5 TIPS FOR BUILDING THE ULTIMATE CAPSULE WARDROBE

Now, as we teeter on the cusp of a new season and become increasingly aware of fresh new trends making their mark on fashion’s landscape, it’s time to set aside a little time to perfecting that seemingly mythical ‘capsule wardrobe’ of which people speak. Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on an already-existing selection, our tips and tricks will make dressing for now all the more enjoyable.

1. Focus on fabrics

Luxe fabrications, whilst a little higher in price point than their less premium counterparts, promise to go the distance in any wardrobe. Look to cashmere, silk and leather and invest wisely. A simple V-neck knit and a biker jacket with metal hardware are the ultimate style chameleons and work with both understated and trend-focussed separates. Silk shirting is another key addition but steer clear of prints for the purpose of a capsule wardrobe and instead choose neutral, versatile hues that won’t go out of style. Cuts should remain equally as classic – choose silhouettes that you know work well for your lifestyle, aesthetic and body type and that can be layered as well as worn solo.  

2. Know Your Style

There’s a somewhat (in our opinion) restrictive vision that looks must be trend-focussed in order to be stylish, but in the light of building the ultimate capsule wardrobe, we’re in favour of quite the opposite. Here, the key is to know what works for you and to invest in it. If there’s a single denim cut or a shirting silhouette that suits you, stock up. Get it in every colour if you have to – it’s sure to be the piece that you turn to when those ‘nothing-to-wear’ days come knocking. Similarly, if flares are in fashion and you don’t suit flares, the answer is simple… Do not wear flares. Your tried and tested cut will make a far more personal and flattering choice.   

3. Have a signature look and stick with it

If there’s one trick that we’ve learned from dressing for a career in fashion it’s that however many items you have in your wardrobe you will always encounter those inevitable ‘nothing-to-wear’ days. Have a back-up. A fail-safe, if you will. What’s that one outfit combination that never fails to make you feel comfortable? Maybe it’s skinny jeans and a sharply tailored blazer or maybe it’s a leather mini skirt styled with an oversized knit. Whatever the recipe, make it your signature and keep it at the forefront of your wardrobe throughout the week. You’ll be grateful on those days when you just want to hit snooze one more time.

4. Keep 5 key workwear looks on rotation

No matter how long ago, we all fell into that post-school trap of revelling in the no-uniform freedom before swiftly regretting the days that we cursed our un-fashionable attire when we can’t find something to wear to work. In answer to this age-old conundrum, we suggest creating your own version of a work ‘uniform’. Take the nature of your job into account, your seniority and what message it is that you want to convey to your colleagues. For example, a well-cut suit says power woman, but a well-cut suit in the season’s freshest silhouettes (read culottes and double-breasted blazers for SS17) can work just as well for those in more creative roles. Smart denim and a classic blazer works both with a silk blouse and heels or a cotton tee and flats depending on your schedule. Ultimately, this idea links back to creating your own signature look, but here it takes an office-friendly spin. Create up to five failsafe work looks and keep them on rotation throughout the week so you’ll never have to think about what to wear to the office again.

5. own shoes that work with everything

Lastly, there is a lot to be said for having a shoe that a) you can walk in and b) that goes with all manner of outfits. Enter the point-toe court, a tried and tested formula that shows no sign of relinquishing its number one status. Versatile enough to complete a polished tailoring look as well as having the ability to dress up ripped, acid-wash denim, this hero style compliments almost any look. Choose between black or nude, or more ideally, have the same pair in both colours – they’ll promise to deliver season after season.