How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Men
Take the Guesswork Out of Getting Dressed
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. Find the fit that works best for you and build your brand with different colours, fabrics, and textures.
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 a comfortable slim- or straight-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- or straight-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 Sport Jacket: An unstructured sport 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. The best are as comfortable as a cardigan, 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.
