As the blossoms come out and winter recedes, it’s the perfect time to ditch the dark, heavy woollies and opt for bright, light clothing that can be mixed and matched easily. Here are five ways to get your capsule wardrobe game on. 

Build a capsule wardrobe hanger 

The new season demands fresh apparel, but first you need organise your storage space. The Color Guru suggests buying 50 identical hangers for displaying your new range: “With just that one upgrade, you’ll be surprised how suddenly your closet looks like… a Marie Kondo closet! Ok, maybe not quite, but it’s pretty great.”   

Read more about the capsule wardrobe hanger here.

1. Start plain and simple 

A clean colour palate is a great place to begin. Quality white (or light-coloured if you prefer) Ts, that cling nicely to your body shape will set off any colour layers that you add, whether it’s a top, an open jacket or bright slacks. What’s key here, according to the YouTube influencer @alyssarudman, is to “start by understanding your natural beauty,” and that “knowing your undertone is the first step to creating a flattering colour palette for your wardrobe”.       

2. Tanks? Tick! 

Whether it’s V-neck or scoop-neck, ribbed, or even one-shoulder, a tank top is the ultimate capsule wardrobe item, especially when you choose a variety of bright colours, with some neutrals, too. Tanks with a bit of stretch in them “go a long way” says @kmm.clothingco on TikTok. 

@kmm.clothingco♬ Sunshine – WIRA

3. Mid-weight jackets are a must 

A white button-down is a must-have says TikToker Maya Galore (@Maya_Galore), “because you can wear it as a top, you can wear it as a jacket, you can tie it up, there’s so many different things you can do” with this item. “The material really matters. I would go for a linen blend or a linen because it just reads a little bit more sophisticated.” And don’t forget the oversized button-up: “Opt for linen or cotton blends to keep cool while still looking sophisticated” says TFG.   

4. Slack hacks 

SA TikTok fashionista Danica J. Thomas (@danicajthomas) says black slacks and a striped top are an “absolute staple in your wardrobe”, which can be worn with a cap and sneakers and any other accessories you like. “Pick two colours out of your tops or blouses and have the same colour in your pants or skirt,” to create a monochromatic and cohesive wardrobe, says Jashan from The Lifestyle Cog (@TheLifestyleCog). 

@danicajthomas Capsule closet staple stripes and black slacks #capsulewardrobe #tiktoksouthafrica🇿🇦 #fashionsouthafrica #fashiontiktoks ♬ original sound – Danica J Thomas | Fashion

5. Footwear to go  

A neutral trainer’s a good place to start for a capsule wardrobe. Trainers that are “really slim-lined … not over the top … not chunky … and don’t look too trendy”, work well with items such as trousers when “the only thing you are going to see are the neutral parts, so they go with everything”, says British YouTube fashion guru Alex Collins (@alexxcoll).     

Words: Jim Hislop