From rainy days to cosy nights, stay warm this season with the best autumn-winter menswear essentials to complete your capsule wardrobe.
What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe refers to a carefully curated collection of clothing and accessories that can be mixed and matched for every occasion and style.
It is a minimalist approach to dressing that emphasises quality over quantity. By investing in high-quality pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways, you can help streamline your wardrobe and ensure that you always have something to wear, no matter the occasion
A good rule of thumb to follow when building a capsule wardrobe is to look for classic, versatile pieces that will transcend seasons in neutral colours. This doesn’t mean you need to dull down your aesthetic or avoid statement pieces. Instead, it simply means that you can expand and elevate your outfit rotation using a few key items without unnecessary clutter.
Looking to refresh your style for the season? From quiet luxury to utility, get to know the Autumn-Winter 2024 Menswear Trends that add inspiration to your rotation.
Shirts and T-Shirts
T-shirts and shirts are the bread and butter of your capsule wardrobe. Having a generous collection of different shirt styles, colours, and materials will help to make dressing a breeze. Begin with a selection of everyday t-shirts. Keep an eye out for a cotton t-shirt in your preferred style (crew neck, v-neck, long-sleeve, etc.) and then stock up on that tee in different colours. These t-shirts will be your everyday layering essentials, so don’t be afraid to get one in every colour.
Along with t-shirts, you’ll need a steady rotation of shirts. Even if your work doesn’t require collared shirts, having at least two handy for special occasions and formal events is important. We suggest one shirt in black, and another in a neutral shade like navy, grey or even white. A shirt crafted in breathable cotton will always be a good choice, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Knitwear
Knitwear holds a very special place in men’s fashion. Elevated and sharp without being too formal, yet practical enough to wear on even the coldest days, we cannot understate the importance of a good knit jumper.
Begin by building your knitwear collection with something lightweight in merino wool, preferably one in a darker colour and one in a lighter shade. Lightweight knits are thin enough to be styled over and under multiple layers without looking too bulky, and merino wool is top-notch in helping to keep the warmth in. That’s why it’s so important to look for quality fabrics in winter: they look good, but they also do their job of keeping you warm.
In terms of styling, your knit jumper is pretty versatile. Crewnecks are best paired with work trousers and a crisp shirt for the office, or with chinos for a special occasion. Knit jumpers with zipped necklines or buttons should be styled casually. Experiment by pairing it with jeans, sneakers and a jacket for a winter look that will suit the dress code wherever you go.
Puffer Jackets
There’s something about puffer jackets that we can’t get enough of. Simple in their design, toasty in any temperature, and easy to style, a puffer jacket is a must in the colder months. Most puffer jackets will contain some sort of down, often goose down for extra warmth, and have often been crafted to be wind-resistant making it the perfect jacket for deep winter.
A good menswear capsule wardrobe should contain at least one puffer jacket in a neutral shade to maximise wearability. Over time and as your wardrobe grows, you can look to introducing brighter shades that add a little colour to the winter.
For styling, this men’s winter wardrobe essential is best saved for casual ensembles. As a fashion-activewear hybrid, your puffer jacket can be worn to the gym, on a hike or when you’re running errands on the weekend. For a casual look, opt for plain pants and a simple long-sleeved t-shirt under your puffer.
Coats
Begin with a tailored coat in a darker colour like black, grey or brown. The style of this coat depends entirely on your preferences and tastes, but we suggest looking for one crafted in Merino wool for extra warmth. This coat can be styled over almost anything; your office attire, chino and a shirt, even with jeans. For more casual moments, opt for a puffer jacket instead.
In addition to a classic dark coat, the next men’s fashion essential for the winter is, without a doubt, a trench coat. Avoid long-line trench coats, they can be a little too similar to Inspector Gadget, and instead, look for a slighter sleeker fit. Throw it over a knit and chinos for a go-to daytime ensemble.
Pants & Jeans
Pants are one of the most crucial parts of your autumn-winter capsule wardrobe as they’re versatile foundational pieces that can match everything. The key to making this season’s trends work for you is to opt for classic pants that work for different occasions (again, versatility).
Chinos are essential in your cold-weather wardrobe rotation. These classics can be worn almost everywhere, from casual lunches to work functions. We suggest investing in two pairs of chinos; one in a lighter colour and one in a darker shade. Don’t just limit your office wear ensemble to the traditional shirt and jacket look. Instead, experiment with mixing and matching your chinos with different colours of shirts, layered knitwear, and shoes.
Jeans are another essential staple for the cooler months, and offer a more casual spin to your ensemble. We also love jeans as they can be thrown into a weekend bag for a quick getaway without much fuss, and keep you warm when the temperature drops. Opt for dark wash jeans rather than light, as dark wash jeans tend to match better with a wider range of tops.
You’ve revitalised your winter wardrobe, now it’s time to refresh your winter skincare with the Ultimate Men’s Skincare Routine for Beginners.