The men's capsule wardrobe: fewer pieces, more outfits

Most of us know the feeling: you stand in front of a full wardrobe in the morning and think you have nothing to wear. Usually the problem isn't how many clothes you own but that they don't go together. A basic — or capsule — wardrobe solves exactly that: a few well-chosen, simple pieces, each of which works with all the others. Here is where to start and how to combine them.

What a capsule wardrobe is

The idea is simple: instead of lots of random pieces, you keep 10–15 essentials in neutral colours and simple cuts that complement each other. The maths works in your favour: three tops and two pairs of trousers already give you six different outfits, and add a jacket you can wear or leave off, and you have twelve.

As a result you spend less time choosing what to wear, fewer clothes sit unworn in the wardrobe, and you always look put together.

Start with colour

The base of a capsule is neutral colours that go with almost anything:

• Core colours: navy, black, grey, white and beige.
• Accent colours: one or two shades that suit you — olive, brown, light blue or green, for example.
• A simple rule: if the trousers are neutral, the top can stand out more, and the other way round.

The essentials

T-shirts

Two or three plain T-shirts — white, grey, navy or your favourite colour. Wear them on their own, under an open shirt or a sweater, or with a jacket. Choose simple T-shirts without big prints, so they go with everything.

Shirts

One or two shirts in light shades — white, light blue or beige. A good shirt works on a working day and at the weekend: button it up, wear it with an open collar, or wear it open over a T-shirt like a light outer layer. A light blue shirt, for example, goes easily with both light and dark trousers.

Trousers

Two pairs: one light (beige or sand) and one dark (olive, navy or grey). Cotton chinos look a little smarter than jeans but less formal than suit trousers, so they suit almost any occasion. If you already have a pair of jeans that fit well, they are part of your capsule too.

Sweater

One or two not-too-thick sweaters in neutral colours. A crew-neck sweater can go over a T-shirt or a shirt, while a quarter-zip looks a little sportier. From autumn to spring it will be one of the things you wear most.

A light jacket

One jacket for the in-between seasons — an overshirt, a cotton trucker-style jacket or a bomber. Navy is probably the most versatile colour: it works with beige trousers, dark trousers and jeans alike. You can start with our jackets.

Shoes

One pair of simple, plain sneakers — white or black. They go with chinos and jeans and finish an everyday outfit.

Five ready-made outfits

1. Weekend: a T-shirt, beige trousers and white sneakers.
2. Office: a white or light blue shirt with dark trousers. In the evening, undo the top button for a more relaxed look.
3. Autumn working day: a shirt with a sweater over it and beige trousers.
4. City walk: a T-shirt, a light jacket, jeans or trousers and sneakers.
5. Dinner with friends: a dark sweater, light trousers and clean sneakers.

Building your capsule step by step

• Start with what you have: set aside the things you actually wear and see what's missing.
• Choose quality over quantity: look at the fabric and the seams. Cotton is comfortable for everyday wear, and a small amount of elastane gives trousers a little stretch.
• Pay attention to fit: a simple piece that fits well always looks better than an expensive one that doesn't.
• Add gradually: one or two new pieces a season is enough to keep your wardrobe fresh.

In short

• 2–3 plain T-shirts
• 1–2 shirts in light shades
• 2 pairs of trousers — one light, one dark
• 1–2 sweaters in neutral colours
• 1 light jacket
• 1 pair of simple sneakers

You can browse Giordano men's clothing — T-shirts, shirts, trousers, sweaters and jackets — in our online shop or visit Giordano stores in Yerevan Mall, Dalma Garden Mall, Rio Mall and MegaMall Armenia, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.