How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe, According to a Stylist

How Do I Start a Capsule Wardrobe?

If you don’t know where to start, Lane suggests creating a mood board to help guide your shopping choices. 

She recommends starting with basics like plain tees, button downs, a little black dress, jeans, and trousers, which can act as the base of your outfit.

Then you can layer on outerwear such as a classic leather jacket, a trench coat, or denim.

“The pieces should be able to mix and match and emphasize quality over quantity,” Lane says.

Our stylish expert doesn’t want you to skimp on accessories. Shoes, bags, jewelry, and belts are must-have pieces that help you change up your look and some interest.

“Depending on personal style, the capsule wardrobe pieces may be slightly different,” she explains.

For example, the capsule wardrobe of someone with a corporate job will be different to that of a creative’s, so keep your lifestyle in mind when selecting pieces.

“With capsule wardrobes, it’s not necessarily just basics, it’s pieces that are key to your personal style,” she says.

“You don’t have to think of your capsule wardrobe as white, grey, brown,” Lane states. “If your favorite color is red and you have a lot of things in red, figure out how to wear red as part of your capsule wardrobe.”