Tired of staring at an overflowing 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. In essence, a capsule wardrobe aims to streamline your closet, distilling it down to essential menswear that suits most occasions.
Building a capsule wardrobe for men can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. 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 any hassle.
Here are the must-have pieces for your ultimate capsule wardrobe…
#1. The Plain White T-Shirt
A plain white t-shirt remains a wardrobe staple for every man, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. It serves as both a trusty undershirt, shielding your finer knits from perspiration, and a confident solo act, effortlessly pairing with jeans, dress pants, and everything in between.
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#2. The Multi-Hyphenate Sweater
When the temperature drops, the sweater options seem endless. While a classic wool crewneck is appreciated, we want to draw your attention to the ultimate knitwear — the full-placket polo-sweater hybrid. It may not be the most conventional choice, but the abundance of hyphens in its name is precisely what makes it the top pick for building a capsule wardrobe for men. Consider this: the appearance of a polo, the comfort of a sweater, and the versatile style of a cardigan—what more could you desire?
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#3. The All-Occasion Boots
At this point, you’re likely grasping the importance of versatility in the game. While Chelsea boots aren’t mandatory, the appropriate pair should not only endure various weather conditions but also handle those disapproving looks from your workplace adversary.
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#4. The Charcoal Suit
At some point, you’ll find yourself in a situation that calls for a suit—be it a job interview, a wedding, or a funeral. It’s an unavoidable reality, and there’s seldom a suitable alternative. Unsure about the color choice? When in doubt, opt for charcoal. This particular shade is formal enough for more serious occasions, such as the office or somber events. However, charcoal is versatile too. Simply pair the jacket with a polo and jeans for a more casual look or mix the trousers with a leather jacket for an entirely different style.
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#5. The Weatherproof Shell Jacket
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 Mother Nature’s challenges is essential. If you layer wisely, there’s no need for a heavier jacket with 800-down fill (after all, we’re aiming to help you save some money here).
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#6. The Blue Jeans
Discover the perfect fit, and blue jeans will perpetually exude style. Stemming from their workwear roots, jeans boast durability as a core attribute—coincidentally, they also effortlessly contribute to a sense of cool. Aging gracefully, few garments rival the timeless appeal that jeans acquire over time. Even after more than a century and a half as a global wardrobe staple, they retain every bit of their original allure.
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#7. The Do-Everything Loafers
Loafers serve as a versatile style solution, effortlessly navigating the middle ground between sneakers and formal dress shoes, much like Eliud Kipchoge gracefully maneuvers the track. They possess the cleanliness of lace-up derbies and the easygoing nature of slip-on kicks. Loafers are true jacks of all trades, excelling in every role they play. Give them a polished shine and pair them with a suit, and they’ll make a professional impression on your boss, potentially saving you from a pink slip. Pair them with jeans and a tee, and you’ll exude a level of coolness akin to male celebrities. Opt for a pair with rubber-lugged soles, and you’ve secured a triple threat—stylish, versatile, and ready to tackle inclement 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 infrequent. Among these, the Oxford cloth button-down stands out as the most adaptable. Named after its fabric—a more substantial variation of the typical poplin—the Oxford cloth adds a touch of texture to the shirt, appearing particularly stylish with a hint of dishevelment. Wear the button-down collar casually undone, add a tie, and transform it into a spread-collar dress shirt that effortlessly distinguishes between a salad fork and a dinner fork.
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#9. The Hardy Work Pants
Functional and adaptable, work pants prove to be invaluable to setting up a functional capsule wardrobe for men. With their sturdy fabric, they can endure rough handling—a quality appreciated by both construction workers and skaters. Moreover, they effortlessly transition into chino alternatives when needed. A quick press, and they seamlessly step in for dress pants in a pinch.
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#10. The Classic Sneakers
In the current landscape of sneaker culture, the industry produces a myriad of unconventional options that could rival the peculiar creations of the Wonka factory. However, for our focus, let’s narrow it down to the classics, such as the universally recognized Chuck Taylor from Converse or Margiela’s subtly modified take on the German Army Trainer. These iconic choices are reliable for almost any casual occasion, making them suitable for everyday wear—whether you’re dressed casually or, as evidenced by Johnny Knoxville, even when you’re in a suit.
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#11. The Blue Striped Shirt
Blue-striped button-ups are the chameleons of fashion, seamlessly transitioning from the sophistication of a suit and tie to the casual coolness of faded jeans and sneakers. Like upscale restaurants that transform into lively clubs after dark, these shirts effortlessly blend versatility with style. When a white shirt feels overly sterile, opt for this work-hard, play-hard alternative that exudes both professionalism and laid-back charm.
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#12. The Gray Crewneck Sweatshirt
The unassuming gray crewneck sweatshirt has evolved beyond its athletic roots to establish itself as a genuine fashion essential. The ideal one should easily complement an Oxford shirt subtly peeking out from beneath its collar—an Ivy-inspired detail that continues to captivate menswear enthusiasts. Paired with practical sneakers and tailored trousers, it has the power to elevate 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 Badass Leather Jacket
As the seasons transition to fall or spring, a mid-weight jacket becomes essential. Keep it simple: opt for a black, preferably leather, jacket. Not only does everyone appear effortlessly cooler in one, but it’s also one of the quickest ways to add a touch of celebrity flair to your look. Moreover, leather jackets are incredibly durable, and with proper care, they can withstand the test of time, serving you well even into retirement.
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#14. The Luxed-Up Topcoat
As the weather inevitably takes a frigid turn, relying solely on a puffer jacket might leave you feeling chilly, given its limited temperature range. Instead, consider opting for a snug wool topcoat. Unless you reside in an area where the mercury consistently plunges below zero (our apologies if so), a reasonably good overcoat, when layered strategically, can carry you through the coldest days. Picture it as the star player on 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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