsule Wardrobe

What is a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essentials that are versatile, timeless, and can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits. The idea is to keep it simple when it comes to dressing, by focusing on quality over quantity.

Why create a capsule wardrobe?

Limited number of pieces: Typically, a capsule wardrobe consists of 20-50 items, including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. Accessories like scarves, bags, and jewellery can also be included.

Neutral colour palette: The clothes are usually in neutral or complementary colours to ensure they can be easily combined. Common colours include black, white, grey, navy, beige, and sometimes a few accent colours.

Versatility: Each piece in the wardrobe should be versatile enough to be dressed up or down for different occasions. For example, a black blazer can go with jeans for a casual look or over a dress for a night out.

Seasonal rotation: A capsule wardrobe often changes with the seasons. Some people keep a small collection year-round and swap out items as the weather changes, or others might have a new capsule each season.

High-quality, timeless pieces: The focus is on selecting well-made, clothing that doesn’t go out of style and invest in quality pieces that last longer and are carefully crafted.

What are the rules of a capsule wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe collection can be mixed and matched to create various outfits using a minimal number of pieces. The goal is to simplify your wardrobe, save time, and make getting dressed easier while keeping your personal style. Here are the key rules for creating a capsule wardrobe:

1. Limit the number of items
Aim for 30-40 pieces, including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. Accessories like bags, jewellery, and scarves may be included.

2. Focus on versatility
Choose pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Stick to a cohesive colours that complement, usually neutrals (black, white, grey, navy, beige) with a few accent colours or patterns.

3. Prioritise quality over quantity
Invest in high-quality, durable pieces that will last through multiple seasons. This often means spending more upfront but buying less overall.

4. Reflect your personal style
Your capsule wardrobe should reflect your personal style and lifestyle needs. Whether you prefer a more casual, professional, or fashion look, be comfortable with dressing for you.

5. Consider the season
Build your capsule wardrobe based on the current season. A capsule wardrobe is normally updated four times a year (spring, summer, autumn, winter). Each season might require different items based on the weather and activities.

6. Choose classic pieces
Opt for timeless, classic items that won't go out of style. Trend-driven pieces should be limited and carefully chosen to ensure they complement the rest of the wardrobe.

7. Include a balance of basics and statement pieces
Basics form the foundation of your wardrobe, while statement pieces add interest and variety. The ratio is often skewed towards basics (around 70-80%) with a few statement items (20-30%).

8. Edit regularly
Review and update your capsule wardrobe regularly, typically at the start of each season. Donate, sell, or store items that no longer serve you or fit the season.

9. Plan for special occasions
Include a few pieces for special occasions or events like wedding, or formal work dos.

10. Stick to your plan
Resist the urge to add more items once your capsule is complete. The challenge and benefit of a capsule wardrobe comes from learning to make the most of what you have.

How many items should be in a capsule wardrobe?

The ideal number of items in a capsule wardrobe typically ranges from 30 to 50 pieces, including
clothing, shoes, and accessories. This range strikes a balance between variety and simplicity,
allowing for enough options to create multiple outfits without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices.

Key considerations:

Lifestyle: If you have varied daily activities (work, gym, social events), you might need closer to 50 items.
For a more uniform lifestyle, 30–35 items might suffice.
Climate: If you live in a region with distinct seasons, you may have a separate capsule for each season,
each containing around 30–50 pieces.
Personal style: Some people prefer a more minimalist approach and might aim for fewer items,
such as 20–30 pieces, while others might feel more comfortable with a slightly larger wardrobe.
Versatility: The key is to choose versatile items that can be mixed and matched easily to create
different outfits. This reduces the need for a larger number of pieces.

Men’s capsule wardrobe staples for autumn

Creating a men’s capsule wardrobe for autumn revolves around versatile, quality pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Here’s a guide to the essential staples:

1. Outerwear
Wool overcoat: A classic, tailored wool overcoat in neutral colours like navy, camel, or grey is perfect for layering over formal tailored suits or casual outfits.
Lightweight jacket: A bomber jacket in a neutral shade adds a casual yet stylish layer for mild days.
Gilets: Ideal for layering over sweatshirts or under coats for extra warmth without bulk.

