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We’ve all been there – a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear. Styling separates is annoying as it is, and adding the ever-changing trends and styles to the mix only makes it worse. So, what can one do to look stylish, while still having a manageable wardrobe and make styling daily wear easy? The solution is simple: sticking to timeless basics.
The minimal style will always stay trendy and help you look put together and chic. This is where capsule wardrobes come in to further simplify your daily struggle of getting dressed. So, let’s dive into what exactly a capsule wardrobe is, the essentials you need to build one yourself, transition it for the monsoon, and my top picks for this season.
What Is A Capsule Wardrobe
Between the minimalism trend and Marie Kondo making us question if our belongings ‘spark joy’, people across the world have realised that decluttering and owning fewer things actually make their lives easier. This explains the growing popularity of capsule wardrobes, that make it easier and efficient to get dressed. The idea is to own a curated collection of high-quality essentials that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. The higher quality of clothing means they will last longer, while the small number means you will pick items you really love and will wear more often. Capsule wardrobes are also a sustainable choice and challenge the patterns of fast fashion.
How To A Build A Capsule Wardrobe
You will need basic tops, bottoms, and layers to create a variety of looks. The ideal way to is to have 4-5 options of each in neutral colours so you can pair them for multiple outfits without needing to repeat. Don’t worry, it’s not going to be boring! You also get to include accent pieces that will help you stand out. Seasonal essentials and accessories like a formal tote, shoulder bag, footwear, and belt are also things to consider for a functional and efficient wardrobe. The only catch is that you must find pieces that complement each other to allow for a classy ensemble no matter what you pick.
Monsoon Capsule Wardrobe: Dos & Don’ts
As it starts to pour out there, it only makes sense to transition your wardrobe for the monsoon. Worry not, you can do it with pieces you already own with the addition of a few rainy season essentials and layers. But before I reveal my ideal monsoon picks, let’s look at the basic dos and don’ts.
Dos 
– Waterproof: Waterproof footwear is a no-brainer for the monsoon but you also need to find waterproof versions as many things as possible. From bags to footwear and bottom wear, look for sturdy and durable options that will survive the humid weather and stains from mud and water.
– Bright Shades: While the sky is gloomy and the trees provide a lush green background, it’s time to stand out with bright shades and prints that will help you stand out. Adding bright accent maxi dresses, co-ord sets, and other pieces to your capsule wardrobe in addition to basic white, black, and beige will help you look and feel stylish effortlessly.
– Quick-dry Fabrics: Whether you’re caught in a sudden downpour or a few drops sneaked in through your rain protection, it’s annoying to sit at work or through classes in wet clothes. Quick-dry fabrics like cotton, crepe, polyester, and nylon will help you stay comfortable.
Don’ts 
– Fitted Bottoms: Even if you carry an umbrella or wear a raincoat, your legs are bound to get wet during your commute. In such a case, fitted bottoms are quite annoying and to put it oh so eloquently – it’s icky. Opting for straight-fit trousers, palazzos, or simply switching to skirts will help you stay breezy and cool.
– Leather: While pure leather tends to attract mould growth during the humid monsoon, cracks and chips start appearing in faux leather when wet. Leather is also difficult to clean and hence, it is best to avoid the fabric during the monsoon when it comes to exposed elements like bags and footwear.
– See-Through Fabrics: Yes, while see-through fabrics will get wet, wearing proper innerwear is a simple solution to avoid faux-pas moments. However, light sheer fabrics also offer no protection against the wind and you will end up feeling cold.
Editor’s Picks
Now that you know all about capsule wardrobes, here are some of my favourite picks to help you build your own. All the pieces from this curation can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, so you can look stylish regardless of what you’re dressing for – work or play.
Tops
Tops in neutral shades are the first step in creating your capsule wardrobe. Neutral shades and clean silhouettes are the best choice so they can be paired with multiple bottoms. I recommend the top-rated casual shirt from High Star which has a loose fit while still having a structured look for all occasions. The sustainable hidden gem Creatures of Habit offers clothing in a wide range of sizes and their jersey tank is a must-have. For daily wear and laid-back looks, opt for the cropped t-shirt from Twenty Dresses by Nykaa Fashion which is soft and comfortable.
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Bottoms
Finding well-fitting bottoms is key to building your capsule wardrobe as they must flatter your body while being comfortable. You should also stick to solid shades to style them easily with other tops and layers. Begin with black pants or trousers like the top-rated cotton pants from Piroh that have a comfortable fit with cute button details. The Forever 21 peach skirt can also be styled with multiple tops and jackets. They’re a must-have as the timeless pleated skirts are a top trend in 2024. Speaking of timeless, denim is a non-negotiable as it is highly versatile. While jeans may not be the best option for the rainy season, try mini denim skirts like the top-rated option from MIXT by Nykaa Fashion.
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Layers
Layering up helps create an interesting silhouette and adds warmth in rainy weather with cold winds. A trench coat has been designed for the rain and helps you look stylish. We recommend the double-breasted long trench coat from RSVP by Nykaa Fashion that has a stylish notch lapel and a belt for the shape-defining cinched waist. For formal events and work wear, this highly-rated relaxed blazer from Marks & Spencer should be on your wish list. Scarves are also a great option to layer, and this best-selling linen scarf from Forever New is ideal if you wish for more coverage.
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Accent Pieces
Now, for the fun part! The concept of capsule wardrobes may seem boring but you can customise them to your liking and personal style. Adding accent pieces helps you bring your colourful side and take advantage of the neutral clothing in your capsule wardrobe. For the ultimate weekend look, opt for the Kazo x Janhvi Kapoor sequin scarf top that has adjustable straps. Similarly, you can stand out in all party pics by wearing this whimsical iridescent skirt at the next night out. If you love a sporty look, this colour-blocked windcheater from Bewakoof is a functional and stylish option for the monsoon.
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Rain Essentials
Of course, you cannot survive the monsoon without good-quality umbrellas and raincoats. They’re also great to have on hand for vacations and outings throughout the year. To make a style statement, opt for pastel or printed rainwear like the latest style solid blue Clownfish raincoat or the bestseller polka dot poncho from Twenty Dresses by Nykaa Fashion. If raincoats are not your thing, try the bestselling Kenneth Cole umbrella that protects against rain and shine for year-round use. It is made of water-resistant polyester, meaning you don’t have to deal with it soaking wet once indoors.
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FAQs On Capsule Wardrobe
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How many clothes should be in a capsule wardrobe?
The ideal number is 30–40 but there is no definitive answer to how many clothes should be in a capsule wardrobe. Some people follow a 25-piece approach, some say you should have 10 of each top, bottom, and layer for a total of 30, while some say 37. We suggest you consider your personal preferences and needs and build a wardrobe depending on how many outfits you need in a week.
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What is the 5 4 3 2 1 formula of capsule wardrobe?
5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 accessories, 2 practical shoes, and 1 swimsuit. This version of the capsule wardrobe is perfect for vacations, as it helps you pack light while carrying all the essentials.
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How to create a seasonal capsule wardrobe?
Seasonal capsule wardrobes can be created using a combination of basics and essentials for the season. For the monsoon, it means trench coats, waterproof footwear and fabrics, and raincoats or umbrellas. You can swap these essentials out for different seasons like lightweight layers and hats for the summer or coats and thicker fabrics for the winter to transition your capsule wardrobe effortlessly and efficiently.