A capsule wardrobe is all about shopping mindfully, picking out fewer but better pieces that’ll work hard for you, and importantly give you a lot of bang for your buck. The idea is about creating a no-nonsense base, a group of ol’ reliables that you’ll always want to reach for that comfortably fill the gaps in almost every outfit. Our Tonic own label Essentials line does exactly that. Our ethos is all about buying less and buying better, so read on to see our favourite foundational wardrobe pieces for the season ahead.
1. The White T-Shirt
The humble plain white tee has been ingrained into our wardrobes forever and is the ultimate blank canvas. Always cool and understated, getting the perfect one is a great place to build a capsule wardrobe from. Our Talbot T-shirt is 100% cotton, breathable and built to last.
2. The Perfect Pair of Jeans
A good pair of jeans can quickly become one of the most worn items in your wardrobe, so you’ll need to pick well and our Elgin come in an easy fit perfect for everyday wear. Produced in a 12oz organic denim, they have a straight leg and a medium rise and their darker wash gives them a more refined casual look.
3. A Good Knit
For those slightly chillier days, you’ll need a good quality knit and our Pembridge Vee Neck or the Colville Crew are the ideal candidate. You can’t go wrong with a classic fine gauge knit and these boast a 100% merino wool construction to keep you wam when it’s cool and keep the moisture away when you start to heat up. Our fine gauge knits are the perfect layering piece; they’re soft enough to be worn straight to skin but can also be worn over a tee or a shirt for a smarter look.
4. An Easy Jacket
Springtime calls for a shorter jacket, something mid-weight that you can throw over the top of almost any outfit and for that we recommend our Westbourne Blazer in Navy. Westbourne is an unstructured, modern take on a classic three button blazer and lends itself well to smarter and more casual styles of dressing. Produced in a cotton twill the style is the epitome of a multi-functional wardrobe staple.
5. A Classic Shirt
A classic shirt is a multipurpose piece, wear it buttoned up with an unstructured blazer for smart-casual occasions or open over a t-shirt for a more dressed down look. The Kensington shirt is a regular fit style shirt, taking cues from classic tailoring, produced in 100% cotton poplin.
6. The Denim Alternative
When a pair of jeans is deemed a little too casual, a good pair of chinos always comes in handy. Tonic’s Ledbury chino boasts a brushed cotton twill construction and is smart enough without trying too hard. Available in beige, navy or graphite grey – you’ve got options and they’ll pair perfectly with the Westbourne Blazer as a dressed down casual suit.
Build Your Capsule Wardrobe
