👔 Capsule wardrobe checklist

Fewer pieces that combine with everything beat more pieces that combine with nothing — the test for every item here is what it goes with, not how it looks alone.

18 items

1. Everything currently owned, tried on and sortedThe unglamorous first step. Nothing gets added to a wardrobe whose contents you can't actually picture.
2. A neutral colour palette settled on firstTwo or three base colours that all sit together — the whole point of a capsule collapses if every piece is its own colour story.
3. A base layer that works under everythingPlain, well-fitting, in the base colour — the piece that makes the others do more work.
4. One reliable pair of trousers
5. In the neutral palette
6. Fit checked sitting down, not just standing
7. One pair of jeans that actually fit nowNot the pair kept for 'when' — bought for the body you have, not the one you're aiming for.
8. A jumper or knit that works over the base layer and under a coat
9. A shirt or blouse smart enough for the one occasion that needs it
10. One dress or one smart outfit that does the job without a second thought
11. A coat for the season, checked against everything else it needs to go over
12. A waterproof layer, if the coat isn't one
13. Shoes that cover walking, work and one smarter occasionThree pairs that each do a job, rather than ten that mostly overlap.
14. One bag that goes with everything else on the listNeutral wins here more than anywhere — a bold bag limits what it can be worn with.
15. Every new item tested against three things already ownedSaid out loud in the shop, before paying. Nothing goes home without an answer.
16. Anything bought that hasn't been worn in three months, questionedA capsule wardrobe is maintained, not just built once — the test applies to what's already there too.
17. A repair kit for buttons and hemsCheaper than replacing a piece that only needed ten minutes.
18. One thing retired for every new thing addedKeeps the wardrobe a capsule rather than a slowly growing pile with a nicer name.