THE PERFECT MEN’S

CASUAL CAPSULE WARDROBE

A HANDY GUIDE TO YOUR 11 ESSENTIALS

 11 ESSENTIALS FOR THE PERFECT CASUAL WARDROBE

Looking to create the perfect men's casual capsule wardrobe? I've
distilled it down to 11 essentials every Effortless Gent needs in his closet.
They’re the basic ingredients of your wardrobe.

Think of it like baking a chocolate cake. Every chocolate cake has its basic ingredients:
our, water, oil, eggs, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and so on.

Just like a cake would be incomplete without these ingredients, so too would your smart
sharp wardrobe be incomplete without these clothing items. 

Simply put, this capsule wardrobe is the backbone of your entire closet.

Each of these 11 essentials is versatile, can be worn in most situations, and everything
easily matches with each other and plenty of other garments you may already own, or will
buy in the future.

The usefulness of these clothes won't change year after year like some trends do.

I've bought each of these essentials and some have lasted for years (assuming I managed
to stay the same size) and when they are ready for replacement, I just buy a new version of
the same thing.

While the 11 items in this capsule wardrobe won't be the only items in your closet, they'll
be the mainstays, the most worn items in there. You'll be able to build a solid well-
rounded wardrobe around these casual staples.

And sure, you can explore other styles and trends, and even variations of these items... but
if you want to achieve a smart, sharp, casual style, you'll always gravitate towards these
speci c pieces.

So if you're still in the process of building out your lean wardrobe, make sure to grab one
of each!

Let’s get started.

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 THE DARK, UNWASHED DENIM

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If you’ve been reading EG for a while, you know dark wash denim would be at the top of
this list.

I’ve been wearing and recommending dark blue—raw, rigid, many names for it—jeans ever
since I started this website back in 2009. It’s still my most worn pair of denim out of
everything in my closet.

The one thing that’s changed, as far as my recommendation speci cally, is the t. While a
slim t is still ideal, your jeans don’t need to be so slim and tight that they’re hugging your
legs and revealing your silhouette.

Go for a “tailored t”, where the denim follows your general leg shape while still giving
your thighs and calves room to breathe… with a taper towards the ankle and ends right at
the top of your shoe (a.k.a. no break).
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 THE BRITISH KHAKI CHINOS

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Chinos are the second pair of pants I’d consider an Effortless Gent staple. Speci cally, I like
the British khaki shade, slightly darker and with a warmer hue than the standard khaki
color.

But to be honest, you’ll do just ne with standard khaki-colored chinos as well. More
importantly, how do they t?

Go with the same suggestion as the denim above. A tailored t, slightly tapered and no
break.

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THE MEDIUM GREY T-SHIRT

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A classic crewneck T-shirt, speci cally in a medium grey color, is universally

complementary. It looks good on pretty much any guy.

Sometimes white tees can feel too informal or revealing, and black tees can appear too
dark or wash you out. Medium grey works for all skin tones, and goes with any other color
you may have on.

I have mostly medium grey, charcoal, and black T-shirts, but if I could only pick one color
for my lean wardrobe, it would be a medium grey tee.

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THE CHAMBRAY BUTTON-UP SHIRT

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Most days, you’ll nd me in a chambray button-up shirt. It’s the most worn shirt in my

closet. It’s super versatile and can be used year-round.

I bought my rst one probably eight or nine years ago, and I’ve accumulated several more
since, all with different shades of blue, collar styles, and sleeve lengths.

If you only have one collared shirt for your casual capsule wardrobe, make it a chambray
and you won’t be disappointed.
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THE NAVY HOPSACK OR TWILL SPORT COAT

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This is a garment you may not wear often, but an occasion will come when you need it, and
you’ll be happy to have one in your closet. Go for a classic, single-breasted, two-button
jacket with subdued horn buttons, a deep navy color, and a substantial lapel.

All traditional suiting  t rules apply: shoulder seam should hit right at the end of your
shoulder bone, jacket length should cover your butt, etc. Shoulder padding is optional,
though I tend to prefer a more relaxed, soft shoulder style.

