How to Build a Capsule Collection Wardrobe - For Men

Carolyn Stanton
Aug 4
2 min read

You may have seen the viral video of Steve Harvey on TikTok, explaining how any man really just needs a few key pieces to dress like “the man” every day. We agree.

Having endless options in your wardrobe only brings on decision fatigue. Do you really need 11 pairs of slacks? How many shirts is too many? If you just rotated out a few key pieces in business-casual colors, you’d streamline your decision making every day- plus, save space in your closet and look great.

Nix the habit to endlessly double click Apple Pay for the quick satisfaction of a purchase. You are smarter than that. Men, build a high quality wardrobe that will last you for years to come. And - look timeless. Here’s how:

First, Define Your Lifestyle & Needs

Ask yourself:

What’s your daily routine? (Work, casual, travel?)
Do you need business attire, casual wear, or a blend?
What’s the climate like where you live?
Do you lean toward classic, modern, or street style?

For the purposes of this guide we’ll focus on a young-middle age range professional living in a temperate climate.

Tops:

2–3 Plain T-shirts (white, black, gray, or navy). Mix a crew neck option with V neck for different occasions.
1–2 Casual shirts (Oxford button-downs or flannel) can take you from a daytime errand to parent-teacher meeting.
1 Chambray or denim shirt - you’ll need it for a last minute barbecue, concert or outdoor fireworks show.
1 White dress shirt - this is your crème de la crème choice for interviews, date night or when you need to turn it up a notch.
1–2 Polos (if part of your casual or smart-casual look) from Ralph Lauren Polo to Unbranded options from Marshall’s these we recommend you lean on heavily.

Outerwear (2–3 items)

1 versatile casual jacket (e.g., bomber, denim, or chore coat)
1 structured coat (e.g., wool overcoat, trench, or peacoat) for weddings and interviews
1 puffer or rain jacket for weather when you’re out and about, fishing or gardening

Bottoms:

1–2 Pairs of dark denim jeans (slim or straight fit) will take you from coffee shop to casual Friday at work.
2 Pair chinos (tan, navy, or olive) will be a mainstay for work which you can rotate out with polos and button down shirts
1 Pair tailored trousers (gray or navy for versatility)
Optional: 1 pair casual joggers or shorts (depending on lifestyle/climate)

Shoes (3–4 pairs)

1 pair white sneakers (casual)
1 pair loafers or derbies (smart casual/dress)
1 pair boots (leather or suede)
Optional: 1 pair trainers for workouts

Accessories (as needed)

Leather belt (black or brown)
Watch (optional)
Scarf/beanie/gloves (cold weather)
Sunglasses

Zooming out, you don’t need a whole lot - just a few key pieces you’ll wear regularly.

If you were to have 5 tops and 5 bottoms you could land up to 150 outfit combinations if you added 2 jackets and 3 different types of shoes. Practically only wearing the same outfit twice in a year!