How to build a capsule wardrobe for women
4 November 2021
Say goodbye to not knowing what to wear
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With sustainability on everyone’s minds, attention is turning to the concept of a capsule wardrobe. Isn’t it great when you have outfits that just work? No wondering what to wear. No wasted time trying on ensemble after ensemble. You open your wardrobe and you’re greeted with mix-and-match items that not only work together but feel beautiful, you love wearing and are perfect whatever the weather. That’s the goal, and a capsule wardrobe is the answer.
Wait, so what is a capsule wardrobe?
It’s all about a curated edit of investment pieces you love now, and you’ll still love a long time to come. Luckily our garments are crafted from exquisitely soft fabrics that’ll keep their shape and feel wash after wash, wear after wear. It’s all about clothes that work for autumn and winter now, that you can re-purpose when spring and summer come along.
Next up. How to build capsule wardrobe?
Start somewhere. The key is achieving this is thinking careful about your lifestyle, style and needs. First do a wardrobe de-clutter. If you can’t remember the last time you wore something, pass it on to a friend, sell it or give it to your lovely local charity shop. One tip is to hang everything in your wardrobe backwards or inside out. If the garment’s still the wrong way round six months from now, you know it’s good to be given away.
Organise your closet into sections for each category – tops, skirts and so forth – so you can see what you have already more clearly. Then consider the gaps in your collection (what do you wish you have when pulling together looks?) and spot the colourways you already own as you’ll want to tie into this. Build this key capsule collection and you can add seasonal items on top.
Organise your closet into sections for each category – tops, skirts and so forth – so you can see what you have already more clearly. Then consider the gaps in your collection (what do you wish you have when pulling together looks?) and spot the colourways you already own as you’ll want to tie into this. Build this key capsule collection and you can add seasonal items on top.
Now for the fun stuff. What should be in your capsule wardrobe?
Top contenders
When thinking about women’s tops, t-shirts, shirts and blouses, invest in pieces you love untucked and tucked into jeans and skirts. A Breton top is a failsafe and a pretty blouse is a must as the ‘nice top’ you need for your jeans.
A dress book
Choose dresses that can be dressed up or down. A floaty, printed floral dress, for example, can be teamed with trainers for day, heeled ankle boots come after-hours. Your skirts are as much a foundation as your denim. A suede or denim midi will transcend seasons. Tuck in pretty pointelle cardigans or plush jumpers for autumn and swap to lacey blouses when spring dawns.
Denim for days
An essential sartorial building block, a great pair of jeans will be your best friend. Take the time to find the right pair – walk around in them, sit in them – and remember jeans will usually give a little after the first few wears. If you end up living in them, invest in exactly the same pair. You’ll thank yourself you did.
Layer, layer
The key to knitwear and outerwear is layering potential. Choose coats and jackets that have room for a jumper underneath. Invest now in a suede jacket or blazer you can wear underneath an overcoat and when summer comes around, you’ll have the perfect evening layers ready.
The finishing touches
For shoes, versatility is key. Leather ankle boots can be dressed up or down, and our hiker boots look as good with a dress for weekdays on the move as they do for leisurely weekend walks. You’ll love our suede and leather trainers all year long.
Use accessories to add a splash of colour or pattern if the body of your wardrobe is plain, or keep them neutral to work for a myriad of combinations.
Use accessories to add a splash of colour or pattern if the body of your wardrobe is plain, or keep them neutral to work for a myriad of combinations.
It’s as easy as that. We’ve pulled together a women's capsule collection and you can shop it. You’ll never look back.
