What do I need in a capsule wardrobe?

[Nix32]

I'm so sick of pulling out the same old things and not feeling good in them! I want to update my wardrobe so I feel good in whatever I wear. What do I need?

My favourite spring outfit is a white linen shirt with jeans and white trainers. I've got a couple of Hari & the Gang hoodies that I like.

I live in skinny jeans - they're staying. I don't go out out often enough to warrant buying a blazer. I live rurally and spend a lot of time walking the dog and ferrying kids around. I'm a size 12 without a flat stomach.

I'm tempted to go and buy a load of shirts in different colours, but would like to be a bit more adventurous than that!

Any suggestions?

Start with the pieces that you really like, wear a lot and feel great in.

I've wasted so much money over the years buying items for various attempts at capsule wardrobes that in hindsight were me buying to create a capsule wardrobe that fantasy me would wear. The problem was fantasy me doesn't have a classic style, so no amount of must have capsule wardrobe items were right.

I like having a thick pair of leggings to wear with oversized sweaters or oversized flannel shirts/shackets. They're fairly basic combinations but are versatile for my more casual lifestyle and can be worn with wellies, boots, trainers and a more sporty sandal.

Acai's outdoor trousers are on my wishlist https://acaioutdoorwear.com/

They were on mine too, until I found Uniqlo and these www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/heattech-ultra-stretch-high-rise-denim-thermal-leggings-trousers-451088.html

I've lived in them for months.

Definitely agree with PP, it’s got to be stuff you actually wear. When I watched videos about building a capsule wardrobe it was all smart camel coats and oversized white shirts, things that don’t suit most people.

I don’t have a capsule wardrobe (though it is a goal), but I have found shopping when you actually need something helpful, rather than shopping in the sales. Paying full price for something that you’re definitely going to wear straight after you buy it works out more economical than buying stuff just because it’s heavily discounted that you might wear at a later date.

Obviously if exactly what you need right now happens to be in the sale it’s win win.

Well, as others have said, it's going to depend heavily on your individual preferences. With that being said, I've been building my own capsule wardrobe for a while, so dunno if this will be helpful but here's what I've got.

3 polo necks

Light blue (M&S)
Navy (M&S)
Grey (& other stories)

4 shirts

CK silky grey
M&S Light blue 3/4 sleeve
White shirt with black cuffs and collar
Black high neck Victorian style ruffle blouse

2 jeans (denim, pink)

CK blue denim skinny
Tommy Hilfiger pink denim skinny

2 black trousers (slim fit)

DKNY
Burberry

2 wide leg trousers

Topshop peach chinos
M&S Navy chinos

Jackets

1 fitted grey CK blazer

2 day cardigans

White Jane Norman Chanel style cream with black trim
Hollister grey waterfall thick knit

2 evening cardigans

Black cropped bolero style with red buttons
Calvin Klein grey lightweight waterfall

2 short sleeve marinieres (French style stripey tops)

2 long sleeve marinieres (French style stripey tops)

2 sweaters

Calvin Klein grey w black trim lightweight V neck
Lime linen ( & other stories)

2 vest tops (for layering)

2 blouses

DKNY black and white silky long sleeved
Red floral short sleeved blouse

2 pairs shorts

2 evening dresses

Black CK midi 3/4 sleeve
Cos blue short sleeve

2 day dresses

Grey maxi (& other stories)
Blue midi (Cos)

2 skirts

Grey pencil skirt (midi)
Black Burberry pleated (midi)

1 pair black stilettos
1 pair heels brown CK ankle boots
1 pair flat ankle boots
2 pairs pointed toe ballet flats (red,navy)
1 pair brown brogues
1 pair casual CK sneakers
1 pair block heels
1 pair M & S low wedge sandals

1 brown leather belt
1 red leather belt
1 black belt
1 tan cinch belt

2 tote bags

Moschino red tote
CK roomy camel tote

2 evening bags
Red Moschino clutch
Cream quilted DKNY

2 handbags
Blue John Rocha
Ben de lisi multi coloured structured leather

1 red leather rucksack

3 lightweight silky scarfs

Black and white
Blue and gold
Brown and cream

1 M&S burgundy winter scarf
1 fur stole

1 navy Ck coat
1 navy trenchcoat
1 leather jacket
1 brown Zara shearling vest

Indoor wear

2 pairs leggings
CK black
CK grey

Tops
Grey CK muscle back
Black CK relaxed fit T-Shirt

2 dressing gowns
Stripey CK linen robe
Black silky gown

I had to build a capsule wardrobe recently. Not sure if I did it right but I did this.

1. Decided either cool (black, white, grey) or warm (navy, cream, camel) neutrals for my base. I went warm
2. Added two (warm) colours I like to wear (olive and rust red).
3. I bought 'two' of everything but they were different by either weight (for weather) or casual/smartness. Eg I own a heavier cotton open knit stripe jumper and a lighter long sleeve stripe top in navy and cream. A long single breasted camel coat for my smart and a long camel cardigan of the same length for my casual option. Its the same length so its a straight swap.
4. I was on a budget so stuck to mostly natural fabrics.
5. I have lots of outerwear in my capsule. I think it sets the tone of an outfit, even a basic one.