You probably already know what you like wearing and what looks good on you. But life rarely remains stagnant: perhaps you’ve started a new job that requires different clothes or your body has changed over the last few years. Or maybe you just feel like shaking things up. Before you start building your collection, spend some time really considering your style and picturing the kinds of things you want in your wardrobe in 10, 20 or even 30 years time. Though we’ve highlighted that circumstances can change, when it comes to a capsule collection, try to put a long-term lens on each item. What do you see your future self wearing? That vintage Burberry trench? Yes. That low-rise revival skirt? Probably not.   

Finding visual style references can simplify this step. Screenshot photos, make a collage, start a Pinterest board – really map out what your capsule wardrobe (and you) will look like.   

The closet audit should have revealed what is missing from your capsule wardrobe, so now is the time to map out what you need to source. There’s no fixed number of items to have in a capsule wardrobe; some put a number around 30 while others go as high as 50. (And let’s not forget Donna Karan nailed her capsule collection with just seven pieces.) Be More with Less founder Courtney Carver created a minimalist fashion challenge called Project 333 which encourages participants to choose 33 different items to wear during three-month periods (so a seasonal capsule wardrobe). This approach has been popular, but it’s really an individual decision. Your lifestyle, your activities and the seasons where you live should give you an idea of the quantity you actually need.   

Don’t be afraid to wreak organisational havoc on this step: write lists, break your wardrobe into categories (work, events and going out) and itemise garment types (pants, jeans, jackets, shirts, etc.). Some pre-planning here will make it easier when the time comes to start shopping as you will know what you’re looking for, in what colours and in what style.   

If you’re buying new items, we suggest first finding brands you like and want to shop with. We’ll suggest a few at the end of this article that have passed our climate credentials and are doing good for the planet.  

One of the things that you might not realise is that brands lowering their environmental impact tend to design timeless, seasonless garments – excellent for capsule wardrobe building. They also tend to use higher quality materials that are better for the environment and the longevity of your clothes (think organic cotton and linen).   

Your capsule wardrobe absolutely doesn’t need to be filled with new clothes though. Second-hand stores and online vintage accounts are bursting with things like blazers, jackets, suit pants and designer pieces. They also do well to highlight styles and pieces that have never gone out of fashion, which is exactly what you want for your capsule wardrobe. If you’ve put in the hard yards during the planning stages, the preloved search will also be much easier as you’ll know exactly what you’re after.   

Once you’ve built your capsule wardrobe, spend some time experimenting with outfits. See how your new staple pieces work or can be styled differently. Take photos, create new looks and model outfit options for your housemates. This will also help future you fight decision fatigue and the stress of getting dressed because you’ll already be familiar with your capsule wardrobe and the items you want to wear for all sorts of occasions.