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.

I like the boots but nothing else

I live in the Seasalt ones.

I could get 30 pairs of ballet pumps for the price of that one pair. I literally live in ballet pumps at work

From that list I would wear (and own) the jeans, the satin slip skirt, a stripy tee, chunky grey knit, wide-leg black trousers, white trainers, and chunky lace up boots. The rest of it, no. I think I last wore a blazer at school, and probably a shirt about the same time.

I feel the whole thing is Jess imagining what she'd buy if she were a 20-something working in a swanky PR job in Paris. It bears zero resemblance to anyone's actual lifestyle. And it's really dull. There is no room for personality here!

I can see how that all fits, and I think it's useful to read for people who want to look more pulled together. I do absolutely love the coat, and I think the dress is a winner too. But none of except the dress really suits me. Makes me want to have a think about what my capsule wardrobe would be, which I suppose is the point.

I have read that cigarette trousers are coming back, they would work with the ballet flats until about October for work, then commute requires covered ankles for warmth (if you aren’t doing the heat of the tube).

that skirt is terrible on anyone above a size 8, and satin doesn’t cope well with sitting for long periods or being folded to be packed. For a capsule wardrobe, such a high maintenance item is pretty useless, a skirt made of a material that can cope with a bit of use would be better.

That is not a good dress option though.

I think about my capsule, but then keep adding to it. 1 black blazer? But a red one looks great. And a caramel colour if I'm wearing my brown trousers or feel a bit 70s. But what about my navy blazer? Then white in the summer.

Satin midi skirt yes, but what if I feel a bit 60s and fancy a mini? Or it's raining.

I guess my signature style is:"wtf is she wearing today?"

That's a perfect capsule wardrobe... for someone of a particular fashion taste, age and lifestyle. It's odd, though, that they're suggesting that it's the definitive list of what you need - I laughed out loud at the idea of me ever wearing a 'Chanel-style jacket' or slingback kitten heels or blazer. I'm having fun thinking what my capsule wardrobe would include, though.

Ugh, that picture - a sea of beige! No thanks.

Why do people not wear shirts? I wear them all the time.

Too many shoes and not enough tops, I agree. And I don't wear blazers any more. I usually wear only straight or wide leg trousers, but I might be persuaded back into cigarette trousers.

Those skirts are literally everywhere at the moment. I'd agree that they're not a classic that you'll be wearing for years, and you'd need a lot of body confidence to wear them above a size 14.

But the basic polyester satins bias skirts in the shops at the moment don't crease too badly. I never look at women wearing them at the end of a working day and think "blimey you could do with a portable steamer".

I have quite large boobs and broad shoulders. Shirts either gape or I have to size up so much they look like sacks.

I don’t like and wouldn’t wear anything in the capsule wardrobe apart from the jeans and jumper.

I look terrible in normal shirts with a collar.
I’m petite framed, with a slim neck and collarbone area, but busty. Shirt with collars cover up my nice bits and make my tits look huge and matronly! Overall, they make me look fat (which I’m not).
Edit: And blazers similarly don’t do me any favours.

I don't get why anyone would want to do this. Necessity I of course understand but out of choice? Give me a break.

One wool coat 😂.
That's someone who never walks anywhere. Taxis, tube or car only.

I have three walking to work coats / trench coat, three casual coats and jackets, plus a wet weather running jacket and a ski coat for proper winter weather.

I thought the same thing - 20 items only, and they wasted 5 on shoes!

Ah, fair enough @Putting I am not busty.

I'd swap the grey jumper for a colourful one. And yes, the raincoat absolutely needs a hood. And the lacy camisole is unnecessary, as well as not being playful .
I could wear that satin skirt, though I don't have one as I don't like shiny fabrics.

Nice but dull I guess. No use for those of us (like me) who are short and have no waist so would look ridiculous in a heavy belted coat, a midi skirt or a striped top.

I've ordered Project 333 for my Kindle on the basis of this thread. I tend to have a relatively small wardrobe anyway, and to wear things that I love to death. I'd love a system to help me focus down a bit more.

All the clothes they have selected are for one body shape. Really lame article.

That sounds a great idea, i'd be interested to read that.
As for this list, I wouldn't ever wear loafers, a white shirt, a breton tshirt, pale wide leg trousers or a plain crew neck jumper. I would love to be able to wear silver kitten heeled slingbacks, but as I couldn't walk in them, I wouldn't buy them. I might if I was 25 though, and had a taxi lifestyle.
I also wouldn't wear a Chanel type jacket, that boucle looks very uncomfortable, and they are not very flattering. I would include a hoody of some sort, a cardigan, fewer trousers and more dresses, as well as Chelsea boots, and maybe swap the denim shirt for a denim jacket.

Thank you! Beyond irritating.

And 2 black jackets; blazer and Chanel style don't really make sense in a capsule wardrobe. I'd dump the channel and get a short cardigan.

I agree with the concept but their choice would be so wrong for me.

I never wear blazers, ballet flats, kitten heels, denim shirts or shirts at all, they look awful on me.

Interesting idea to consider though. I'd pick -

1. Dark blue boot cut jeans
2. Light blue skinny jeans
3. White smock top or similar
4. Brown or green coat
5. Brown knee-high boots
6. White trainers
7. Black sandals
8. Merino wool winter dress
9. Cashmere jumper (brown or black)

10. White wide-legged linen trousers 11. Black or grey wide legged trousers suitable for smart /work occasions 12. Cotton dress - green or yellow 13. Linen dress - green or yellow 13. Light blue t-shirt 14. Bretton t-shirt 15. White long-sleeved top 16. Dark blue long-sleeved top 17. Navy cardi 18. Cream polo neck jumper 19. Navy suit dress 20. Pair of heels suitable for work or wedding.

I'm assuming waterproofs hiking boots and more specialised stuff doesn't count.

I technically have a capsule wardrobe (i.e. not loads of clothes, and what I do have is fairly mix and match), but it's neither out of necessity nor choice. It just seems to end up that way because of a (possibly odd) mentality I have about having things that I don't use much. It extends to other things - kitchenware, books, jewellery, plants in my garden. If I have too many things at once it's almost like it gives me a headache. Can't really explain it well.