Guardian capsule wardrobe article- what items do you agree with and ones that you don't?

[PragmaticDramatic]

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/aug/24/the-ultimate-capsule-wardrobe-the-only-20-items-youll-ever-really-need
I am assuming you need multiples of these items.

So in the winter you'd wear the same jumper every day?

I have too many clothes, many of which I don't wear. I could definitely cut down, but I don't want to become Amish.

What a total joke 🤣

Some of us need things like...waterproofs? Dog walking boots? Thermals?

Some of us like our clothing to have a bit of personality or colour.

We don't all live in London and work in an office!

That's not a bad list, although there's nowhere near enough tops or warm weather choices. No classic tshirt? No sandals?

Personally I'd ditch the Chanel jacket, otherwise I do have the majority of the pieces listed and would include them in my own capsule wardrobe.

So glad you have posted this OP.

I read it and thought, yes, but what I am supposed to wear to work? And why are all the clothes so fucking boring?

Hmm, I’d drop one of the other trousers for a pair of jeans. Does anyone wear cigarette trousers anymore? I’d make the blazer navy given the channel style jacket is black. I’d add more knitwear, Inc a cardigan. I’d add another dress and a white T-shirt at a minimum.

To be fair capsule wardrobe lists are generally your 'fashion' pieces and don't include your sports, lounging, sleeping, dog walking, gardening clothes!

Huh? So...a 'capsule wardrobe' is just...some of your clothes? I don't get it.

That's the most boring capsule wardrobe I've ever seen in print.

The more I look the less I get it tbh.

That list costs nearly £3k? For some of your clothes? But not the everyday ones you actually live in 🤣

I think it's actually not a bad list. I agree you'd need multiples of things like jumpers. And one dress doesn't seem enough. I'd want a mini, a midi and a maxi at bare minimum, ditto for skirts. Shoes - there are no open toes, I'd swap the ballet flats for block heels sandals, and the loafers for a pair of boots, either chunky flat boots or kitten heels knee highs. None of the jackets are actually practical for stinking weather, puffas and parkas aren't fashion, but they're necessary. Their 'raincoat' doesn't even have a hood!

But overall, it's a good place to start if you were trying to develop a capsule wardrobe. I've streamlined my clothes over the past year or two and tried to stick to a neutral colour palette and it really does make getting ready to go out much easier.

I didn't expect to disagree with it so much, but I do. Where's the colour? Also, I don't have a use for a white top, a breton, a chemise, sling back or ballet shoes, a blazer or cigarette trousers. Who is this list for?

I can’t tell who this is aimed at? Maybe as formal workwear, but then the jeans and cargos and one jumper for out of work? Nobody I know dresses like this other than maybe for work. It’s very boring outfits as they stand but maybe good basics to add colour to with other pieces? But that’s not what it’s suggesting

A capsule wardrobe has always been considered to be the clothes you wear to work, to socialise etc. Not your hobby/slobbing clothes.

I cycle but absolutely no one considers bib shorts or cycling shoes to be part of an essential wardrobe. Ditto for your dog walking clothes.

Me, I guess? I own and wear all the items you say you'd have no use for.

I agree with all of the item choices except for the kitten heels.

Colours I disagree with - a white shirt won’t suit if you’re warm toned.

It suggest the raincoats for dogwalking which isn’t practical for winter

Well, buy another coat then.

Don’t think I’ve ever owned a denim shirt. Don’t think I ever see friends in them either. All my dresses went on Vinted 3 years ago and have not been mourned.

Well yes I would, I was just pointing out it suggested this as suitable, which it really isn’t for most people

I’m all for a small wardrobe but would wear almost none of that. I don’t wear blazers, jackets, skirts or shirts and trainers are for the gym.

I have never worn (or had a reason to wear) half of these things. A boxy Chanel style jacket? Why? A blazer? Never worn one.

They'd have been better writing about the amount in total, the types eg 4 pairs of trousers or whatever, not mentioning cigarette style, flared leg style etc.

How about an article of people doing project 333, an office worker, a wfh, a parent of toddlers, a few men, a pensioner, people doing different things and with different clothing needs.

I think most of this is what I wear sans sling back kitten heels and Chanelesqe jacket. My wardrobe is full as I’ve lots of versions of similar stuff a dozen jumpers, lots of t shirts etc surely you’d get bored doing laundry all the time

I probably only have 20-30 items, so agree with the capsule wardrobe concept, but as for the specific things they've chosen, hell no. Boring as fuck.

It's perfectly possible to have a small wardrobe of interesting clothes.

Sure thing, but I don't know you. My question wasn't specific enough. What style is this wardrobe called?

Exactly! And I would love to see how yours would differ from someone with a completely different lifestyle and life stage!