TAre you tired of staring at an overcrowded closet and feeling like you have nothing to wear? Enter the capsule wardrobe: a curated selection of versatile pieces for men that can be mixed and matched to create endless outfits. Essentially, a capsule wardrobe aims to streamline your wardrobe and pare it down to menswear essentials that suit most occasions.
Putting together a capsule wardrobe for men can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few key essentials, you can create a stylish and functional wardrobe that will take you from day to night, work to weekend, without a hitch.
Here are the must-have pieces for your ultimate capsule wardrobe…
#1. The plain white T-shirt
A plain white T-shirt remains a staple in every man’s wardrobe, from ordinary to extraordinary. It serves both as a reliable undershirt, protecting your finer knits from perspiration, and as a confident solo act, pairing effortlessly with jeans, dress pants and everything in between.
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#2. The multi-hyphen sweater
When the temperature drops, the sweater options seem endless. While a classic wool crewneck is appreciated, we’d like to draw your attention to the ultimate knit: the hybrid full-button polo sweater. It may not be the most conventional choice, but the abundance of hyphens in the name makes it exactly the best choice for building a capsule wardrobe for men. Think about this: the look of a polo, the comfort of a sweater and the versatile style of a cardigan: what more could you want?
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#3. The boots for all occasions
At this point you probably understand the importance of versatility in the game. While Chelsea boots are not mandatory, the right pair should not only withstand different weather conditions but also handle the disapproving looks of your opponent in the workplace.
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#4. The charcoal suit
At some point you will find yourself in a situation that calls for a lawsuit, whether it is a job interview, a wedding, or a funeral. It is an unavoidable reality and there is rarely a suitable alternative. Are you unsure about the color choice? When in doubt, choose charcoal. This particular shade is formal enough for more serious occasions, such as the office or somber events. However, charcoal is also versatile. Simply combine the jacket with a polo and jeans for a more casual look or mix the trousers with a leather jacket for a completely different style.
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#5. The weatherproof shell jacket
The weather can be unpredictable, but one thing you can count on is a highly effective raincoat. For those rainy days, a shell jacket that can withstand the challenges of Mother Nature is essential. If you layer sensibly, you won’t need a heavier 800 down fill jacket (after all, we want to help you save some money here).
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#6. The Blue Jeans
Discover the perfect fit and blue jeans always radiate style. Jeans come from their origins in workwear and have sustainability as a core feature. Coincidentally, they also effortlessly contribute to a sense of cool. Few pieces of clothing age gracefully and rival the timeless appeal that jeans gain over time. Even after being a global staple for over a century and a half, they still retain every bit of their original allure.
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#7. The all-in loafers
Loafers serve as a versatile style solution, effortlessly walking the middle ground between sneakers and formal dress shoes, just as Eliud Kipchoge maneuvers gracefully across the track. They have the cleanliness of lace-up derbies and the ease of loafers. Loafers are true all-rounders and excel in every role they play. Give them a polished shine and pair them with a suit, and they’ll make a professional impression to your boss, potentially saving you from pink slip. Pair them with jeans and a T-shirt and you exude a level of coolness similar to male celebrities. Opt for a pair with rubber soles and you’ve secured a triple threat: stylish, versatile and ready to brave bad weather with ease.
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#8. The Oxford cloth button-down
Unless you’re dealing with the rare corporate outlaw, encounters with individuals in pristine white shirts are quite rare. Of these, the Oxford cloth button-down stands out as the most customizable. The Oxford cloth, named after the fabric – a more substantial variation on the typical poplin – adds a touch of texture to the shirt and looks particularly stylish with a hint of sloppy. Wear the button-down collar casually loose, add a tie and transform it into a spread-collar shirt that effortlessly distinguishes between a salad fork and a dinner fork.
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#9. The Hardy work trousers
Functional and adaptable, work trousers prove invaluable in building a functional capsule wardrobe for men. Thanks to their sturdy fabric, they can withstand a blow, a feature that is appreciated by construction workers and skaters alike. Moreover, they effortlessly switch to chino alternatives when necessary. A quick press and they step seamlessly into dress pants.
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#10. The classic sneakers
In today’s sneaker culture landscape, the industry is producing a host of unconventional options that rival the quirky creations of the Wonka factory. However, for our focus, let’s limit ourselves to the classics, such as the universally recognized Chuck Taylor from Converse or Margiela’s subtly modified version of the German Army Trainer. These iconic picks are reliable for virtually any casual occasion, making them suitable for everyday wear whether you’re dressed casually or, as evidenced by Johnny Knoxvilleeven if you wear a suit.
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#11. The blue striped shirt
Blue-striped button-ups are the chameleons of fashion, transitioning seamlessly from the sophistication of a suit and tie to the casual cool of faded jeans and sneakers. Like high-end restaurants that transform into lively clubs after dark, these shirts effortlessly combine versatility with style. If a white shirt feels too sterile, opt for this work-hard, play-hard alternative that exudes both professionalism and relaxed charm.
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#12. The gray sweatshirt with round neck
The humble gray crew neck sweatshirt has evolved beyond its athletic roots and established itself as a true fashion essential. The ideal piece could easily complement an Oxford shirt that subtly peeks out from under the collar – an Ivy-inspired detail that continues to captivate menswear enthusiasts. Combined with practical sneakers and tailored trousers, it has the power to take your casual-at-home ensemble from ordinary to outstanding in the time it takes to click that buy button.
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#13. The cool leather jacket
As the seasons transition to fall or spring, a mid-weight jacket becomes essential. Keep it simple: choose a black, preferably leather, jacket. Not only does it make everyone look effortlessly cooler, but it’s also one of the quickest ways to add a touch of celebrity flair to your look. Furthermore, leather jackets are incredibly durable and with proper care they can stand the test of time, so you can enjoy them even into your retirement.
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#14. The Luxed-Up Topcoat
As the weather inevitably takes a frigid turn, relying solely on a puffer jacket can feel chilly given the limited temperature range. Consider opting for a form-fitting wool top layer instead. Unless you live in an area where the mercury consistently dips below zero (our apologies if you do), a reasonably good overcoat, if layered strategically, can get you through the coldest of days. Imagine him as the star player of a sports team: even if the rest of your outfit is average, a well-chosen overcoat has the power to elevate the entire ensemble.
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Featured image: @malickbordain via @gqfrance/Instagram
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