Inside my...
Capsule Wardrobe
with Jack
Zelenka
Capsule wardrobes are no industry secret. A few
essential pieces of clothing can make deciding what to
wear a thing of the past, as certain items just don’t seem
to go out of fashion. When you combine these bare
essentials with more seasonal clothing, you can create
a variety of outfits and looks with minimum effort. In a
general sense, men have always done this and for this
reason I consider myself pretty grateful to be a bloke
sometimes, not having to worry quite so much about
keeping up with the latest trends.
The first item on my list is more of a rule than a specific
item of clothing. Don’t be afraid of plain clothes. Too
often with high street retailers especially, you see
t-shirts or jumpers adorned with printed imaging or
patterns. Basic clothing doesn’t have to be dull; a simple
plain white t-shirt can be an integral part of a variety
of looks. For example a white tee under an unbuttoned
denim shirt, sleeves rolled up, is a quick fire look that is
totally underutilised. The same goes for under a leather
biker jacket: instant James Dean rebel without a cause.
Even on its own the plain white tee can be used as
casual sleepwear or as part of a more beatnik look.
Don’t forget the black t-shirt either: often overlooked
by its white brother, the black tee manages to be bold
despite its basic nature. With any clothing, fit really is
important. Too baggy and you could look like you just
couldn’t be bothered to dress, too tight and you can
reveal more of your body shape than you intended.
For any 20 plus male, a variety of button down shirts is
a must. Depending on how you choose to wear a shirt,
it can be equally suited to a nightclub or job interview.
While check shirts are very much more of a casual item,
they can go with just about any item of clothing you can
imagine. Buttoned all the way to the top, tucked into
your trousers with a bow tie, unbuttoned and loose over
a tee shirt...the list is endless. They’re easy to find too
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- Vintage shops are usually laden with rail upon rail of
plaid wonders in a variety of colours for you to pick from.
Plain Oxford shirts are also an essential. Effortlessly
classic and relatively affordable, the Oxford is ready to
be worn however you want for almost any occasion. We
recommend layering them with a thin sweater for a laid
back weekend look. Just make sure the colours don’t
clash and that you’re showing the right amount of collar
over the neck of the sweater.
‘ Plain clothing doesn’t have to
be dull; a simple plain white
t-shirt can be an integral part
of a variety of looks.’
When choosing bottoms, guys are usually pinned down
to three main choices, Jeans, Chinos or Cords. If you
choose chinos or cords, always avoid bright colours if
you’re looking to give off a mature impression. A pair
of well-fitting classic chinos pair up perfectly with a
light Oxford shirt for a smart but not overly formal look.
Choosing jeans however is almost like making a lifestyle
decision. It’s difficult. Finding the right fit, the right
colour... It can be a nightmare. Despite this, finding the
right pair will leave you with a friend for life. By their very
nature they are rugged and durable so if treated well will
be a vital part of your wardrobe for years. While skinny
jeans are great (if you’ve got the legs for them), they can
be limiting to both your wardrobes versatility and your
own personal mobility! Like with coloured chinos, skinny
jeans can give off an overly youthful impression that will
date as you get older, leaving you out of pocket.