Men’s Essentials: How To Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Every man deserves a well-curated wardrobe featuring quality men's essentials that leave him feeling and looking stylish – without any stress or fuss.
In this guide, we'll introduce the essential items of men's clothing, accessories and shoes you need to build a versatile capsule wardrobe so you can choose the perfect outfit for any occasion. Whether you're new to the concept or just looking to refine your style, discover the menswear basics to keep you looking great every day.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of menswear essentials that can be mixed and matched. This approach to dressing focuses on quality over quantity – making sure that all items pair well together.
This concept has been around since the 1970s, but it’s gained momentum recently as more people have started to embrace a minimalist lifestyle.
Having a capsule wardrobe also makes it easier to get dressed – relieving decision fatigue. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed with indecision while getting ready to go out, this approach could help.
Benefits of Building a Capsule Wardrobe
Embracing a ‘less is more’ approach to fashion has many benefits. These can include:
• Quality over quantity: Building an essential men’s wardrobe will ensure that all your clothing fits well and looks good.
• Cost-effectiveness: A capsule wardrobe will save you cash in the long run, because quality clothes tend to last longer. Also, you won’t need to waste money by chasing fashion trends.
• Ease of outfit selection: Once you’ve got all your clothing essentials sorted, you can simply open up your wardrobe, pick what you need, and get on with your day.
Essential Items to Include
When it comes to creating the perfect capsule wardrobe for men, there are a few clothing pieces that should always be included. These include men’s essentials such as t-shirts, jeans and a good jacket.
Here, we’ll look at the essential clothes for guys that will form the base of your capsule wardrobe. Once you’ve got these sorted, it will be easy to create a variety of stylish outfits.
T-Shirts
A collection of well-fitted t-shirts in neutral colours is essential. These clothing essentials for guys can be dressed up or down, and serve as the foundation for many outfits.
We recommend getting a few high-quality basic t-shirts to wear under collared shirts and jackets, as well as some printed t-shirts to pair with jeans and sneakers for a casual look.
Shirts
Well-tailored shirts will always be in style, giving any outfit a touch of sophistication. These men’s wardrobe essentials will form the bedrock of your capsule wardrobe.
It’s good to have around 2-4 long sleeve shirts in white, light blue and grey, as well as a couple of short sleeve shirts for summer. Stripes and patterns will give your outfit some extra flair.
Chinos
Versatile and comfortable, chinos strike the perfect balance between casual and formal. Their clean, tailored appearance makes them suitable for work and social outings, and the lightweight fabric is great for staying comfortable.
For maximum versatility, opt for subtle shades like navy, khaki and grey. This makes it easy to pair your chinos with a t-shirt for casual events, or a button up shirt for smart-casual occasions.
Jeans
Every man needs a great pair of jeans. Durable, comfortable and stylish, no capsule wardrobe would be complete without this essential fashion item.
A quality pair of jeans can be dressed up with a blazer and shirt, or kept casual with a t-shirt or jumper. Choose a slim or straight fit in a dark wash for a handsome and alluring look.
Shorts
Headed to a festival or a barbecue with your mates? Shorts are a wardrobe must-have, providing a practical yet stylish option for warm weather outings.
Adaptable enough to pair with t-shirts, polos or casual collared shirts, shorts can be dressed up or down depending on the event. Look for neutral tones such as olive or grey for maximum versatility.
Knitwear & Sweaters
When you’re building a capsule wardrobe, layering is key. Not only do knitwear and sweaters provide warmth, they can also take your outfit to a new level of refinement.
A few well-chosen pieces in muted colours can be easily paired with shirts, and perhaps also a jacket if the weather’s cold. Accessorise with a designer scarf and you’ll be ready to turn heads at fashion week!
Jackets
When it comes to style, nothing beats a fitted jacket. Whether it’s a classic blazer for formal events or a casual denim jacket for a more laid-back look, a jacket is a capsule wardrobe must-have.
Jackets and vests can be mixed and matched with other men's essential outfits to enhance the overall effect. For maximum versatility, stick to neutral tones such as tan, navy or grey.
Shoes
No capsule wardrobe would be complete without a few pairs of shoes. We recommend getting a new pair of sneakers for everyday style, some good quality boots for winter sophistication, and dress shoes for work days and formal events.
Loafers are also a great option thanks to their versatility. Explore our range to find the right design for you.
Accessories
Don’t forget to add some accessories to add personality and pizzazz. Never underestimate the power of a well-chosen tie or pocket square to take your look to a new level of sophistication.
If you’re keeping it casual, a nice pair of sunglasses and a stylish hat could work well. Add a designer watch and perhaps some men’s jewellery for that final element of flair.
Underwear & Socks
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of good-quality underwear and socks. Though not visible, they can make you feel confident and comfortable.
Myer has stylish options from all your favourite brands including Bonds, Tommy Hilfiger, BLAQ, Mitch Dowd and more. Explore our range to complete your capsule wardrobe.
How To Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Here are some tips for getting started:
• Do a deep cleanse of your wardrobe: First, take a look at what’s currently in your cupboard, and identify the items you wear regularly. If there’s anything that you don’t like or doesn’t fit, donate it to charity.
• Make a plan: Next, create a plan for how you’d like to dress. This might include colour schemes, fabric preferences and brands.
• Change your shopping habits: Instead of buying random pieces of clothing you might not need, try to stick to your plan and only purchase essentials.
• Set a budget: To avoid overspending on your men’s wardrobe capsule, set a budget that’s within your means. This will encourage mindful shopping.
Maintaining Your Capsule Wardrobe
Here are some tips for keeping your capsule wardrobe properly maintained:
• Care for your clothing: Always check the labels for specific washing, drying and ironing instructions. You should also invest in some quality coat hangers to keep your clothes looking great.
• Evaluate regularly: As the seasons change and your personal style evolves, you might need to make updates. If an item no longer serves you, replace it with a new piece that better suits your needs.
• Add new items mindfully: Before buying something new, consider if it will complement your existing wardrobe. Opt for high-quality items that will stand the test of time, rather than cheaply-made pieces of fast fashion.
