words Al Woods
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing that you can take anywhere. It needs to be small enough to easily transport, but must include all your clothing essentials, some of which will need to be versatile enough to be worn to a number of different events. This list covers six key items to include in your capsule wardrobe.
Shoes
Shoes can take up a lot of space in your capsule wardrobe, as unlike most items of clothing, they cannot be folded up. For this reason, it’s best to avoid packing more than two pairs. Include black leather shoes for formal occasions — such as meetings and certain other events that require you to dress smartly — as they’re almost guaranteed to go well with a suit. You can also pack another, more comfortable pair of shoes in case you have to walk a long distance. But if this seems unlikely, it’s okay to stick with a single pair.
Shirts
Shirts are an extremely versatile item of clothing, and can be worn with many different outfits. If you’re travelling with a small suitcase, you can probably fit up to six shirts inside while leaving room for the rest of your capsule wardrobe. Shirts can be worn as part of an everyday outfit, or they can make up part of a suit if you’re heading somewhere with a formal dress code — you can explore men’s suits online for further inspiration when it comes to these types of events.
T-shirts
Having four to six t-shirts packed and ready to wear is a great way to build up your capsule wardrobe. They tend to be thinner and lighter than shirts, so they can be easily slotted into your suitcase without taking up too much space. They’re useful for layering up if you’re heading somewhere cold, while also being helpful to have on hand if the weather heats up. It’s a good idea to bring t-shirts in a range of different colours so that you’ll always have something to match the rest of your outfit.
Trousers
It’s best to bring three or four pairs of trousers with you wherever you go, so that you’ll have something to wear to any occasion. More than four pairs might be difficult to fit into a small suitcase, so think about how long you’ll be away for and exactly what you’ll need. Black trousers are appropriate for most events from formal to casual, but you might also include a pair of jeans that could be matched with a shirt or t-shirt.
Jackets
A jacket is a multi-purpose piece of clothing, useful when the weather gets colder and for going out in the evenings. Bringing two jackets will cover most scenarios — one lightweight, the other warmer. Go for neutral colours that will complement most outfits, such as black, grey or brown.
Socks and underwear
It might sound obvious, but these are the things you’ll need every day. Don’t forget to make room for them when you pack your capsule wardrobe — they are easy to forget when you’re trying to fit everything else in, so it’s a good idea to pack them first!