2. Knitwear
Crew neck sweatshirts: A well-fitting crew neck sweatshirt in merino wool or cashmere, in colours like navy, burgundy, or forest green, is both versatile and warm.
Roll neck jumpers: A slim-fitting roll neck jumper adds a sophisticated layer that works well under overcoats or jackets.
Cardigan: A button-up cardigan in a neutral colour can be worn casually or dressed up with a shirt and trousers.

3. Shirts
Oxford button-down shirt: A few oxford shirts in white, light blue, or grey are essential for layering and smart-casual outfits.
Flannel shirt: Perfect for the cooler months, a flannel shirt in plaid or solid colours offers warmth and texture.
Henley shirt: A long-sleeve henley shirt in neutral tones is perfect for casual layering.

4. Trousers
Dark denim jeans: A pair of dark, slim-fit or straight-leg jeans is incredibly versatile, working well with almost any top.
Chinos: In colours like olive, navy, or beige, chinos offer a smart alternative to jeans and are perfect for a slightly dressier aesthetic.
Wool trousers: These provide a more polished option for colder days, especially in darker tones like navy or charcoal.

5. Footwear
Chelsea boots: Sleek and stylish, Chelsea boots in leather or suede are great for both casual and formal settings.
Brogue boots: A rugged yet refined option that pairs well with both casual jeans and smart trousers.
Trainers: A pair of minimalist leather trainers in white or black for a more casual, contemporary look.

6. Accessories
Scarves: A wool or cashmere scarf in a neutral colour can add warmth and style.
Leather gloves: Opt for black or brown gloves to complement your outerwear.
Beanie: A simple, well-fitted beanie in a dark colour adds a cosy touch on colder days.

7. Layering Pieces
Lightweight vest: A down or quilted vest that can be worn over shirts or under jackets.
Gilet: Adds warmth and a bit of rugged style, perfect for casual looks.
Men’s hoodies: A cotton or fleece-lined hoodie can be worn under outerwear or over shirts and t-shirts.

8. Bags
Leather weekender bag: Ideal for short trips or as a stylish gym bag.
Backpack: A leather or canvas backpack works well for everyday use.

9. Suits
Dark wool suit: A well-fitted wool suit in a dark colour like navy or charcoal is a must for formal occasions or important meetings.

10. Belts
Leather belt: A quality leather belt in black and brown is a simple but essential accessory to tie your outfits together.

These items form the backbone of a fall capsule wardrobe, offering endless outfit combinations while
keeping your style both practical and sophisticated.

Women’s capsule wardrobe staples for autumn

Creating a capsule wardrobe for autumn involves selecting versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. Here are some key staples for an autumn capsule wardrobe::

1. Outerwear
Trench coat: A classic trench coat in a neutral colour like beige, camel, or black is perfect for layering over a variety of outfits.
Wool coat: A tailored wool coat adds warmth and style, ideal for colder days.
Leather jacket: A black or brown leather jacket adds an edge to any outfit and can be dressed up or down.

2. Knitwear
Chunky knit sweater: Opt for neutral colours like cream, grey, or navy. It's perfect for layering and adds texture to your outfit.
Cardigans: A long, open-front cardigan in an autumnal colourway is perfect for layering over t-shirts, dresses or blouses.
Roll neck jumper: This piece can be worn on its own or layered under dresses or blazers for added warmth.

3. Bottoms
Dark denim jeans: A pair of dark-wash jeans is essential for autumn. They can be dressed up or down easily.
Tailored trousers: A pair of well-fitting trousers in black, grey, or camel can be paired with blouses, sweaters, or blazers.
Midi skirt: Choose a skirt in a warm fabric like wool or corduroy in neutral or earth tones.

4. Dresses
Knit dress: A warm knit dress in a neutral colour is perfect for both casual and more dressed-up occasions.
Shirt dress: A versatile shirt dress can be layered effortlessly over leggings or worn with a belt for a defined silhouette and shape.

5. Tops
Long-sleeve t-shirts: Basic long-sleeve t-shirts in neutral colours are great for layering.
Blouses: A few blouses in classic prints like stripes or polka dots, or in neutral tones, are versatile for work-to-weekend dressing.
Button-down shirt: A white or chambray button-down shirt can be layered under sweaters or worn separately as a statement piece.

