How to Build a Men's Capsule Wardrobe to Make Getting Dressed Easy in 2024

First we have to start by answering the question of what a capsule wardrobe even is in the first place. In short, a capsule wardrobe is a simple yet carefully curated collection of clothes that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits, which in turn maximizes your closet potential. Remember when you were a kid and your parents always put an emphasis on buying and working with the basics? They were building you a capsule a wardrobe even if you didn't know it (or your parents didn't quite know there was an official name for that).

When putting together a capsule wardrobe, it's important to start from the bottom and work your way up. Perhaps a pair or two of jeans, and then a couple of other neutral pants in the form dress pants, khakis/chinos, some joggers/sweatpants etc. If you want, you could add a pair of shorts that's based on your personal style as well. After you've decided on the bottoms, it's time to make a move to the tops. Now you are going to need more tops than bottoms just as a general rule of thumb because this is where the mixing and matching will come in.

If you can get about about twenty to twenty-five shirts that range in different styles with layering ability such as short sleeve, long sleeve, button-up, etc., then that's a good start with having a variety to work with for rotating seasons (and if you feel you need to add more you can). As for shoes, we'd say about four to six is the sweet spot. Sneaker/shoeheads may be reading this in dismay, but if you are keeping it simple, a couple of sneakers, a couple of pairs of sandals, and a solid pair or two of boots for the fall and winter is more than enough to make it work. Again, we're just talking about the basics

• Alternatives: Vuori Strato Tech Tee, $54, J. Crew Washed Jersey Tee, $16.50, Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee, $35

If you're going to start with anything, start with a white tee as it can be dressed up and paired underneath a nice jacket/blazer, dressed down, and/or worn by itself. Many regard white t-shirts as being the most important component of any wardrobe due to their versatility, so it wouldn't hurt to invest in a couple. This Hanes tee is a great entry-level option that features Cool DRI™ technology and is comprised of 100% polyester with a contemporary fit, making it a great option for most wardrobes.

• Alternatives: Charles Tyrwhitt Non-Iron Twill Grid Check Shirt, $109, $39.95, Men's Wrinkle-Free Classic Oxford Cloth Shirt, $64.95, H&M Slim-Fit Easy-Iron Shirt, $19.99

Button-down shirts are a classic clothing must-have, and should be included in every closet if you ask us. They present a professional appearance that can be worn to job interviews, business meeting, or even your actual job itself if the dress code allows. Button-down shirts also make for nice lunch date/date night wear as it has a formal look while still not being too dressy, and you can wear it on your casual outings as well. A winner all around.

• Alternatives: Vuori Short-Sleeve Manhattan Button Down, $98, Percival Pablo Cuban Shirt, $180

Camp collar shirts are also a versatile statement piece that provides a different look when worn open as opposed to buttoned. You can also pair them with jeans, shorts, khakis, and even dress pants depending on the color and quality. Camp collars are an automatic—especially if you live in a warmer climate.

• Alternatives: Express Crew Neck Supersoft Tank Top, $20, $7.10, Forever 21 Ribbed Knit Tank Top, $8.99, $7.10, Old Navy Go-Dry Rib-Knit Tank Tops 3-Pack for Men, $22.99, $15.99

If you want, you can rock a white ribbed tank by itself as tanks are definitely meant to "showcase the guns," but you can also wear them underneath/pair them with button-down shirts, camp collars, and even with certain blazers. Like we said, sometimes you've just gotta play around a bit.

• Alternatives: L.L. Bean's Classic Crewneck Sweatshirt, $59.95, $44.99 Peter Millar Lava Wash Garment Dyed Crew, $65 - $130, Cotton Novas 470 G Heavyweight Loop Terry Crew Neck Shirt, $67.74, $59.61

If you can manage to get one or two neutral color crew neck sweatshirts, then you'll be in good shape to start your capsule wardrobe as crew necks obviously go great with joggers and shorts, along with jeans. If you tend to veer towards athletic/athleisure style, then crew necks are a must.

• Alternatives: Levi's Canvas Sherpa Trucker Jacket, $128, Wrangler Sherpa Lined Corduroy Trucker Jacket, $89.99, 7 For All Mankind Trucker Jacket, $298, $209

For those that live in cooler climates (or for cooler days as a whole), a trucker jacket is another great investment because it technically works for all seasons including winter and spring, and trucker jackets as a whole can last for several years. You can rock with jeans/skinny jeans, chinos, and certain types of dress pants.

• Alternatives: Peter Millar Vintage Washed Five-Pocket Denim, $100 - $200, Flint and Tinder Everyday Stretch Denim, $98, Wrangler Five Star Regular Fit Jeans, $24.99

Some say that dark denim jeans are more flattering. We think that's more of a personal opinion, but we do know that dark jeans go very well with cooler neutral colors. Hoodies, blazers, t-shirts—those all go with dark jeans. The epitome of minimalism style, dark denim jeans are another capsule piece to add to your rotation.

• Alternatives: Mugsy Jeans Foxtrots Camo, $118, $70,Todd Snyder Straight Fit Selvedge Jean $198, Hollister Men's Light Wash Stacked Skinny Jeans, $49.95

Same deal with light wash jeans which are easily mix and matchable. There's tons of styling options to go with some of our earlier suggestions such as the white tees, the camp collars, and the crew necks. In fact, the lighter color might make them more easily pairable than dark wash denim.

• Alternatives: Old Navy Slim Built-In Flex Rotation Chino Pants for Men, $26.99, Kohl's Men's Straight-Fit Stretch Chino Pants, $34.99, Aeropostale Athletic Fit Chinos, $28

Investing in chinos is another fashion rule because there's tons you can do with them. They offer a blend between casual and professional, and can be worn to many different functions. Chinos come in a wide range of cuts and styles, so as long as you're willing to do the work and seeing what goes well with them in your capsule, they'll work out for you.

• Alternatives: Orvis Angler Chino Shorts, $89, Truewerk Stretch Work Shorts, $69, Bonobos Easy Lightweight Shorts, $89, $59

We said earlier that you were going to need one pair of shorts to rock with in your capsule, and we think the best option for that are canvas shorts because they tend to be comfortable, made with cooling properties, and stretchable. You can pair canvas shorts with a variety of shorts, those crewnecks we mentioned earlier, or get a little fancy and add a blazer. It's up to you!

• Alternatives: Banana Republic White Sneakers, $80, $48 Nike Court Legacy, $70, Vans Seldan Sneaker, $69.99

And you tie your capsule wardrobe all together with the shoes. Those cargo shorts? White sneakers go with them. Those jeans we mentioned earlier? Oh, white sneakers go with them too. You want to know what else white sneakers go with? A white tee and a white tank. Want to know what's a simple but always effective outfit. A white tee, jeans, and white sneakers. Banger.

• Alternatives: Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap-toe Oxford Dress Boot, $495, Red Wing Men's Iron Ranger, $349.99, SOREL Madson II Chukka Waterproof, $190, $135.75

Brown boots can be the center piece to your outfit. A make or break if you will. Thanks to its neutrality, it can work with every clothing type we've listed above, and along with being a complementary piece, brown boots also contrast quite well. For example, brown can go with navy blue even though one is a warm color and the other is cool. See? We knew what we were doing by suggesting brown boots!