How to Build a Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe for Men

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of classic pieces that work together with versatility, allowing you to create look after look with just a few items. Boutique owner Susie Faux coined the term "capsule wardrobe" in the 1970s to describe mix-and-match basics, and designer Donna Karan popularized the term in the 1980s when she released a capsule collection of fashionable workwear. A capsule wardrobe consists of your most essential clothing items, which serve as the building blocks of your closet. You can create entire looks with just the capsule wardrobe, and you can also layer capsule pieces with seasonal pieces and trendy, fast-fashion items.

Investing in a capsule collection that actually works for you will make you feel confident and allow you to find your personal style with really simple styling. Use this list as a guide when shopping for your own menswear essentials.

1. 1. Outerwear: Whether it’s an overcoat, a denim jacket, a bomber jacket, or something heavier-weight, make sure you have a great piece of outerwear. A trench coat is a great place to start.
2. 2. A black suit: A black suit is something that you should always have in your closet. Get it tailored so that it fits perfectly, and choose a style that’s simple enough that it will last 15, 20, or even 30 years. Separating the components of the suit makes it more versatile; you can wear the blazer over a T-shirt and jeans for something a little more laid-back than business-casual.
3. 3. A moto jacket: A leather jacket or motorcycle-style jacket can last longer than almost any other item of clothing. You can wear it in your 20s. You can wear it in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. It’s timeless, which is the definition of a capsule piece.
4. 4. Button-up shirts: Even if you don’t wear dress shirts to work, you should still have a few button-ups. Wear a white shirt buttoned up all the way under a leather jacket and a pair of jeans, and you've got a cool, casual look. Try a black, a white, a navy blue, and a light blue for your capsule wardrobe. As soon as you start to feel comfortable with your capsule wardrobe, layer on other colors, prints, and textures. Whether you prefer Oxford shirts or button-down shirts (the type of button-up shirts that have buttons on the collar), make sure they fit you perfectly.
5. 5. Knitwear: Knitwear is important in your capsule wardrobe, especially for the colder months. Choose something cozy in a neutral color, like camel, cream, beige, gray, or black. Having both a cardigan and a crew-neck sweater or pullover will allow for multiple outfit combinations. If a hoodie is more your speed, upgrade your basic cotton sweatshirt to a merino or cashmere hoodie. You only need one or two pieces of knitwear, maximum.
6. 6. T-shirts: Because this is a capsule wardrobe, keep these T-shirts very simple. A crewneck is a classic option. Choose neutral colors, like black, white, brown, gray, and blue. A simple white T-shirt can be dressed up or down to work with almost anything in your closet.
7. 7. Denim: Black, dark blue, and mid-blue jeans will never go out of style. Go for something simple: no rips, no splatters. Really simple jeans will last year after year.
8. 8. A belt: Don't go for a belt that is just functional. Get your pants altered if they're not fitting right without a belt. For your capsule wardrobe, choose a simple yet fashionable belt. A slim belt doesn't look like a corporate belt, and it can make a whole outfit look polished.
9. 9. Footwear: To complete your capsule wardrobe, work in three pairs of shoes. Stick with very neutral colors: black, brown, and white. A white sneaker goes with pretty much every outfit that you could possibly think of. If you want to dress up your look, go for something black: a Chelsea boot, an Oxford, a brogue, or another type of dress shoe. You never know when you're going to have to dress up a little bit more, and the right shoe makes the difference with an outfit. For the brown shoe, consider adding texture—a brown suede boot, for example. Go for something that you know you'll be able to wear regularly.

What makes something a capsule item? It's something that is classic and relatively neutral, that can be worn time after time and reimagined. When creating your own capsule wardrobe, whether you're buying all-new pieces or looking through what you already have in your closet, choose components that are simple. Remember, they are the foundations of your closet.

1. 1. Try everything on. If you’re going to wear something all the time, it should fit well and feel comfortable. Make sure that you like the cut. Is a V-neck more your story? Is a crew neck more your story? Is a soft V more your story? Find the silhouette that works best for you by trying on lots of clothes, and then buy the winner in a few different colors. Everyone's body shape is different, so finding items that truly flatter your body and feel comfortable is important.
2. 2. Choose muted colors. This is your foundation. You want to make sure that your capsule pieces are timeless. Colors are often trendy and can date your clothes. Keep your capsule collection very neutral because the colors in there should never go out of style.
3. 3. Invest in high-quality pieces. The capsule items are things that are never going out of style. Most of your capsule items are worth a splurge—high-quality shoes, suits, and outerwear can last for years. Since the capsule collection is meant to be worn over and over, the idea is that you won’t have to constantly replace low-quality items. Be thrifty with the trendier pieces, the things that are there to layer onto your foundational pieces, and save your money for your wardrobe-essentials.

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