How To Create A Capsule Wardrobe Uk

Capsule wardrobes help to bust decision fatigue, reduce our footprint on the planet, save us money, and overall de-stress our relationship with clothes. Here are our top tips and favourite brands to create the perfect capsule for you.

Have you ever pulled open the doors of your wardrobe, only to find yourself groaning that you have nothing to wear? At this point, it can be tempting to rush out and buy something new, fun, and affordable. But if it's this kind of quick-fix buying that leads to the "nothing to wear" dilemma in the first place, then we're just running in circles. Cue the "capsule wardrobe".

What is a capsule wardrobe?

The term "capsule wardrobe" was coined by British fashion icon Susie Faux in the 1970s. A traditional capsule comprises a collection of anywhere from 10-50 practical and versatile pieces of clothing put together to create an entire wardrobe for a season, but the definition isn't so strict today.

The main thing is that the pieces are interchangeable, enabling you to build countless outfits from fewer items overall. Season, lifestyle, or event-specific capsules are also popular now. So while the concept isn't new, it represents a modern shift in thinking about how we wear clothes in the age of fast fashion and is inspiring significant change in our consumption habits.

Why we love it, and why you'll love it too

In our busy lives, many of us reach the point of decision fatigue early on in our day. By narrowing your wardrobe down to thoughtfully selected essentials, you're saving yourself multiple decisions every day. You're also far less likely to turn to impulse buying when getting dressed is so simple, so going capsule can help curb an unhealthy shopping habit, too.

Alongside the everyday stresses, the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, so changing your clothing habits is not just a lifestyle fix but a planet fix, too. Thinking mindfully about how our fashion purchases might improve our daily lives fosters an emphasis on quality over quantity, reducing waste and saving us money in the long run.

And the benefits are proven. A recent study on capsule wardrobes by the International Journal of Market Research had promising results, showing "a positive impact of a 3-week capsule wardrobe on our participants who felt less stressed, detached from fashion trends, have found joy in their fashion style, and enhanced their awareness of conscious consumption." How cool is that?

Capsule and minimalist creators to follow

Numerous fashionistas and bloggers swear by the capsule wardrobe or similar minimalist wardrobe systems. Here are some who inspire us:

Daria Andronescu with Wonder Wardrobe

For the last few years, capsule wardrobe queen Daria Andronescu has been taking newbie ethical fashionistas by the digital hand and helping them on their way to sustainable style. Her Wonder Wardrobe YouTube channel has almost 80k subscribers, who are treated with regular tips, news, and fashion finds.

Courtney Carver with Project 333

Courtney Carver's diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis moved her to "create a life with time and space for what really matters". After feeling the benefits of minimalist living, she started the popular movement Project 333, which encourages people to create a wardrobe of 33 items every three months.

Candice Tay

Since shifting her mindset to more conscious consumption in 2018, Candice has been running a slow fashion and sustainable living blog with minimalist, repeatable capsule outfits. Her maternity and postpartum capsules and her simple styling videos on Instagram stand out. She also reviews slow fashion brands to help you make better choices when buying new.

Verena Erin with My Green Closet

Verena is a dedicated minimalist, environmentalist, and capsule-ist. We love her YouTube channel because it's instructive and gives excellent visual inspo, showing us how to create many gorgeous outfits with just 30-ish items of clothing. Check out her Capsule Wardrobe Essentials video.

Caroline Joy with Unfancy

Caroline capsule-fied her wardrobe back in 2014 and has been blogging about her ever-evolving journey since then. With timeless and easy-to-understand seasonal wardrobe guides and even travel packing guides, Unfancy is a fantastic minimalist resource as you dip your toe into a simpler closet.

Capsule step-by-step

Building a capsule wardrobe is about choosing a logical selection of clothing that you not only love to wear but that is practical and versatile.

Take stock

To begin the process, you will need to pull everything out of your closet and take stock. Some questions you can ask yourself about each item are:

Have I worn it in the last year?
Does it fit my day-to-day lifestyle?
Does it suit my body right now?
Does it go with my other clothing?
Do I love it?

These questions will help you make decisions about what can stay and what should go. Chances are most items will land in one of four categories: repair, give away/sell, recycle, or keep.

Make a list

Next, make a list of what your capsule should contain. The content of your capsule wardrobe will vary depending on the season and your individual style. But importantly, you want to have a balance of tops, bottoms, layers, accessories, and shoes. Neutral colours that pair well are key, though of course, bold prints and colours have a place in a particular capsule style, too. Generally, having core pieces in neutral tones and selecting a few accent colours per capsule helps to simplify the mix-and-match process.

