How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Men

Getting dressed should feel as second nature as your first espresso. If piecing together a fit feels more complicated than it should, you might have the wrong clothes, or too many clothes, or a combination of both!

A capsule wardrobe can change that. It’s essentially a curated lineup of versatile, hard-working pieces that play well together — designed to take the guesswork out of getting dressed. Timeless, considered, and quietly immune to trend cycles, it’s style with a strategy. And don’t worry, there’s still room for a statement shoe or a jacket that turns heads.

As the seasons change, it’s time for a new beginning. This easy guide is your roadmap for creating a foolproof wardrobe that will last you for years to come.

1.  Establish Your Colour Palette: Anchor your wardrobe with timeless neutrals—think navy, grey, black, white, and beige. They’re endlessly versatile and built to mix. To add personality, layer in a few accent tones.

2.  Emphasize Quality and Fit: Always choose well-crafted pieces that are sturdy and meticulously made. Pay attention to the fit of your garments; they should be both comfortable and flattering for your body type.

3.  Ensure Adaptability: Prioritize styles that pair effortlessly across the board—your capsule wardrobe should feel like one cohesive system. No matter the day’s demands, every piece should pull its weight.

T-shirts: Lightweight versions work well as breathable base layers, while structured styles in heavier cotton hold their shape and polish. Stick with clean, neutral shades — white, black, navy, grey—for a rotation that’s effortless. Next, think about adding a classic Breton stripe.

Jeans: A dark pair is your MVP for any range of ensembles and occasions — supporting your casual attire as easily as dressing-down a sport jacket. Make sure they're slim-fit, not overly skinny or so loose as to appear ill-fitting.

Casual Shirts: These should be slim enough to layer under a jacket but not excessively snug as you’ll want to occasionally wear them unbuttoned over a T-shirt. Cotton Oxford shirts in white, blue, pink, yellow, stripes, and solids are your dressing essentials. Additionally, chambray shirts and plaid shirts offer a casually sophisticated workwear aesthetic.

Lightweight Knits: Indispensable for transitioning your wardrobe from one season to the next,  opt for breathable yarns for all-day comfort. Universally-flattering, merino wool crewnecks and V-necks can top a crewneck tee, while merino wool polo knits and lightweight turtlenecks tuck under more tailored pieces.

Sweaters, Overshirts & Swackets: Heavier-gauge sweaters are essential for winter, or windy summer nights up North. Look for styles with longwearing wool and wool-cashmere. You also can’t go wrong with a swacket (sweater-jacket combination) or an overshirt or chore jacket. Wear them over any of the above lightweight knits or tees.

Chinos: Opt for classic beige khaki and navy tones. A moderately slim fit is recommended. Keep the rise high and the fit relaxed for a look that endures.

Classic Suit: Begin with a classic two-button suit in navy or grey wool, but preferably both.These foundational shades move seamlessly from formal events to everyday appointments. The beauty lies in versatility: tailored trousers that stand confidently on their own, and a jacket—especially in a textured weave like hopsack—that dresses down effortlessly with chinos or dark denim.

Unstructured Sports Jacket: Unstructured Sports Jacket: An unstructured sports jacket features minimal padding, allowing the shoulders and fabric to rest close to the body in a comfortable manner, akin to a sweater. It offers a relaxed appearance. Some even resemble cardigans, making them a splendid match over T-shirts, polos, lightweight sweaters, and button-ups.

Dress Shirts: Cotton dress shirts are a requisite. If formal occasions are infrequent, a white and a light blue dress shirt with a crisp collar will suffice. If worn in professional settings, branch out into pinks, stripes, and other variations.

Grey Wool Trousers: Pair these trousers with your aforementioned sport jacket year round. They can often be worn with a tee or crewneck sweater for a juxtaposition of business below and casual above.

Black Oxfords: A staple for every man, even if worn sparingly. Suitable for business, weddings, funerals, the opera — those occasions demanding your most formal attire.

Brown Derbies: Think of these as your go-to shoes for in-between occasions: not as formal as your dressiest pair, yet notably more refined than sneakers or slip-ons.

White Sneakers: There are few places a white sneaker looks out of place. Leather versions are splendid for more buttoned-up events, while white canvas or deerskin sneakers suit outdoor pursuits.

Boots: For Canada's climate some above-ankle footwear is in order. A pair of leather Chelsea boots pairs impeccably with suits (lace-ups will do nicely as well), while the suede variety complements jeans.

Remember, while the capsule wardrobe emphasizes versatility, it doesn't discourage showcasing your personal style. Accessories offer a splendid avenue for punctuating your sartorial viewpoint.