Introducing the Capsule Wardrobe: London Student Style Hacked

‘CodLiver Oil Capsules’ Photo: Creative Commons

Picture this: it’s a typical London morning, slightly grey, with a chance of sun later and, of course, a light drizzle in between. For the past half hour, you’ve been tugging at clothes left and right out of your overstuffed wardrobe, desperately trying to find the perfect outfit. But, how are you meant to pull together something quick and stylish for such unpredictable weather? Before you know it, heaps of clothes have piled onto your bed, your tote still isn’t packed, your lecture now starts in five minutes, and - oops - you still don’t know what to wear.

The solution? 

Creating a capsule wardrobe.

I must admit, this used to be me, frantic and obsessed with putting together the perfect outfit, only to be late to class, convinced I needed to buy new clothes, and always having to clean up the mess I made in the fun-sized student accommodation I used to live in. Now, I start another academic year, and I truly can’t help but wish I had discovered the concept of the capsule wardrobe a lot sooner (it would have spared both my wallet and attendance lots of pain).

For those unfamiliar, a capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes around the size of a small suitcase that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of everyday outfits, while remaining chic through the use of neutral colours.

Fresh yet elegant, capsule wardrobes are also a very student-friendly choice as they make use of what you already own while eliminating any extra pieces, maximising your personal style by ensuring you wear your best clothes every day. Allow me to break down the process of building a capsule wardrobe tailored to university life in London, taking both the weather and the realities of student life into account. Please think of this as a template, inspired by my own style, that you can use and adapt to your own personal taste and needs.

Jeans

A good place to start is jeans. Pick a comfortable pair that fits well and can be worn both day and night. I find a mid-rise, darker wash caters to these requirements. Full-length ‘slim wide’ jeans are my preference, as these work with a variety of tops.

Another Pair of Bottoms (that aren’t jeans)

Always a reliable choice, black wide-leg trousers go with everything and transition easily from day to night. They’re also more comfortable and airier than jeans. Much like denim, though, it’s important to pick a cut that flatters you (a flare, cigarette, or straight-leg will all look stylish). For those with a more avant-garde taste, silk or satin trousers make a striking option, while in summer, linen is a perfect substitute.

Sweatpants

At the end of a long day of classes, there’s no better feeling than taking off your well-worn jeans and putting on a pair of your comfiest sweatpants. If wearing sweatpants to class is your thing, try a darker colour like navy, slate grey or black for a more elegant and polished look.

Tops

Nine times out of ten, you can't go wrong with a classic white t-shirt, but it happens. Some white t-shirts look great for the first two wears, but over the cruel passage of time, that once brilliant white turns grey, as things like deodorant and food stains appear, and it basically turns into a wearable napkin. Whilst I have a lot of love for a classic white t-shirt, for the long term, I have started to gravitate towards a navy blue boatneck. They are a quick chic fix, never failing to add a touch of Hepburn to your average university outfit. I advise having around three different coloured t-shirts (plus a casual tank top). Lastly, a more fancy, unique or interesting ‘going-out’ top is also good to have in your capsule.

Dress Shirts

I hear you; it’s not like we’re all six-foot-something finance men on Canary Wharf. Still, it’s not uncommon to see plenty of fabulous people sporting dress shirts down the Strand - and when styled well, they can look incredibly chic. Students often feel conflicted when getting dressed: Should I look like an adult today, or a teenager? A dress shirt bridges that gap perfectly, letting you finally say goodbye to the baby tee you’ve been wearing since you were 14. For a more fun and playful look, unbutton the shirt and pair it with a white tank top.

Jumpers, Sweaters and Cardigans

Living in London means you may just experience every season in the span of one week. Therefore, I think it’s important that your capsule easily adjusts to the weather, as one cotton sweater may keep you perfectly warm one day, but leave you freezing the next. My ideal roster is one warm knit (cashmere, wool) sweater for the arctic temperatures, a neutral sweatshirt for the more benign seasons, and a lightweight cardigan (merino, thin ply cashmere, cotton) for everything in between. But if you simply can’t stand a cardi, or prefer a hoodie, then by all means substitute in!

Wool Coat - Long or Short

Would you be shocked if I told you, you only really need one coat? This comes from experience. I found myself wearing the same Massimo Dutti wool coat every day to class. Whilst it’s not the warmest, it was warm enough for the majority of days (esp. if you wear a wool/cashmere knit underneath) - on very cold days I would wear a long wool coat that fell just below my knees.

Everyday Trainers

We are students in London - of course, we will get 20,000 steps a day without even trying. Naturally, you need a pair of resilient, stylish and comfortable trainers. Make sure to opt for something that can tolerate a bit of rain and general London muck. Sadly, suede and canvas won’t last long. Whilst many go for a classic white, a darker trainer will hide the dust and dirt of the London streets.

Ballet Flats or Boots 

A shoe that isn’t a trainer. My go-to shoe is a black ballet flat; they instantly elevate your outfit and look so elegant. They elongate the leg and complement your outfit, rather than fighting it. Also, as long as they are sturdy, they can be worn for any occasion and are good for walking in. I also love boots, though some heeled ones are a challenge to walk in all day.

Accessories

These are pretty self-explanatory, so I'll list them: Scarf, daily bag, smaller bag such as a shoulder bag or clutch, sunglasses, and a mini umbrella.

n.b. - I haven’t mentioned jewellery as it is just so personal, depending mostly on budget and style. Also, I personally struggle to whittle down my taste to one set to wear every day!

To sum up, remember that creating this wardrobe doesn’t have to be about buying a plethora of new ultra-minimalist, neutral clothes. It’s about wearing clothes you truly love and letting go of the ones that could have a better use elsewhere (maybe in someone else’s capsule wardrobe!) Whether or not you decide to adopt this method, there’s certainly something to learn from picking our clothes, new or not, with intention and care.

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               Written by Gioia Birt

                      Edited by Co-Fashion Editor, Abbey Villasis