Seasonal capsules: spring/summer and autumn/winter
Most people run two or four capsules a year. A core of trans-seasonal pieces stays put, and a smaller set rotates with the weather.
Pieces that usually carry over
Dark jeans, tailored trousers, plain tees, a shirt or two, a fine knit, a blazer, everyday trainers and a light coat. These are worth buying well.
Example spring/summer capsule (about 30)
| Category | Pieces |
|---|---|
| Tops (12) | 4 tees, 2 tanks, 2 linen or cotton shirts, 2 blouses, 1 fine knit, 1 light sweatshirt |
| Bottoms (6) | light jeans, dark jeans, linen trousers, chinos, midi skirt, shorts |
| Dresses (3) | 2 day dresses, 1 evening dress |
| Layers (3) | denim or cotton jacket, cardigan, trench |
| Shoes (6) | trainers, sandals, espadrilles, loafers, dressier sandal, ankle boot |
Example autumn/winter capsule (about 32)
| Category | Pieces |
|---|---|
| Tops (12) | 3 long-sleeve tees, 2 shirts, 1 blouse, 3 jumpers, 1 roll neck, 1 cardigan, 1 sweatshirt |
| Bottoms (7) | 2 jeans, 2 wool or heavier trousers, cord trousers, knit or wool skirt, 1 relaxed pair |
| Dresses (2) | knit dress, evening dress |
| Outerwear (5) | wool coat, puffer or parka, blazer, rain shell, overshirt |
| Shoes (6) | trainers, chelsea or ankle boots, tall boots, loafers, waterproof boot, dressier shoe |
Switching seasons
- Pick a fixed day each season to switch.
- Wash and repair everything going into storage.
- Store off-season clothes clean, folded and dry, with knits away from moths.
- Before buying anything new, try on last year's capsule and note real gaps.
Planning outfits from what you already own? Wardelle is an iPhone wardrobe planner that builds outfits from photos of your own clothes. It is not out yet; the site has a waitlist for launch.Disclosure: Wardelle is made by the same team that runs this site. Nothing in this guide requires it.