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How to Build a Men’s Capsule Wardrobe: Part 2 (Shirts)
Here’s the next part in Paul’s series on building a Capsule Wardrobe. Enjoy!
‘FASHION CHANGES, BUT STYLE ENDURES.’
– Coco Chanel
Introduction
Your shirt is one of the most important elements of your outfit as it is the first thing people see when they look at you. Let me walk you through exactly what you will need in your capsule wardrobe: t-shirts & long sleeved button-ups (dress shirts).
T-shirts
T-shirts are classic and should be a staple in every man’s capsule wardrobe. Known for being both versatile and simple, they are foundational for your casual look by creating effortless layering.
T-shirts are the base for your outfit, whether you wear them by themselves or pair them with a jacket. There are only six colors that should be in your capsule wardrobe. They are black, white, grey, navy, baby blue and olive green. For your t-shirt staples, you will only need 3 of those 6 colors, black, white and grey. Out of these colors, you will wear white the most.
When selecting your t-shirts, make sure they are made out of cotton for that presentable and all-around look. Fit is crucial, meaning not too tight or too baggy.
Long sleeved button-ups
Long sleeved button ups range from casual to business casual, depending on the material of the shirt. My personal favorite is oxford cotton because of its comfort and presentability.
I suggest two oxford cotton button ups for your capsule wardrobe, one white and one of the other five colors, whatever you like the most. You can pair this with jeans or shorts, depending on the occasion.
Next, you will need a blue denim button up. It can stand out when worn on it’s own, as well as being a subtle base for layering. It is an essential that will never be out of place no matter what you pair it with.
The last shirt that you will need is a baby blue formal button up. It should not be oxford cotton or denim, but one of a smaller knit. Also, avoid silk for it is not versatile and can only pull off a formal look.
There you have it, every shirt that you need for your capsule wardrobe. As you can see, we aren’t working with a ton of shirts; but you will discover how well these few pieces will be more than enough. Stay tuned for a future article on how to make each outfit interesting and unique (spoiler alert: jackets)!
Next up, however – pants!
