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.

On the white shirt debate- never do them up! I would have swapped this one for a blue/small pinstripe man's type of shirt, blue is often more flattering and still fits with that palette. My white shirt (just a Next slightly oversized one) has had so much wear with a top and jeans this summer. Lots of gold jewellery, looks so classic, but no buttons done up if you struggle round the front.

I also love a loafer! Tan loafer in the summer, I have two pairs. Burgundy/oxblood/brown loafers with a bit of a heel/chunk for winter.

You can't take these lists literally, but you can (if you have that lifestyle) go through what you have in each category and think what would work for you- linen jacket instead of blazer, white shirt opened up, and see if you have any gaps.

That's if you like classic fairly neutral basics, which I do.

Well, so far I've got on a pair of denim shorts and a basic t shirt along with a scruffy pair of trainers to go on a dog walk.

I'm meeting friends for lunch in a smart hotel so will change into white trousers and a silk top plus smart but flat sandals (can't do heels).

Later I'm meeting DH at the sailing club as he's sailing this afternoon so I'll be back into the basic t shirt and old trainers, plus jeans as it will be chilly by the estuary this evening, but I'm not keeping the white trousers on as they will get ruined.

Tomorrow I'm going to the beach so need beach shoes/flip flops and also swim shoes. I'll wear a sundress as it is much easier to change out of my costume with a dress.

We're going to a car rally in the afternoon so will probably wear shorts and a vest top for that, plus decent trainers (as opposed to.my scruffy dog walking ones).

I don't think The Guardian article caters for people like me

I do agree it's an autumn/winter capsule wardrobe, nothing for summer.

It's not a winter wardrobe if you live anywhere other than a city/in the south!

White shirts are tricky to wear with a jumper without it looking a bit school uniform.

@TarantinoIsAMisogynist I kind of agree. It is missing a puffa/warm coat with a hood which is a definite basic.

Who wears denim shirts? I understand a white shirt if seen as a classic but as a busty pear shaped person they have never suited me. Either extremely baggy across the bust or straining across the hips. I need tops with some stretch in.
And the blazer and Chanel jacket? I'd swap those for a nice chunky cardigan instead.

I feel like there is way too many shoes on that list, as well as not enough tops. I mean there are 5 shoes and 5 tops! you def need more tops then shoes!

Plus it seems to cater for everybody when actually you could probably lump wide legged trousers, cigarette pants and skirt into a 'smart bottoms' catagory.
Not all of us are going to need all those things. Personally I wouldnt touch cigarette pants as my fat calves would turn them into jodhpurs!

And you dont need a chanel jacket and blazer, you need a smartish coat...whatever that looks like to you.

I’d be really interested in an accessories capsule wardrobe. (Including footwear that this attempt doesn’t really cover well)

I have humiliated myself enough on this thread but I do.😂 Not that I think they need to be one of the 20 essential items.
I shall now go in the garden to eat worms.

I do, too. The denim-looking tencel kind worn like a blouse, or actual denim, oversized and worn open over a vest top or Tshirt. That’s not exactly an unusual look in the last couple of years.

I do, too. I’m wearing one today. It’s an excellent alternative to a jacket at this time of year, over a t-shirt or a dress.

@Galiana i lull myself to sleep ‘styling’ celebrities in my head sometimes and also love a bit of wardrobe chat!

I love a denim shirt. M&S have some in now like blouses, I'm tempted to get one. And Uniqlo are doing a Chanel jacket/cardigan thing. Looks like a smarter cardigan and is coveted by my 19 year old.

There is a lovely denim shirt by The White Company on Vinted- I'm not going to get it as I can't quite pair it with anything (as I don't double demin), but it's a steal for someone.

I got sucked into blogs and videos about capsule wardrobes about ten years ago. I never really adopted one due to all the reasons given above. What I did find more useful was a blog about wearing a ‘uniform’, for example my work uniform was black trousers and a top with a cardigan in case it got cold in the office. At home it was jeans and a sweatshirt/jumper. I also had going out and summer/holiday uniforms. Some items of clothing would work in two or more uniforms. When I bought anything I considered which uniform it would fit in and whether it would go with existing items.

Half of essentials are things I've never owned and very likely never will.
loafers,
white trainers,
silky top,
denim shirt,
crewneck jumper,
breton shirt,
wide legged trousers,
cigarette pants
jeans
and the (mythical) blazer that goes with everything.

I have kitten heeled slingbacks but hardly ever wear them. This vacuous article would discourage me doing so.

Some of these items remind me of my teenage years (denim shorts) where you wore them usually with the leather and metal attachment tie sort of thing.

I do have some of these items eg a Tommy Hillfiger navy casual blazer and a cheaper Next one. But i don’t suit men’s shirts nor white so that style is out for me.

I wear a denim shirt in the way @Cantonet describes wearing a white shirt.

it’s a very light weight one which I wear undone over wide trousers and a bralet/crop t or untucked and done up under a crew neck jumper

Whilst I don’t disagree that it needs more tops, I think the higher % of shoes & outerwear is along the right lines. Most people don’t have enough & in the UK we certainly spend a lot of time in outerwear!

Well, my ‘capsule’ would need to be the size of an aircraft hangar! I grew up on jumble sales and charity shops because it was all I could afford if I wanted to have anything to wear. I evolved a pretty ‘unusual’ style because everything HAD to work together somehow. I had that book ‘More Dash Than Cash’ and studied it like holy scripture - I think that book might even be where trench coats and white shirts as ‘essentials’ originated. What began as necessity for me (second hand) became my preference - I’m a big child with a huge dressing up box. I can, though, totally relate to my opposites and those who choose a simple look that works for them and stick to it.

I do like the sound of your wardrobe . I wish I could wear those neutral taupe/beigey colours.

Slingback kitten heel. These are at least 17 years old.

All the people who write about fashion who insist that EVERYONE should have a white button up shirt, needs beating into line with just one of my magnificent boobs

(see also - people who claim wrap dresses look great on all body types)

I tend to agree with you @ThreeTescoBags but recently became the owner of a loose, white, pyjama-y linen shirt which I love to bits either as a very lightweight unbuttoned jacket, sun cover up or nightie. Boo to anything trussed up and 'crisp' though.

@Craftycorvid i have that book. Also a lovely Magaret Howell knitting pattern book, featuring Susie Bick (now Mrs Nick Cave) as one of the models. Sadly my knitting isn’t up to that standard and probably never will be but I can dream. I used to love the More Dash than Cash features in Vogue.