How to Create the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe-Menswear

Hey PPRs!! So sorry I haven't written in so long but we had an absolutely crazy week with CFW last week and this weekend I spent in an extremely deep state of slumber getting my brain back in gear! I can't complain too much though as our (extremely) hard work paid off-Elizabeth Hurley, Shane Warne and Van Morrison amongst many other turned out for our VIP event last Thursday to make it not only a couture show to die for, but a star-studded extravaganza! Keep your eyes peeled for up-coming posts on all of our couture designers that featured in our VIP Show, including Nina Naudstal, Joanna Almagro, Jexica, Hemyca, Juno Says Hello and Yan To.

I now have a million and one things to catch up on this week and so I'm doing a quick menswear post today on How to Create the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe. Ideal for the change from SS12 to AW12 and perfect timing to see what is showing at the big four; New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks! As those style savvy amongst us may be able to make some very economical buys now that will see them all the way through to SS13!

Finding a Casual Wardrobe

Often it can be quite tricky for a man to put together a casual wardrobe, work is fine as you will have a uniform, a suit, guidelines and restrictions to follow; but there is no such luck in the world of casual wear. Having a never-ending choice means that most will impulsively grab the first T-Shirt they think will match a pair of jeans at home. But is this really the best way to shop?! Sure you have that T-Shirt to wear for now, but really think about it-what else will this T-Shirt go with? Is it a passing trend that in six months’ time will be forgotten about and maybe even regretted? And sure it may look OK with that pair of jeans, but don’t you want something that not only looks ridiculously good with those jeans, but also with that pair of chinos in your closet, that cardigan you bought last year, your favourite shorts you wear every summer? Now that is an investment piece. Something you can wear in a variety of ways so that each and every time you do it looks different, creating the illusion of an endless supply of high-quality classic pieces without having the need to buy another wardrobe. This is what you need to think about the next time you go shopping, a little bit of preparation time will pay off drastically, saving you time and effort when you are trying to choose any outfit in the future, no longer will you suffer from the dread of having nothing to wear as everything you own will match everything else. Never again will you throw on any old shirt and trousers, catch a glimpse of your reflection in a shop window and to your horror realise that what you thought was the shabby chic look, in fact is just the shabby look.

Key Pieces for a Capsule Wardrobe.

Firstly start with a good quality pair of jeans. There are so many styles to choose from now that it really is personal preference on what you like; skinny, straight leg classic. Just make sure that you get them in the correct waist size and leg length as a poorly fitting pair of jeans is a big faux pas. You should have at least two pairs of different colours; indigo, grey and worn-black are very popular this season.

Next invest in a really well fitting pair of chinos. The coloured trouser trend we have been seeing for the past few seasons is still as prominent this AW12 so any colour that takes your fancy to brighten up those dreary grey Autumn will no doubt be bang on trend. The main colours that I will be buying into this AW12 will be blues and oranges in particular but any warm shade is certain to keep you way ahead in the style stakes. They are also perfect to match with almost anything you have in your wardrobe already as they sit very nicely with most colours.

Now for the torso, get yourself a set of high-quality T-Shirts-round neck, v-neck, polo neck; it’s up to you but make sure they’re plain tops without a pattern and that they are the correct fit. Definitely invest in a white and black and then any other colours that suit your skin tone. Invest in some good quality shirts too; plaid, striped and plain-again in black and white or colours that suit your skin tone.

As we are now in September, the months are set to get ever colder so of course it would be sensible to also decide upon a couple of chunky knit sweaters and/or cardigans. Keep one in a neutral tone and the other you can experiment with in a bright colour or complex pattern. For a smarter occasion a fine knit sweater may look better over a shirt or polo.

Once you have these key pieces to achieve a real wardrobe for everyday life you can then think about buying more intricate pieces and accessories in funkier styles and patterns. Just remember to keep them in neutral tones and really think about what you already have before buying to ensure that you will always have something to match them.