Cropped shot of a black and an olive green ethical tee made by The Classic T-Shirt Company.

Find and fill the gaps

At this stage, it's a good idea to cross-reference your list with what you already own so you can see where the gaps are and decide how best to fill them. Once you have exhausted everything you own, consider shopping second hand or swapping with friends. Chances are you'll be left with only a few missing pieces after all that, and you can consider supporting some ethical brands to round out your closet.

To help you out, we've curated a list of "Good" or "Great" brands below that will act as perfect staples or gap fillers for the beginner's capsule wardrobe to last this season and many to come.

Tops

Dorsu

Based in Cambodia, Dorsu creates everyday basics and key signature favourites that form the core of any conscious wardrobe. You can find the full range in XS to XL.

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Shop Dorsu.

Malaika New York

Offers

black woman wearing grey and black zero waste jacket by Malaika New York

Malaika New York – Jackets

Cool one-of-a-kind, versatile jackets and sweaters handcrafted in New York from fabric scraps. First 30 customers get 30% off jackets with code GREENFRIDAY2021. (Ends: 30 NOV)

Checkout code: GREENFRIDAY2021

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woman wearing black and silver zero waste leggings by Malaika New York

Malaika New York – Bottoms

Unique vegan leggings and skirts with a sustainable mission: zero waste fashion. First 30 customers get 30% off bottoms with code GREENFRIDAY2021. (Ends: 30 NOV)

Checkout code: GREENFRIDAY2021

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woman on beach wearing black low waste dress made ethically by Malaika New York

Malaika New York – Dresses

Seasonless one-size-fits-all pieces with a minimalistic design that makes them such easy-to-wear staples. First 30 customers get 30% off dresses with code GREENFRIDAY2021. (Ends: 30 NOV)

Checkout code: GREENFRIDAY2021

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woman wearing black sustainable top made by Malaika New York

Malaika New York – Tops

Unisex tops, ethically produced in New York using zero waste design principles. First 30 customers get 30% off tops with code GREENFRIDAY2021. (Ends: 30 NOV)

Checkout code: GREENFRIDAY2021

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Malaika New York is a minimalistic sustainable clothing brand with a focus on zero waste clothing and accessories. The US-based brand aims to eliminate fashion's harmful environmental effects by utilizing minimal or zero waste patterns, while maximizing wearability by producing luxe-quality, contemporary garments that make a statement now and into the future. Find most garments in S-XL with some items going up to 2XL.

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Shop Mailaika New York.

CARPASUS

Linen Shirt Lisbon Nature – Ships internationally from Switzerland

CARPASUS is a Swiss menswear brand that makes fine shirts, ties, socks, and pocket squares. CARPASUS uses GOTS certified cotton and manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint. It also traces its supply chain and ensures workers are paid a living wage. Find most products in EU sizes 36 to 46.

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Shop CARPASUS.

Whimsy + Row

Whimsy + Row is an eco-conscious lifestyle brand born out of a love for quality goods and sustainable practices. Since 2014, its mission has been to provide ease and elegance for the modern, sustainable woman. Whimsy + Row utilises deadstock fabric, and by limiting each garment to short runs, the brand also reduces packaging waste and takes care of precious water resources. Find most products in XS-XL.

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Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

tonlé

plus size woman of colour wearing navy blue flowy eco-friendly dress by tonle for capsule wardrobe — Sofia Dress – Ships internationally from the US

tonlé provides environmentally-friendly women's clothing with a zero-waste design process. To do so, the brand uses remnant fabrics from large manufacturers as well as recycled threads and reclaimed wood from local suppliers for its trim and accessories. Its range is inclusively sized from XS-3XL.

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Shop tonlé.

Mila.Vert

Offers

Mila.Vert – Accessories

Scarves, beanies and headbands that not only keep you comfortably warm, but also look great as stylish accessories. Exclusive 10% off accessories with code GOODONYOU. (Ends: 3 DEC)

Checkout code: GOODONYOU

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Mila.Vert – Dresses

Mila.Vert's beautiful dresses are easy to wear, versatile, and always make you look and feel your best. Exclusive 10% off dresses with code GOODONYOU. (Ends: 3 DEC)

Checkout code: GOODONYOU

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Mila.Vert – Coats and Jackets

Timeless, minimal, and chic jackets and coats with sophisticated details that give your outfits a modern feel. Exclusive 10% off coats and jackets with code GOODONYOU. (Ends: 3 DEC)

Checkout code: GOODONYOU

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Mila.Vert – Knitwear

No matter the occasion: these exquisite, elegant, finely knitted pullovers bring in versatility and a touch of snugness. Exclusive 10% off cardigans and pullovers with code GOODONYOU. (Ends: 3 DEC)

Checkout code: GOODONYOU

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Mila.Vert offers timeless, minimal, and chic clothing, adding sophisticated details that give the garments a modern feel. The Slovenia-based brand wants to make desirable clothing, avoiding the ethical and environmental issues that the fashion industry represents. Find the garments in sizes XS-XL, or make a custom fit order free of charge!

