Capsule wardrobe for men
A 30-piece list for casual and smart-casual life, five outfits, and how to adapt it for an office or winter.
Key points
- Navy, grey and white plus one earth tone.
- Pick brown or black leather and stay consistent.
- Fit matters more in a small wardrobe.
Menswear suits a capsule naturally: fewer silhouettes, classic colours and pieces that last. Here is a 30-piece starting list for casual and smart-casual life.
The palette
Most men's capsules run on navy, grey and white with one earth tone (olive, tan or brown) and a single accent. Choose brown or black for leather (shoes and belt), and keep it consistent.
The 30 pieces
| Group | Pieces |
|---|---|
| Tops (11) | 4 tees (white, grey, navy, one colour), 2 Oxford shirts, 1 chambray or flannel, 1 polo, 2 knits (crew and half-zip or cardigan), 1 sweatshirt |
| Bottoms (6) | dark jeans, lighter jeans, navy chinos, stone chinos, grey trousers, shorts or a relaxed pair |
| Layers (5) | navy blazer, overshirt, light jacket (Harrington, field or denim), wool coat, rain shell |
| Shoes (5) | white leather trainers, brown or black loafers or derbies, chukka or chelsea boots, running shoes, sandals or canvas shoes |
| Accessories (3) | leather belt, watch, scarf |
Five outfits
- White tee, dark jeans, overshirt, white trainers
- Oxford shirt, navy chinos, knit over the shirt, loafers
- Polo, stone chinos, light jacket, trainers
- Grey trousers, white Oxford, blazer, derbies
- Flannel, lighter jeans, boots, wool coat
Adapting it
- Office with a suit: add a navy or charcoal suit, two more shirts and a tie or two; drop shorts and one tee.
- Cold winters: swap the polo and shorts for a second knit and heavier trousers; add a warmer coat.
- Warm climate: swap a knit and the wool coat for linen shirts and lighter trousers.
Fit first
A small wardrobe shows fit more than a large one. Shoulder seams at your shoulder, trousers with no more than a slight break, and sleeves ending at the wrist bone. A tailor's hem is cheap and transforms trousers.
