Lately, I’ve been all about building a solid capsule wardrobe — and honestly, there’s no turning back.
If you haven’t heard, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing staples where every shirt can match with every pair of pants, with accessories to spare.
If you do the math, the possibilities are virtually endless.
Building a capsule wardrobe takes a lot of time and care because you need to carefully choose the most versatile clothing items. After all, it is the perfect collection.
If you’re thinking about starting your own, here’s a list of what I think of when it comes to creating my very own capsule wardrobe.
First things first: Shirts.
When I look for what to buy, I need certain essentials for every occasion. Generally, that would be for casual, smart casual, and formal events. With that, just three shirts do the trick.
Below, I’m wearing the Black VISDRY™ Pique Tipped Polo (S$75), VISDRY™ Dobby Dress Shirt (S$100), and a White Wrinkle-Free Pinpoint Oxford Pocket Dress Shirt (S$80) from DETERMINANT.
The same concept goes for the pants. I’ll need something more relaxed or more serious, depending on the event.
Luckily, these slacks are quite simple, so I’ll just match based on the colour I’m feeling that day.
Here, I’m wearing the Navy CottonSTRETCH Smart Pants (S$120) and Black InstantCool Lightweight Smart Pants (S$120) from DETERMINANT.
Finally, the accessories.
Your outfit doesn’t just stop at the clothes. Switch up your style with something as simple as a watch or bracelet.
I’m wearing my trusty SEIKO Prospex Automatic Divers Watch (S$670.40), but honestly any watch would work.
You’d be surprised at how much an accessory can change a look. Items like my Handmade Beaded Bracelet add a personal touch, while the Silver Chain Link Bracelet adds extra style.
Jewellery can also be a great conversation starter and bring another layer of charm to an outfit.
Here, I’m wearing an Orb Pendant Necklace from Vivienne Westwood (S$260). It’s currently not on the website, so I’ve found a similar one for you.
Now, for the sole of the outfit.
Shoes are usually the perfect example of versatile pieces. We often buy shoes that can match many outfits at a time.
I’ve chosen two pairs of shoes for this capsule collection: My PEDRO Icon Leather Driving Shoes (S$129.90) and my BATA Men Lace Up Dress Shoes (S$69.95). These shoes are perfect for any occasion, from a dinner with friends to date nights.
The brown shoes add a pop of colour to any outfit, which I can also use as a base for matching my bags.
I bet you thought my brown shoes were a lot pricier.
It goes to show that it’s not really about the brand, but about the quality of the item and how it’s styled.
Check out just a few of the outfits that I can put together by mixing and matching my tops and bottoms, with accessories as the final touch.
A few weeks into building this new wardrobe, I realised that I don’t need more clothes.
I just need to be more thoughtful in choosing better ones — ones that pair better and keep me feeling fresh from morning to night.
If you’re looking to upgrade your (or your boyfriend’s) wardrobe, this is your sign.
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This post features partial sponsorship from DETERMINANT.
Photos by Chua Rei Qi.
