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.

The list isn’t bad although I would swap the denim shirt for a sweatshirt and the cargos for joggers.

That’s basically a list of fashion cliches

And the Breton for a graphic tee

That red dress is hideous. The Guardian should stick to leftie politics. They haven't got a clue about fashion.

Who has worn ballet flats since 2010?

They have been back in since last year…

I hang on to books etc for a long while, then every so often have a huge purge and get rid of loads. It's not out of a need to get rid of clutter, I have the space. It's almost like a mental cleansing.

It's arguably a poor strategy in the long run, because sometimes I'll take some clothes to the charity shop and end up wishing I'd kept them when they come back around (and sometimes re-buying similar).

It really is a kind of mental struggle for me, which I can't express well. I obsess over having the exact right combination of clothes / cookbooks / flatware / shoes that works for all possible scenarios, but not having a single extraneous item. I've been like this for as long as I can remember.

The clothes I do have though, I think, are interesting and stylish.

You can't wear those black boots with either the jeans or the black silk skirt

So what the fuck do you wear in winter?

One jumper ! I've got about 40 and I wear ALL of them every year

And none of them are grey

I would never wear the kitten heel or the ballet shoe

And it's mad snobbery to not include trainers when every woman I know where's trainers with almost everything ! In fact a decent pair of trainers will go with almost ALL of the outfits ! Ffs

Needs more knitwear. And where are the thermals needed to survive another miserable winter with gold plated gas and electric?

That’s what struck me too @Sussurations , it seems a capsule wardrobe that doesn’t take into account body types or necessarily different sizes and how adaptations might be needed.

Trainers are number 16. Not as sporty as most women would wear nowadays, but definitely in the trainer area.

And tbh I'd wear those boots with either the skirt or the jeans.

I immediately ignore any that say a white shirt. I have boobs. They make me look like a flight attendant.

I would swap the loafers for Converse. I have a Chanel type blazer and actually got some inspo for wearing it from the way that M&S had styled their version on top of a soft knit grey hoody which is how I think Chanel styled them recently ( but might be wrong) I disagree with the sling backs and the short Bretton t shirt and I love a Bretton top only with long sleeves.

Me too - this cigarette trousers, camisoles, blazers, Chanel style jackets, loafers and slingbacks all absolute staples of my work wardrobe.

the only thing on that list I don’t own is a Breton.

They are like the dullest clothes ever, you are surely meant to pair them with other colours and prints yes?

But then I am a woman who bought a pair of super wide legged, high waisted black and white tropical print trousers because I decided I needed "holiday pantaloons" so I could pair them with a swim suit and waft around the beach like a thirties party girl.

I suspect I am not a capsule wardrobe person BUT I do own a spectacular pair of trousers and that is what counts here.

I have a Chanel style jacket and wear it all the time. Though it's possibly dated, but I think of it as classic.

I wonder if the polarisation on this thread is because of boobs/no boobs!😀

Trainers are number 16. Not as sporty as most women would wear nowadays, but definitely in the trainer area.

I don't consider Superga (or Converse) as trainers - they are pumps.

I’ve always thought a capsule wardrobe is about staples to which you add bits and pieces on a seasonal basis.

holiday/hobby/exercise/lounge/occasion wear all fall outside the capsule paradigm.

I think the whole thing is seasonal really. Most bloggers or articles I see will mention a summer capsule and winter capsule but they're not generally to be added to - it's more like, you could go away for a month and just pack these things for multiple outfits.

Most things I've 'aged into' (without wishing to attract anyone who thinks that you can wear any clothes at any age) but those Chanel-style jackets make me look like I'm playing dress up in my mum's wardrobe.

Absolute dross. Why would anyone need 4 jacket/coat options yet only 2 tops (one if you don't count the silk cami)?

I swear I’ve been reading pretty much this exact same list in magazines since I was about 12. Classic white shirt, blazer, ballet flats… this time it’s just “a dress” rather than “a little black dress” I suppose.

I don’t have boobs and they make me look like waiting staff. Had to wear one for a graduation once. Never again.

These lists always seem keen on black/white/beige which are not good colours for me. The grey jumper would actually make me feel sad.

Just long enough for everybody to forget all about Plantar Fasciitis/dismiss it as something 'old women' (ie, over 30) and service industry/healthcare staff complain of. Hence why proper, supportive, lace up shoes with enough space in the toebox for feet to function properly have been replaced by these and pointy kitten heels.

I was thinking similar. It's really irresponsible to suggest wearing some of this footwear everyday without a warning that no podiatrist would ever recommend this footwear for more than occasional use or risk long term damage.

Plus it's all boring and dowdy.

I actually had every single thing on that list when I was in my early thirties. I even had a left and right loafer and kitten heel.

And then I got older and found my own style.

These lists are so boring and prescriptive. They don't make your life easier, quite the opposite. They are there to make you conform.