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Shop Mila.Vert.

Unrecorded

Offers

Unrecorded – Accessories

Caps, beanies, bags: all year round, unisex accessories with a Nordic touch. Limited time Archive Sale: up to 50% off hats and bags. (Ends: 30 NOV)

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Unrecorded – Genderless Sweaters

A range of sustainable sweaters and hoodies—everyday essentials suitable for any wardrobe. Limited time Archive Sale: up to 50% off sweaters and hoodies. (Ends: 30 NOV)

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Unrecorded is an independent clothing brand from the Netherlands that represents a new wave of unisex brands that are rebelling against the nature of fast fashion. Unrecorded is passionate about style, and produces apparel using eco-friendly materials. Its range includes items that are all year round essentials suitable for any wardrobe, available in sizes XS-2XL.

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Shop Unrecorded.

A.BCH

A.BCH is a Melbourne-based, Australian-made fashion label for individuals who care about garment provenance. It utilises renewable, organic, and recycled materials. Find the range in sizes XS-XL, or customise to fit you!

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Shop A.BCH.

ASKET

ASKET has been creating timeless wardrobe essentials since 2015 with revolutionary sizing and fair pricing. The brand disregards seasonal collections, cuts out all the middlemen, and only sells directly to you—putting its entire focus on building a single permanent collection. Find the range in sizes XS-XL.

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Shop ASKET.

L'ENVERS

L'Envers' mission is to design fewer pieces made in a better way. Specialising in knitwear, this Spanish brand believes in mindful, careful, and slow consumption, offering timeless editions guided by conscious, sustainable materials. You can find the knitted collection in sizes XS to XL, or even customise your own piece.

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Shop L'Envers.

Shop L'Envers @ thegreenlabels.

Outland Denim

Taylor Denim Jacket – Ships internationally from Australia

Outland Denim makes premium denim jeans and clothes, and offers ethical employment opportunities for women rescued from human trafficking in Cambodia. This Australian brand was founded as an avenue for the training and employment of women who have experienced sex trafficking. Find most of the brand's range in US sizes 22-34.

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Shop Outland Denim.

Raven + Lily

Addis Backpack – Ships internationally from the US

Offers

A blue and a beige leather tote by Raven + Lily.

Raven + Lily – Totes

Balancing beauty with simplicity, Raven + Lily's totes manage to be practical and elegant all at once. Archive sale: one-off totes at discounted prices. (Ends: 22 DEC)

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A red clutch and a khaki handbag ethically made by Raven + Lily.

Raven + Lily – Handbags

Understated and elegant, the minimal design of these handbags honours the quality of the sustainably-sourced leather. Archive sale: one-off handbags at discounted prices. (Ends: 22 DEC)

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Two product shots of camel and blue leather backpacks sustainably made by Raven + Lily.

Raven + Lily – Backpacks

Sustainable and versatile backpacks that effortlessly flit between smart and casual. Archive sale: one-off backpacks at discounted prices. (Ends: 22 DEC)

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Raven + Lily supports local female artisans to create handmade jewellery, bags, and homewares. This US brand's products are eco-friendly and empower communities through fair wages, healthcare, and education.

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Shop Raven + Lily.

Capsule retailers we love

Veneka

Veneka creates personalised capsule wardrobes featuring sustainable, ethical, and cruelty-free styles. Hand-curated by expert stylists, Veneka will help you discover the power in getting dressed and learn how capsule wardrobes can give us time, mental energy, and resources, instead of taking them away. Some of our favourite "Good" and "Great" brands stocked by Veneka are: Tonle, Armedangels, SKFK, Threads 4 Thought, and Kowtow.

While going full capsule may not be everyone's cup of tea, taking even a few steps towards adopting a more minimalist wardrobe will help foster a mindful approach to fashion. A slow fashion mindset is not only beneficial for our stress levels and bank accounts, it's something that can help change the world.

Check out our winter and summer capsule wardrobe guides for more tips and inspo.

Editor's note

Feature image via Unsplash, body image via The Classic T-Shirt Company, all other images via brands and people mentioned. Good On You publishes the world's most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands' impact on people, the planet and animals. Use our Directory to search more than 3,000 brands. We may earn a commission on sales made using our offer codes or affiliate links.