So you want to minimize your wardrobe, simplify your styling and optimize your morning routine? Sounds like you’re ready to build a capsule wardrobe. Over the years, the capsule wardrobe has taken many forms but in its purest sense, it’s a minimal approach to dressing. 

To begin building your capsule men’s wardrobe, menswear merchandiser Beata Drzymalska suggests you start with versatility and quality in mind.

- Build a foundation with timeless pieces: ‘Focus on neutral colors, avoid loud logos and invest in quality fabrics.’

- Layering is your best friend: ‘Short-sleeved shirts can be worn alone or layered over a T-shirt, and a crew-neck sweater can be easily dressed up or down, depending if you style it with a classic pair of chinos, bermuda shorts or jeans.’

- Stripes switch things up: ‘Stripes can be used to add a subtle touch of versatility. Opt for a breton T-shirt or rugby-style polo shirt for two very different but classic looks.’

Layering is key for your top half. Start with a crisp white tee and throw over a button-down in a neutral shade. Switch it up with a polo shirt which can be dressed down with jeans or paired with tailored trousers for a smarter look.

If in doubt, lean into collegiate-style pieces like half zips and rugby shirts to add interest. A black sweatshirt is a failsafe way to smarten an outfit. Lastly, a men’s hoodie is an easy piece to throw over a tee or layer under your favorite jacket.

Materials are key here. Opt for lightweight cottons and linen and stick to timeless designs like chore jackets and overshirt styles. Of course, a blazer is a must to take your look from day to night. For summer, we recommend a shorter length — leave the woolen overcoats for winter.

Aim for one pair of tailored trousers, a pair of jeans and, for summer, some all-important shorts. Jean styles come and go but a straight leg has always prevailed in the denim department. Tailoring, however, becomes more versatile when it’s looser. It can work with a sweater and a sneaker or a loafer and a polo tee.

Score a home run on the summer shoe rotation with sandals, sneakers and loafers. Birkenstocks are vacation-proof while a white pair of sneakers promise to carry you through just about anything. Loafers are locked in for events that demand a more polished look. Add texture with a suede finish and look for slimline shapes to steer clear of trend-led designs.

We asked Beata for her take on adapting your capsule wardrobe for the colder months. She suggests adding weight and texture as a starting point. 

She adds, ‘Liner jackets are an easy way to add warmth to lighter outerwear, and T-shirts can be used as base layers under knitwear or flannel shirts.’

Finally, she says, ‘To make your wardrobe more functional for the colder months, swap your canvas sneakers for leather to handle moisture, and invest in high-impact items such as a heavy wool coat and a pair of brown or black leather boots.’

Related articles: If you liked this, you might like Men’s winter jackets to beat the cold | Which men’s sneakers are trending | Designer sneakers for converse lovers

Olivia Woodhouse is an SEO copywriter at FARFETCH, where she optimizes on-site content and has helped relaunch the fashion blog as the Fashion Feed. With a background spanning fashion, lifestyle, tech and travel, she brings a versatile voice to every project.