Tips for creating a capsule wardrobe

One of the reasons I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe is that it makes getting dressed so much easier. Rather than having lots of clothes that don't quite work together, you end up with a wardrobe where most things mix and match effortlessly. And whilst there are lots of different ways to approach creating one, these are the things I think are most important to consider.

To create a capsule wardrobe, you have to consider the following:

Colour, Pattern and Season

I think the key to starting is to consider 3–5 colours that you like and that go together. A lot of capsule wardrobes avoid colour, and that's fine, but I think you can absolutely incorporate colour if you do so in a considered way.

And by considered colours, I mean, firstly and most importantly, picking colours you like and that flatter you. Then it's about choosing colours that work well together. Think about existing colour combinations you love and reach for over and over again, and start by using those as your template.

The next thing to consider is pattern. Be honest with yourself here. Do you really love stripes, or do you just love how they look on someone else and wish that you enjoyed wearing them too? Are you really at your happiest in a bit of animal print? Or maybe florals feel more comfortable for you. Or perhaps you're eclectic.

Some people don't like a lot of pattern, if any at all, and that's fine too. Solids are extremely versatile. I think it's absolutely fine to incorporate some pattern into your capsule. The trick is to make sure that the patterns you incorporate contain the colours you've chosen, and I would urge you to ensure that your patterned pieces are mixed in with enough solid pieces to pair them with too.

Otherwise, you could make the mistake I've made in the past of having several wildcard pieces without anything to really wear them with. Those solid-coloured pieces really can anchor everything else.

I think one of the easiest ways to create a capsule wardrobe is by buying the same colour of top for every season. So, for example, you might have a long-sleeve tan top for winter, then switch this out for a three-quarter sleeve version in spring, and a T-shirt in the same colour for summer.

The same goes for layers. The thick tan winter jumper becomes a fine-knit lightweight version or a cardigan as the weather warms up.

This gives you not only a consistent style all year round but also the comfort of knowing that if you need to replace something, you're being intentional and looking for a version of a piece that already works for you.

In turn, this can lead to fewer shopping mistakes because you're choosing clothes that are already tried and tested in terms of both colour and cut. They're less of a risk to buy because you already know they work.

This strategy leads to a very cohesive wardrobe and a cohesive look.

Ultimately, a capsule wardrobe isn't really about having less for the sake of it. It's about having clothes that you genuinely love, that work together, and that make getting dressed feel easy. And for me, that's really what a capsule wardrobe is all about.