How To Curate An Everyday Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a thoughtful collection of versatile, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched across work, weekend and everything in between. Designed for ease and longevity, it helps simplify your style while maximising outfit options.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a curated selection of timeless clothing designed to be worn in multiple combinations. With a focus on style, function and longevity, it’s the foundation of a more intentional approach to fashion.
What are the Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe?
Capsule wardrobes have been growing in popularity thanks to their many benefits. Firstly, they help
- - Simplify your routine - They reduce physical and mental clutter, reclaiming our time to focus on other things.
- - Refine your personal style - Narrowing down your clothing helps to evaluate what colours and silhouettes suit us best and how to style them. This helps us develop a stronger sense of personal style and dress more authentically.
- - Support sustainable fashion - Prioritising quality over quantity encourages us to slow our consumption and shop intentionally for pieces we can wear for years to come.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe takes time and effort, so we suggest completing the steps below in stages.
1. Declutter your Wardrobe
Begin with a wardrobe clean-out to take inventory of everything you own. As discussed in our guide on How to Spring Clean your Wardrobe, we recommend sorting your clothing into three categories:
- - Keep: Your go-to pieces and wardrobe staples.
- - Discard: Any items with holes beyond repair or old, worn clothing.
- - Donate or sell: Clothing you rarely wear that is still in good condition. Give these clothes a second life by selling or donating them.
2. Choose your Core Capsule Pieces
From your “keep” pile, select your capsule items. Consider the following questions when sorting through each item:
- - Is it flattering?
- - Is it versatile?
- - Is it made from quality fabrics?
Prioritise pieces made from cotton, wool and linen, as natural fabrics and fibres are robust and will stand the test of time. Once you’ve selected your items, look at your clothing as a whole and ensure your selection encapsulates the elements of a capsule wardrobe. Make sure your wardrobe includes:
- - Items from every clothing category.
- - Summer, winter and trans-seasonal pieces.
- - A complementary colour palette.
Stick to a cohesive colour palette and ensure your wardrobe covers all clothing categories and seasons. A well-rounded capsule includes around 30–50 pieces, but tailor this to your lifestyle.
Sample Capsule Wardrobe
Bottoms
3 x pairs of jeans (light, medium, and dark wash)
2 x pairs of seasonal black trousers
2 x pairs of neutral tone trousers
1 x pair of summer shorts (cotton or linen)
3 x skirts (maxi, midi, and knee length)
Dresses & jumpsuits
1 x black midi dress
1 x shirt dress
1 x maxi dress
1 x linen summer dress
1 x jumpsuit
1 x playsuit
Knitwear
1 x heavy knit jumper (crew neck, roll neck or turtleneck)
1 x light merino jumper (crew neck or v-neck)
1 x cardigan
1 x knit tee
Outerwear
1 x denim jacket
1 x leather jacket
1 x casual fleece or half-zip
1 x blazer
1 x puffer
1 x wool coat
Shoes
1 x black heels
1 x neutral heels
1 x sandals
1 x leather flat shoes
1 x leather boots
1 x casual sneakers
Accessories
2 x leather belts (black, neutral)
2 x scarves (lightweight and a heavier knit)
1 x beanie
1 x sun hat
3 x bags (tote, shoulder, crossbody)
2 x pairs of sunglasses
1 x everyday watch
Sunglasses, watch, and jewellery
3. Style Ten Everyday Outfits
Test your capsule by creating 10 go-to outfits. Snap a photo of each look—this helps you style faster in the future and spot any gaps. Over time, your capsule will evolve naturally with your lifestyle.
Build your Capsule with Cable
Begin with timeless investment pieces—like Australian Merino knits, cotton staples or relaxed tailoring—and add versatile layers that transition through the seasons.