How to build a capsule wardrobe from the clothes you already own

Start with your own closet

Pull out the pieces you've worn in the last few months and the ones you reach for without thinking. These show you the colours, fits and styles that already work for you. Your capsule should be built on these, not on a mood-board of someone else's wardrobe.

Pick a colour base

Choose two or three neutrals (for example black, white, navy, beige or grey) for the pieces that carry the most outfits, then one or two accent colours. Because most pieces share the neutrals, almost everything combines with almost everything else.

Choose the categories

A workable starting point is a handful of pieces in each group. Adjust it for your climate and your week.

• Tops: a few plain tees or shirts, plus one or two dressier options.
• Bottoms: two or three pairs, such as jeans, trousers and one casual option.
• Layers: a light jacket or cardigan, plus something warmer if your winters need it.
• Shoes: two or three pairs that cover everyday, smart and active use.
• One or two statement pieces that bring personality.

Test the combinations

Lay out outfits and check each piece appears in at least three. Anything that fits only one outfit is a candidate to store or give away. Anything you wish you could wear in more outfits points to a gap you can fill deliberately.

Fill gaps, don't add duplicates

Once the capsule is set, buy only what unlocks new outfits. A piece that duplicates an existing one adds nothing. Pehno's What to buy next suggests the few purchases that fill real gaps in your wardrobe, and its outfit builder shows the combinations your current pieces already make.