Why Key Wardrobe Essentials Aren’t Always the Best Starting Point
It’s a question I hear often- “Do you have a list of key wardrobe items I should own?” And I completely understand why. The idea of a curated capsule wardrobe is everywhere: on Pinterest, in magazines, and in Instagram posts promising the “10 pieces every woman needs.” There’s something so appealing about a neat, go-to list that promises to simplify getting dressed.
But here’s the thing: those generic checklists often do more harm than good.
They rarely reflect you- your real life, your style personality, your proportions, or your daily needs. So instead of helping, they can end up adding more confusion (or more unworn items) to your wardrobe.
The Problem with Capsule Wardrobe Checklists
Most capsule wardrobe lists include the same handful of items- a white shirt; black blazer; straight-leg jeans; trench coat; breton top; loafers.
And while these may work well for some, they’re far from universal essentials. If your style is more feminine than classic, or your lifestyle more casual than corporate, then a crisp white shirt might never get worn. If you hate collars or rarely wear closed-toe shoes, why would you need a blazer and loafers?
A capsule wardrobe that doesn’t reflect your real life or personal style is just another pile of clothes you won’t wear.
So… What Should You Own Instead?
Rather than trying to follow someone else’s list, I always encourage my clients to tune into their pain points. Ask yourself:
When do I feel stuck getting dressed?
Are there pieces I love but never wear because I don't have the right layers or shoes?
Do I keep buying the same tops but never the pieces to make them into an outfit?
Are there certain occasions or seasons I find tricky to dress for?
These small moments of hesitation are usually the clues that highlight your actual wardrobe gaps. And they’ll tell you far more than any list on the internet.
What I Often See with Clients
Every wardrobe challenge is different, but most clients tend to fall into one (or more) of these categories:
Missing Foundations- The everyday basics that pull everything together, especially for layering across the seasons.
Lacking Third Pieces- Outerwear, footwear, or accessories that complete an outfit and give it structure or personality.
Too Much Repetition- Lots of the same thing (e.g. 10 breton tops), but not enough variety to create new outfit combinations.
Too Many Statements- Beautiful individual pieces, but nothing to ground them or help them mix and match easily.
Once we understand which category (or combination) you fall into, we can start building a wardrobe that’s actually wearable and cohesive.
The Personalised Approach That Works
One of my clients recently asked if I had a list of key wardrobe items to help her round out her collection after our colour consultation. It’s such a great and common request. But without seeing her wardrobe, it’s tricky to create anything that would truly work for her.
That’s why I don’t believe in off-the-shelf checklists. Instead, I offer:
Wardrobe Planning Sessions, where we assess what you already have and create a personalised Gap List
Virtual Style Power Hours, perfect for talking through specific outfit dilemmas, hard-to-dress-for occasions, or styling questions
Shopping Edits, curated to your colouring, shape, style, and life
Because a good wardrobe isn’t about owning “the perfect 10 items.” It’s about creating outfits you actually want to wear.
Start With You, Not a List
A capsule wardrobe is a brilliant goal- fewer clothes, more ease, and outfits that feel like you. But that only works when your capsule is built around your lifestyle, your preferences, and your real needs.
So instead of starting with a list, start with curiosity:
What do you reach for over and over?
#What do you wish you had?
What never quite works?
And when you’re ready to dig deeper, I’m here to help- with a friendly eye, a practical plan, and a focus on making your wardrobe feel effortless.
