How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That Will Last a Lifetime

Photo:

@trayslounge

One of the most experienced fashion editors in the industry, style expert Tracey Lea Sayer knows how to assemble a capsule wardrobe.

"I am a maximalist minimalist! 'What the heck does she mean by that?' I hear you ask. I have a minimal wardrobe that I can respin, rework and revamp each year to get maximum looks with minimal purchases. Six years ago, I started taking daily outfit pics and discovered that I am very much a repeat shopper. I am drawn to the same style of items each season at the same time of year. Knowing this really helps me focus on what my wardrobe needs rather than what my eye is drawn to in the shops. What is the point of buying another trench when I already have a great one that can be updated with a new scarf? Also, by getting to know what suits me by taking a mirror selfie, I discovered what my style DNA is. I can now easily walk away from trends that don't work for me. Even the word 'trend' now doesn't sit quite right. Fashion, after all, changes, but style endures. Well said, Coco!"

Photo:

@styledbynana

Celebrity stylist, editor and TV presenter Nana Acheampong's considered wares prove that capsule wardrobes don't have to be boring.

"No wardrobe is ever complete without the basics—the basics being staples that you can wear again and again and mix and match with items that you already own or new pieces. It's so important to have these pieces so that you don't unnecessarily buy items that won't make it past one season. In an age where we're trying to be more sustainable and conscious of our shopping habits, make sure your wardrobe staples are on point. For me, it’s all about the items that suit my figure and style—the dress, miniskirt, shorts, vest and leather or denim jacket, for example."

Photo:

@annacascarina

Fashion-editor-turned-influencer Anna Cascarina inspires her loyal following with her versatile wardrobe and expert styling tips.

"I think the biggest assumption that people make about a capsule wardrobe is that it has to be minimal and neutral. When we think of a capsule wardrobe, we tend to think of a white shirt, black blazer, jeans, neutral T-shirts, etc. But a capsule wardrobe can absolutely include lots of colour and prints. It needs to work for you, and if you're a colour lover, then your wardrobe needs to reflect that! Just ensure that your clothing can be mixed and matched and not too trend-led. A good way of tying everything together is to include a few good basics so that you can enjoy over and over again without getting overwhelmed by all the print and colour."

Photo:

@biancaffoley

Slow-fashion advocate and influencer Bianca Foley shares her experiences renting and downsizing her wardrobe on the regular.

"I started my journey with ethical consumption about eight years ago. Back then, it was the norm for everyone to post their daily #OOTD and wear what, to me, seemed like brand-new looks every day. My small wardrobe and even smaller bank account just couldn't keep up, so I started to look for more inspiration in the form of slower-fashion influencers and capsule-wardrobe enthusiasts—people who knew their style and weren't afraid to show that they wore items in their wardrobe more than once. I've been dressing from my own capsule ever since. You should always dress for your lifestyle, as that dictates what you will need in your perfect capsule. For example, when I worked in the city, I wore more corporate clothing as it was what I wore most of the time. If you buy things that don't fit your lifestyle, you'll never get the wear out of them."

Photo:

@_jessicaskye

If there's one person who has perfected the art of the capsule wardrobe, it's influencer, Who What Wear UK contributor and fashion industry alumna Jessica Skye, who has carved herself a beautifully curated corner of the internet with her versatile, interchangeable, and minimalistic wardrobe.

"If there's one thing I've learnt whilst shopping over the years, it's to question whether or not I'll get more than one to two wears out of a certain item. That's why I now tend to opt for minimalistic pieces that can be mixed and matched with almost anything in my wardrobe. Invest in a good quality white T-shirt that you know will last season after season, and opt for not-so-trend-led pieces that stand the test of time such as a trench coat, a good pair of jeans and a white shirt. Creating a capsule wardrobe takes time and perseverance, but it's so worth it in the end."

Photo:

@_livmadeline

Initially, limiting your wardrobe to a specific number of pieces might help you. But after a while, it might not serve you anymore. Give yourself the freedom to evolve over time as you learn.

Photo:

@biancaffoley

Instead of buying new clothes right away, give yourself some breathing room and live with your wardrobe as it is for a week, a month or however long you like. Just see what it feels like to live with less or limited clothing.

Photo:

@ANOUKYVE

Trying to curate the perfect capsule wardrobe too quickly might mean you end up buying more than you actually need. Let it be imperfect, and understand that there will likely always be gaps in your wardrobe. It's okay not to have everything right away—or ever, for that matter.

Photo:

@SYLVIEMUS_

Want to test a capsule without really committing? Try a 10-day remix challenge. Pick 10 pieces out of your wardrobe and wear only those pieces for the next 10 days. See how it goes!

Photo:

@andreacheong_

The rental market has grown exponentially over the last few years and presents a more considered way to wear new clothes—well, clothes that are new to you. In your capsule wardrobe, you should have more than enough to assemble lots of outfits, but if you're looking for something for a special occasion, say a wedding, then renting can allow you to try something new without the need for frivolous and unnecessary spending. It might, in turn, help you identify a gap in your capsule you can look to filling.