6. Footwear
Ankle boots: A pair of leather or suede ankle boots in black, brown, or tan is perfect for autumn weather dressing.
Loafers: Comfortable and chic, loafers can be styled with jeans, trousers or dresses.
Knee-high boots: Perfect for pairing with skirts or over skinny jeans for a more polished look.

7. Accessories
Scarves: A super soft, cosy scarf in a neutral or plaid pattern adds warmth and style.
Hats: A wool beanie hat or a fedora can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
Tote bag: A leather or faux leather tote bag in a versatile colour is both functional and stylish.

8. Layering pieces
Blazer: A smart, tailored blazer in a neutral colour is ideal for layering over dresses, blouses and t-shirts.
Vest: A knit or puffer vest adds warmth without the bulk and can be layered over shirts or sweaters.
Women’s jumpers: A super soft jumper in a seasonal colourway is both stylish and practical.

9. Base layers
Camisoles: Wear under sweaters or blouses for added warmth.
Leggings: Perfect for layering under dresses or skirts.

10. Colours & fabrics
Colours: Stick to a colour palette that features neutral tones including black, white, grey, beige and autumnal shades such as burgundy, olive, rust and mustard.
Fabrics: Choose fabrics such as wool, cashmere, leather, suede, and denim to stay warm and stylish.

How To transition my capsule wardrobe?

Transitioning a capsule wardrobe between seasons or to accommodate lifestyle changes is a thoughtful process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you smoothly transition your capsule wardrobe:

1. Assess the upcoming season or change:
Seasonal transition: Consider the weather changes. If you're moving from summer to autumn, think about layering, warmer fabrics, and richer colours.
Lifestyle changes: If your work situation or daily activities are changing, think about how this affects your wardrobe needs (e.g., moving to a more casual work environment, remote work, or more social events).

2. Evaluate your current wardrobe:
Go through your current capsule wardrobe and identify pieces that are no longer suitable for the upcoming season or lifestyle.
Set aside items that are too lightweight for colder seasons or too heavy for warmer months. For lifestyle changes, simply remove pieces that no longer fit your routine.

3. Identify gaps and prioritise:
Identify missing pieces that you’ll need for the new season or lifestyle. This might include:
For autumn/winter: Sweaters, boots, heavier jackets, scarves.
For spring/summer: Lighter dresses, sandals, breathable fabrics.
Prioritise what’s essential and what can be bought later.

4. Incorporate versatile pieces:
Look for items that can be layered and worn in multiple seasons. For example, a cardigan that can be worn over summer dresses in the autumn or lightweight jackets that work for both spring and early autumn.

5. Adjust colour palette:
Transition your colour palette to reflect the season. Autumn often brings in richer, warmer tones, while spring and summer might feature lighter, brighter shades.
Swap out summer whites and pastels for deeper hues like olive, burgundy or mustard for autumn.

6. Mix and match:
Experiment with layering your current items to create outfits that work for the transition period. A summer dress can be paired with a cosy sweater and boots for autumn.

7. Consider fabric and texture:
Switch to fabrics that are more suitable for the new season, such as wool or cashmere for colder weather, and linen or cotton for warmer months.
Incorporate different textures to add depth to your outfits, like knitwear in the autumn or linen in the summer.

8. Store out-of-season items:
Pack away the pieces that won’t be needed for the next few months. Make sure they are clean and stored properly to keep them in good condition for next season.

9. Refresh with a few new pieces:
Add a few new items to update your wardrobe for the season or lifestyle change. Choose quality over quantity and ensure they fit well with your existing wardrobe.

10. Test and refine:
As you start wearing your transitioned wardrobe, take note of how it works for you. Make adjustments as needed, whether it’s swapping out a piece that doesn’t work or adding a new one that’s missing.

11. Maintain a balanced capsule:
Keep the overall number of items in check. As you add pieces, consider removing others to maintain a manageable and cohesive capsule.

By following these steps, you’ll have a capsule wardrobe that’s versatile, functional, and ready for the upcoming season or any changes in your life.

Build the perfect capsule wardrobe this season at FatFace and create endless looks that will last a lifetime.