The fastest way to build a capsule wardrobe is to embrace a timeless, classic, heritage style such as the Old Money look.
Old Money style is not about having a closet overflowing with clothes but a curated collection of high-quality garments that you can mix and match to create endless stylish looks.
This is the concept of a capsule wardrobe – a minimal yet comprehensive selection of clothing, footwear, and accessories that serves as the foundation for any personal style.
A capsule wardrobe is not about sacrificing style for practicality but intentionally choosing garments, footwear, and accessories with a classic, traditional style.
It’s about curating a wardrobe that reflects your personality, fits your lifestyle, and makes you feel confident whenever you get dressed.
Capsule Wardrobe Essentials for Men
To build a timeless capsule wardrobe start with selecting essential pieces that form the backbone of your style.
These garments are the workhorses you can dress up or down depending on the occasion.
White Dress Shirts
A crisp white dress shirt is a non-negotiable.
It’s the most versatile shirt a man can own, perfect for formal events (white tie, black tie, etc.), business meetings, or casual outings when paired with jeans.
Opt for a high-quality cotton fabric and a classic fit that complements your body shape.
Blue Dress Shirts
A blue dress shirt is another essential.
It offers a slightly more relaxed feel than a white shirt but is still versatile enough to be dressed up or down.
Choose a light blue shade for a more casual look, or a navy blue for a more formal one.
Oxford Cloth Button-Down (OCBD) Shirts
The Oxford cloth button-down shirt is a Preppy classic that has stood the test of time.
It’s versatile enough to be worn with a suit, chinos, or jeans. Opt for a white or light blue OCBD shirt for maximum versatility.
Chinos
Chinos are a versatile alternative to jeans.
They can be dressed up with a blazer and dress shirt or down with a polo shirt or sweater.
Opt for khaki, navy, or grey chinos for maximum versatility.
Grey Wool Trousers
A pair of grey wool trousers is essential for formal occasions. Choose a mid-weight wool fabric and a classic fit that complements your body shape.
Dark Denim Jeans
A well-fitted pair of dark denim jeans is a wardrobe staple.
Choose a classic straight-leg cut that sits at your waist and hits just above your ankle.
Avoid ripped or distressed jeans for a more polished look.
Unlike distressed jeans, dark denim jeans can be paired with dress shoes as well as classic sneakers.
Crew Neck Jumpers
A crew neck jumper is a versatile layering piece that can be worn over a shirt or under a jacket.
Choose a fine-gauge cashmere or merino wool jumper in a neutral colour like navy, grey, or brown.
V-Neck Jumpers
A V-neck jumper is a dressier alternative to a crew neck jumper.
It can be worn with a shirt and tie for a more formal look, or on its own for a more casual one.
Choose a fine-gauge cashmere or merino wool jumper in a neutral colour.
Navy Blazers
A navy blazer is a menswear icon.
You can dress up a navy blazer for a formal occasion and dress it down for casual events, making it the most versatile jacket a man can own.
Choose a classic single-breasted blazer in a high-quality wool fabric.
Trench Coats
A trench coat is a timeless outerwear piece that will never go out of style.
It’s perfect for spring and fall weather and can be dressed up or down.
Choose a classic beige or navy trench coat in a water-resistant fabric.
Dress Shoes
A pair of brown leather dress shoes is essential for formal occasions.
Choose a classic style like oxfords or brogues in high-quality leather.
Loafers
Brown leather loafers are a versatile alternative to dress shoes.
They can be dressed up with chinos and a blazer or down with jeans and a T-shirt.
White Sneakers
A pair of white sneakers is a must-have for casual wear. Choose designer leather sneakers such as Zegna or a classic style like Stan Smiths or Converse Chuck Taylors.
Leather Belts
A leather belt is a practical and stylish accessory. Choose a classic brown or black leather belt with a simple buckle.
Classic Watches with Leather Straps
A watch is a timeless accessory that can elevate any outfit. Choose a classic style like a dress watch or a diver’s watch.
Aviators or Wayfarers Sunglasses
Sunglasse styles like aviators or wayfarers are essential for adding a touch of classic cool to your look.
Seasonal Considerations
While the core of your capsule wardrobe will remain consistent throughout the year, it’s important to consider seasonal variations.
If you live in a warmer climate, you might need more lightweight shirts and shorts.
For warmer months, incorporate lightweight linen shirts, cotton polos, and breathable fabrics like seersucker or madras.
In colder months, add heavier knitwear, wool trousers, and outerwear like a wool overcoat or a Barbour jacket.
By building a capsule wardrobe with these essential pieces, you’ll always have something to wear, no matter the occasion.
You’ll look stylish and sophisticated without having to spend hours agonising over what to wear.
And because you’ll be investing in quality pieces that will last, you’ll save money in the long run.
Remember, a capsule wardrobe is not about having a limited number of clothes; it’s about having a carefully curated collection of clothes that you love and that make you feel confident.
Styling Beyond Capsule Collections
Building a collection of garments, call it a capsule if you like, is just a small step towards dressing like a successful, confident man.
True sophistication lies in knowing precisely which garments, footwear, and accessories complement your body shape, skin, eye, and hair colours, to choose by occasion, location, and lifestyle.
The first step is finding your body shape and the most flattering colour for you.
Know Your Body Shape
Different products flatter different physiques so discover your body shape now by taking our free body shape quiz for men.
Identify Your Best Colors
From the wide range of colours available, not every hue complements your natural colouring so it is critical you find out your ideal colour palette – use our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
Knowing how to dress by occasion, location, season, and even time of the day is equally important.
Dress for the Occasion
Understanding how to choose and style garments, and mix them with other brands, by occasion, season, and location is crucial.
From casual weekends to formal events, each occasion requires a unique approach to styling.
To save time, headaches, and even money, get in touch with The VOU’s expert stylists now.
Get Expert Styling Advice
Take our comprehensive fashion style analysis for men, and let our expert stylists guide you in selecting and curating items of maximum impact in a wardrobe that communicates success and sophistication.
Remember, owning luxury clothing brands isn’t enough to look good – looking stylish, wealthy, and successful is all about choosing and matching to perfection.
With our tools and expert guidance, you’ll not just wear luxury brands, you’ll master the old-money look, showcasing taste, class, and confidence.
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