Guide: Building An Elevated Casual Capsule Wardrobe
In the ever-changing world of fashion, a timeless capsule wardrobe offers enduring style. Picture a closet filled with versatile, high-quality pieces that mix and match effortlessly, keeping you impeccably dressed.
A capsule wardrobe consists of essential, classic items that can be combined in numerous ways. This guide will help you build a functional and elegant collection, whether you're starting from scratch or refining your current wardrobe. Let’s embark on this journey toward simplicity and sophistication.
What is Elevated Casual?
Elevating casual wear involves taking everyday, relaxed clothing and adding refined, stylish elements to create a polished look.
The selection below was inspired by earth tones in brown and beige - a versatile palette and suitable for most skin tones.
01. Brown Linen Suit
The suit in a general sense is a formal garment, but a linen suit is rather casual - hence it fits right into the elevated casual theme. The dark brown linen suit is stylish and versatile, it could be styled more formally with shirt and tie or casually with light knitwear.
02. Overshirt
Working from home changes the way we work, it also influences how we dress. Hence, the overshirt has prevailed in recent years, due to its smart casual appearance. It’s perfect for the video meeting, and running errands. For example, the overshirt can be worn over jeans and a T-shirt, perhaps with its sleeves rolled up. The outfit looks complete, yet no one will say you are overdressed.
The sample shown has lapels, which mimic the look of a sports coat - hence more sophisticated. There are plenty of overshirt designs, you can choose one that fits your style best.
03. White One Piece Collar Shirt
Moving on to the shirting department. As the name suggests, the one piece collar shirt's unique detail is about the collar. It is made out of one piece of fabric, purposely for the open collar look. Depending on the maker, some one piece collars have a beautiful soft roll, which is appreciated by menswear enthusiasts.
04. Blue Chambray Shirt
Chambray is a lightweight cotton fabric, typically light blue but available in various colors, distinguished by its plain weave with a dyed warp yarn and white filling yarn. It resembles denim but is softer and thinner, with origins dating back to the mid-1500s.
This is an ultra-versatile option that everyone needs to have. Whether dressing up with a suit, sport coat or casually with cotton trousers, leaving two buttons open for an effortlessly cool look.
05. Blue Striped Shirt
The striped shirt with stiff collars is slightly more formal out of the three, yet it is essential to create a balance mix of formalities and looks for the capsule wardrobe. Of course this shirt is still a perfect all rounder for any dressing scenarios. For example, when the occasion calls for a dressed up look, go for the striped shirt and a suit. You are dressed to impress.
06. Cream Cotton Trousers
Trousers are the foundation of any outfit, typically classic and versatile is the key for every elegant look. Cream-coloured trousers are great in that sense because it is a neutral colour so it pairs well with everything.
07. Blue Jeans
We have appreciate Davis and Levis Strauss for inventing the jeans. Out of many shades of jeans, we believe mid blue is quite versatile in styling.
Being mindful that everyone’s preference in jean’s fits varies, as seen with the plethora of cuts. We believe a pair of flattering jeans should have a higher rise (waistband at the hip or slightly above) and straight leg. You will immediately notice the silhouette difference this creates.
08. Cream Knitted Polo
A knitted polo blends comfort with sophistication. Its knitted texture adds a touch of refinement compared to traditional cotton polos, making it suitable for both relaxed and slightly dressier occasions.
The polo's versatility allows it to be easily dressed up or down, pairing well with both jeans and tailored trousers. It enhances the overall look, making it a staple for a polished yet relaxed style.
09. Dark Brown Knitted T-shirt
Unlike traditional cotton tees, the knitted fabric offers a more sophisticated look while maintaining comfort. It elevates casual outfits by adding a touch of texture and a polished appearance.
10. Moccasins
Moccasins has always been in style, but they have recently rise in popularity again. Moccasins are known for comfort, versatility, and timeless style.
They offer a blend of casual elegance that pairs well with jeans, chinos, or shorts, making them suitable for various occasions from relaxed outings to semi-formal events. Their slip-on design and quality materials provide ease of wear and a personalised fit, ensuring they remain a practical and fashionable choice year-round.
11. Belgian Loafers
Belgian loafers are essential in an elevated capsule wardrobe for their sleek, slip-on design and timeless sophistication. Originating in Belgium, they gained popularity in the mid-20th century for their minimalistic yet elegant style, crafted from luxurious materials like suede or leather. Their versatility allows them to complement both casual and formal attire, making them a classic choice for those who appreciate refined footwear.
12. Deck Shoes
Deck shoes are ideal for an elevated capsule wardrobe because of their timeless style and practical versatility. Originally designed for sailors in the early 20th century, they combine comfort with a non-slip rubber sole and durable construction.
Today, they are a footwear staple known for effortlessly blending casual and semi-formal styles, making them perfect for pairing with everything from tailored shorts to casual trousers for a refined yet easy going vibe.
Accessories:
To keep the list succinct, ideas for accessories are included in the outfit inspiration below. We will cover accessories in a separate article.
Outfit Inspiration
01. Dapper Casual
This look is perfect for a summer wedding, for both groom and guest. Pairing the dark brown linen suit with striped shirt, navy tie. The look is anchored with the Belgian loafers suede for a sleek yet casual ensemble. Accessories like the bag, glasses and watches are optional, we do believe that it always good to have some solid paring to complete the outfit.
02. Meeting in Style
Redefining the business casual look, popularised by navy sport coat and beige trousers. This outfit incorporates the brown linen jacket from the suit with the cream trousers and dark blue chambray shirt. The look is completed with black moccasin and black belt. By combining elements of smart tailoring with relaxed items like the moccasin, this is the sort of outfit thats looks well put together, without the feeling of overdress.
03. Coffee Run
Skip the hoodie and throw on a luxurious dark brown knitted t-shirt and an overshirt with blue jeans. Of course, keeping it casual and sleek with the black deck shoes.
04. Date night
Pairing luxurious cream knitted polo with the overshirt and the dark brown linen trousers from the suit. This looks strikes the balance between dressing up and casualness by combining tailored silhouette with relaxed fabrics. The outfit subtly says you put thought into it.
05. Effortlessly Cool
Wearing summer friendly fabrics like linen. This is a dressed up look, yet effortless at the same time, because it looks like you took 5 minutes to get ready. Combining dark brown linen jacket with breezy white open collar shirt with the wardrobe stable blue jeans and anchored by black deck shoes. This outfit is perfect for going out, shopping, brunch, coffee and all other leisure activites.
We have included additional outfit inspiration below for your reference.
Wrapping Up
The whole idea behind a capsule wardrobe is versatility. Once used to, you can easily pair outfit for daily occasions and even pack for the holiday in just minutes. We hope the above tips gives you some idea on styling your current wardrobe and perhaps inspired some potential valuable additions.
List of Items
Suit: Anglo-Italian
Overshirt: The Anthology
One-piece collar shirt and jeans: SuitSupply
Chambray & striped shirt: Eton Shirts
Cream Cotton Trousers: Atempo Rubato
Belgian loafers: Yanko
Deck shoes: Morjas
Moccasins: Saman Amel
Accessories
Bag: Frank Clegg
Folio: Mismo DK
Watch: Rolex, Jaeger Le-Coultre
Belt: Morjas
Glasses: Moscot
