THE JOURNAL

By now, you’re probably familiar with the concept of a capsule wardrobe – a selection of versatile, timeless and interchangeable staples in complementary colourways that can be styled with one another with little effort, to cater a variety of occasions and dress codes. The idea of this rigorously curated, fit-anywhere closet defies trends and seasons, ensuring it never goes out of style. But what makes up the perfect one? Just see for yourself below.
01. The everyday knit


A knit that should be just that – exemplifying a reliable, versatile layer that’ll keep you warm day in, day out. As a building block of your capsule wardrobe, you’ll want to opt for something that’s adaptable in colour and silhouette: you can’t go wrong with classic greys, blues and blacks. As for the shape, we’d recommend a crew neck or V-neck, depending on your base layer.
02. The modern suit


Dress codes have gradually loosened up over the past few years – even work attires aren’t as strict as they used to be. So, if your workplace doesn’t require the classic suit and tie, it pays to have a more contemporary suit in your sartorial arsenal. Turn to designers such as TOM FORD or Saman Amel, and feel free to experiment with styling. Swap out the shirt for a rollneck, for instance, or break up a monochrome suit with trousers of a different colour to achieve a spezzato look.
03. The watch


A watch is likely the item from this list that you’ll have to put the most thought into. That said, just by answering a few questions on your lifestyle and sartorial choices you’ll likely land on the right one. A dress watch, for instance, will suit those whose style sits on the smarter side of the spectrum, while those who are more active will need a model that is up to the task – more on that here.
04. The sneakers
Whether you’re a hype-worthy kicks or classic-style kind of guy, a capsule wardrobe wouldn’t be the same without a pair of box-fresh sneakers. The former will add a laid-back, cool edge to any casual outfit, while the latter – from the likes of TOM FORD, Brunello Cucinelli and more – can easily be styled with relaxed tailoring and formal trousers. Why not pick up a pair of each?
05. The classic coat


Having a classic, tailored coat in your capsule closet means you can instantly elevate any outfit – and we mean any, from sweats on the morning coffee run to jeans and chinos – with little to no effort. The outermost layer of your outfit works like a sartorial business card for the rest of your style choices, so ensure you opt for something that’s as well-constructed as LOEWE and Stòffa’s, and particularly something that’s made from quality materials, such as cashmere.
06. The statement bag
We’d generally recommend having more than one bag in your collection – one for every day, a few for when you’re on the move – but if we were to pick just one that you can’t be without, a statement, style-setting design would certainly be it. Look to brands such as LOEWE, Gucci and Bottega Veneta and you’re sure to find something that will carry you through every season.
07. The straight-leg jeans


Perhaps the most versatile of all, the straight-leg silhouette can cater a variety of dress codes and occasions, which is why is a must-have for any stylish man. If you’re not a denim guy, we’d recommend a mid to light wash, which is likely to complement pretty much anything you’ve got in your existing wardrobe. AGOLDE, Nudie Jeans and Officine Générale make some of the best pairs around.
08. The Chelsea boots


In the footwear department, you’ll want something that can effortlessly take you from a work meeting to dinner to after-hours drinks. Whether you’re wearing jeans and a cardigan or the aforementioned relaxed suit, nothing does that better than Chelsea boots. A black leather pair is an all-time classic, but suede designs in lighter colourways are perfect for spring.
09. The T-shirt
Still on the quest for the perfect T-shirt? You’ve come to the right place. A print-free style would be the preference to complement the rest of your capsule wardrobe – what you’re really looking for, here, is a good fit and an even better construction. Turn to crew-neck styles that don’t sit too low on the waist and aren’t too boxy. In terms of material, cotton-jersey should be the go-to – the longer the fibres, the softer it’ll be against your skin.
10. The shirt


If your workweek dress still requires you to wear a shirt, we’d suggest having a couple of reliable options to hand. A classic, crisp white one, of course, but also something that’ll break up your layers. Opt for a subtle pattern, such as pinstripes or micro-checks, or pick up something that’ll inject a touch of colour – pastel blue or pink is our suggestion – to otherwise neutral layers.
11. The luxe eyewear


Whether you’re a winter-sun seeker or just use them for going incognito on your morning errands, having a good pair of sunglasses is paramount. Aviators suit most face shapes – and you can’t go wrong with a black set – but it’s best not to take a leap in the dark when it comes to picking the right pair. We’ve put together a guide to choosing the right frames for your face shape here.
12. The fine jewellery
From simple silver chains to large-cut gemstones and diamond earrings, fine jewellery is the easiest way to experiment with your style without having to change your entire wardrobe. Start small for a signet ring on casual occasions, and once you’ve decided what works for you, opt for something a little more out-there, such as a tennis bracelet or a mixed-metal chain.
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