Building a capsule wardrobe isn’t always an easy task. Trying to whittle down what you wear into just the essentials can be incredibly challenging, especially if you love to have a lot in your wardrobe! Scaling back will not only seriously help you reduce the stress of getting ready and cut down on your clothing purchases, but your bank balance will thank you for it, too.
To help you get started, we’ve put together our pick of some stylishly sustainable essentials that will make sure you look and feel incredible, whilst helping you reduce your consumption.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
Before getting into our handpicked essentials, let’s take a look at what a capsule wardrobe actually is.
Born from the sustainable fashion movement, this is a pared-down collection of clothing that’s been consciously curated by you. The idea is to invest in garments that you can mix and match, creating multiple looks from just a few pieces.
So, rather than buying a pair of trousers that can only be worn with that one specific top you have and looks dreadful with anything else, you buy the pair that can be worn with just about anything in your wardrobe! It’s more sustainable, cost-effective, and will save you a lot of time getting ready.
To kick-start your capsule wardrobe, here are some of our sustainable must-haves.
1. Alter Iconic T-Shirt – £26
Every capsule wardrobe needs a plain white tee. This is (probably) the most versatile piece of clothing ever made! Dress it down with a pair of joggers or leggings, head for a night out with jeans and a smart jacket, or wear it to the office with a suit. A white t-shirt is ready for every event on your calendar.
We love Alter’s Iconic White T-Shirt, made from super soft organic cotton that uses up to 90% less water than non-organic cotton. This high-quality piece isn’t going to be riddled with holes after a few washes, either: it’s made to last, which is exactly what your capsule wardrobe needs.
2. Love Hero Gender Neutral Jacket – £350
When you’re in the mood to dress up, we don’t doubt you’ll head straight for this incredible Gender Neutral Jacket from Love Hero. In an oversized fit, it’s the perfect layering piece to make any outfit a little more formal. Throw over a black dress or pair it with your favourite suit trousers and your plain white t-shirt. Containing FSC-certified viscose and recycled polyester, you’ll look fabulous with less of an impact on the planet, too.
3. BIBICO Libby Blouse – £55
With a subtle pinstripe, a v-neck buttoned opening, and a gently oversized fit, the BIBICO Libby Blouse has us longing for summer days walking the streets of Southern France or enjoying a street-side cappuccino in Italy. Beautifully relaxed, it’s the ideal weekend blouse! Pair it with a pair of denim shorts or comfy leggings for an outfit that’s effortlessly chic.
4. Point to Point Striped Khadi Trousers – £125
A capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to say no to patterns and colour. As long as you choose a standout piece that’s still versatile, it won’t be out of place in your collection. These Point to Point Striped Trousers are the perfect example. Handspun from merino wool and naturally dyed, these sustainable trousers can be worn with a smart pair of heels for business meetings or a pair of white trainers for a laid-back brunch.
We also love that they’re designed for all weather. The breathable materials will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, and on extra hot days you can roll up the bottoms for a super chilled look.
5. Alter Zipped Hoodie – £69
Everyone needs a good hoodie in their capsule wardrobe. Perfect for throwing on for a coffee run or heading to the gym, this casual essential will always be on our list of must-haves. In particular, the Alter Zipped Hoodie is a team favourite.
A sustainably durable piece, it’s made from 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester. The zip makes it a great choice for varying weather, too – wear it open for a little cover on your arms or zipped up for extra warmth. It’s a no-frills staple that you’ll get plenty of wear out of.
6. KAMI Beluga Mesh Leggings – £85
For lazy days, morning runs, and gym sessions, the KAMI Beluga Mesh Leggings are a perfect choice. These versatile bottoms are as good for lazing on the sofa as they are for running a 5K! They’re also made with recycled materials, including ECONYL® regenerated nylon, so they tick our sustainable boxes. Pair them with the Alter Zipped Hoodie, the BIBICO Libby Blouse, or the Iconic White T-shirt for three easy looks.
7. LOVE HERO Wide-Leg Trousers – £200
A lot of capsule wardrobe essentials are essential items in neutral colours, perfect for mixing and matching. But, it’s never a bad idea to shake things up with a pop of colour. When you’re looking for a little more oomph in your wardrobe, opt for the LOVE HERO Wide-Leg Trousers, made from eco-friendly, non-toxic Tencel and organic cotton.
In bright, bold pink, they instantly jazz up your wardrobe and can be paired with just about any black or white basic garment. It’s the easiest go-to outfit for when you want to feel fabulous! In fact, because they’re such a stylish statement, these trousers do most of the work for you, and you’ll look ready to own the world as soon as you put them on.
A capsule wardrobe is entirely personal and should be built from garments you know you’re going to wear often. These are just some of our personal favourites, but if they’re not for you, that’s okay. We have plenty more styles that are ideal for capsule wardrobes, made by brands who care about their impact on the planet. Start browsing our full collection to see what inspires you.