British designer Amanda Wakeley shares her insights on creating a timeless and sustainable wardrobe through essential pieces.
Having a to-die-for wardrobe doesn’t have to mean rows and rows of exquisite options. All you need is a good head on your shoulders and a clear sense of your personal style in building that 10-30 piece capsule wardrobe.
From classic blazers to versatile dresses, Amanda talks about foundational items that can be mixed and matched, ensuring endless outfit possibilities.
The build
Classifying what you have
It is best to start with what you currently have when building your capsule wardrobe. Do a massive try-on and see which ones fit and flatter you.
I would start by making sure you have some well-fitting lingerie
Amanda Wakeley
The goal is to trim it down to just 10-20 items of your existing clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Choosing your colour palette
Anna Curtis, founder of Colour Code, says “you should prioritise creating a wardrobe that brings you joy, makes you feel confident and reflects your personality.”
When you shop from a tonally cohesive palette, half the work is already done for you and you’re building a wardrobe that coordinates perfectly.
Anna Curtis
Because our skin tone can change depending on the time of year – not to mention hair colour – Wakeley recommends going old school, i.e. coming into a shop to try on clothes, when intending to experiment with colours and bold prints.
Go for quality and versatility
Wakeley recommends, “Pick pieces that can be styled in different ways and worn for various occasions.”
A classic design and high-quality fabric – such as linen – are not only versatile but also ensure breathability and ease.
Items such as a well-tailored blazer, crisp white shirts, a little black dress, and versatile shoes are integral. The idea is to create a cohesive wardrobe that simplifies dressing and maximises style with minimal effort
Amanda Wakeley
These investment pieces add an air of sophistication to any outfit while maintaining timeless appeal.
Wakeley wraps it up well when she said that “a well-curated capsule wardrobe strikes a balance – while your wardrobe’s foundation should include versatile, functional pieces, there’s always room for items that can be transformative – a statement belt, shoes, jewellery or a bag, not to mention a pop of unexpected colour.”