Building a Capsule Wardrobe with very.co.uk

Where to begin when building a capsule wardrobe? The rule of thumb, and one I absolutely adhere to, is the more garments that complement each other the more miles you'll get out of each. The only concession to this rule is that you won't transmit the more exciting elements and daring adventures you hold inside. But that's what statement pieces are for. And that's a separate beast. Today, with the help of the good folk over at very.co.uk I'm going to show you how to build a capsule wardrobe from scratch that will offer comfort, function, but more importantly, versatility. 

Sunglasses

Every man requires at least one pair of sunglasses. You might want to expand upon this accessory once you've established a cohesive look that you can identify with. For example you might want to indulge in the fantasy of wearing a different pair to the beach, when driving, in the beer garden or even when walking the dogs.

Each staple item you choose could be with the founding father brand. Maybe it's Levi's with jeans, or Baracuta with the Harrington, I like to think that Oakley sunglasses are in that league. These Pitchman sunglasses have a timeless look that will serve you well in any occasion.

Tees 

These block coloured tee shirts (Pack of 3 white, black and grey) will make layering super-easy. A simple colour tee under a check flannel shirt for example is a very effective and mature look. One thing with these simple tee's, they double-up fine for pyjama tops. If any man tells you that they don't wear the same tee to bed that they've worn for the best part of the day, they're lying.

Chinos

I've long been a huge progenitor of loose chinos. These loose pants by Vans come in a breathable fabric that will complement not only most shirts and jackets, but the upcoming Spring/Summer season.

A practical pair of chinos can look smart from afar and not too shabby up close. The main allure with this kind of garment is comfort. You can wear these around the house and the partner won't think you've given up. Put with a belt to dress it up.

Beanie

I've also picked out a premium black beanie from Tommy Hilfiger. Whilst I'm not one for flashy logos, the Tommy Hilfiger logo is just subtle enough to go under the radar, yet prominent enough to give it some character. The winters are long in the UK. If you’re a dog walker like me then they are something of a must.

Shacket

Shackets became a thing around 6-7 years ago. At least, that's when I started noticing them. Although arguably episode two of Curb Your Enthusiasm back in 2000, really announced the arrival when Larry and Mary end up buying identical his and her 'shackets'. It's an in-between garment that basically serves as smart outerwear. Perhaps it's too warm for a jacket, too cool for a shirt. This versatile shacket will be cannon fodder for those Spring/Summer outdoor events and will keep you looking smart throughout. A neutral colour will also pair well with the aforementioned black chinos, block coloured tees etc.

Sneakers

Lastly, the pair of sneakers that every man should own, the white leisure sneakers. These Asics aren't cheap compared to the rest of the items I've recommend, but sneakers are investment pieces. These white sneakers will help coordinate the entire look and anchor the capsule wardrobe in the smart/casual sphere. The key is to keeping these trainers clean.