Hopsack or twill fabric will lend the most versatility, and can be worn with dress chinos,
mismatched wool trousers, even your dark denim.
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THE MEDIUM GREY ALL-SEASON WOOL SUIT

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If you only own one suit, make it a classic single-breasted version in a medium grey all-
season wool. That way, it’s super versatile and can be worn throughout the year.

And if you think a grey wool suit is boring, it doesn’t have to be. The other components—
dress shirt, tie, shoes—can add a ton of interest to your overall look if done tastefully.

Similar to the navy sport coat, you may not use your grey suit often, but when an occasion
arises where you need a suit, you’ll be ready.

THE QUILTED ZIP VEST

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This piece is one of those midlayers that you’ll nd yourself using much more than you
ever thought you would. I nd that a nice quilted vest with the right details can be worn
with smart sharp / business casual / of ce-appropriate out ts just as easily as casual ones.

I’d suggest a quilted vest in navy, black, or army green. I use my army green one the most,
as it goes nicely with the blues of a dark denim and the tans / browns of my leather shoes.

But of course, black will go with plenty of color combos as well.

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THE CREWNECK SWEATER

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If you choose the right type of crewneck sweater, it’ll get tons of use year-round. I prefer a
medium-weight merino wool / cashmere blend, something with a bit more heft that goes
well with jeans. This will serve as your mid-layer during the colder months, and your
outermost layer in the warmer months.

As far as colors, the most versatile would be in the grey family. I like a mid-grey ground
color, and there may be a bit of a pattern in the knit or texture in the yarn, which is ne.

Your sweater shouldn’t t too tightly; remember that you’ll be wearing a shirt underneath.
Keep it trim, not oversized, with enough room to move around.
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 THE FIELD JACKET

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My most worn outerwear piece in my closet by far is my eld jacket. It’s the right amount of
rugged and goes great with every pair of pants, shirt, midlayer, and shoe I mention on this
list.

Field jackets are typically made from a rugged cotton canvas fabric and designed with a
stand-up collar, two chest pockets, and two hip pockets, along with details like a
drawstring waist and cinched cuffs.

An army green color would be the logical choice— eld jackets have military roots—but
charcoal, navy, or black also work.

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THE DARK BROWN LONG WING BROGUE

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There are many, many different types of leather dress shoes. But for this highly-edited list, I
suggest just one pair: The dark brown long wing brogue.

This will pair well with your grey wool suit, but works just as well with your dark denim and
chinos. It plays double duty with formal and casual out ts, and shines in both instances.

The dark brown leather color is formal enough for most occasions, from weddings to work
meetings.

The long wing style brogue is unique, as the “wing” extends along both sides of the shoe.
You don’t see it as often as standard wing tips.

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THE CLASSIC WHITE LEATHER SNEAKER

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A standard tennis or court-style shoe will always make sense in a Lean Wardrobe. It’s a
classic shape and silhouette with a plain toe and minimal design elements. It’ll never go
out of style. So that’s always my main suggestion.

The beauty of the classic white leather sneaker is its ubiquity (it’s everywhere, and many
different brands make their own version) as well as its timelessness. You won’t look at this
shoe in 50 years and say “Ew, that looks SO dated.”

Stylistically, these will go with everything I suggest in this list of menswear essentials. But
make sure you don’t skimp on these. Buy a luxurious pair (like these Koios I feature)
because if you take care of them, they’ll last a long time and look better with wear.

 READY TO TAKE IT UP A NOTCH?

If you’re ready to step it up to the next level and nd items that are a bit more unique and
of-the-moment without being overly trendy, check out our premium guide, Effortless
Out ts.

You’ll love the clothes and out ts we put together in EO.

TAP TO CHECK OUT EFFORTLESS OUTFITS

THAT’S IT! YOUR CASUAL CAPSULE, COMPLETE

These 11 menswear essentials are a great start for any effortless gent's capsule wardrobe.

Every man's closet will bene t from having these 11 items (you are going for a smart sharp
style, right?) And if you own these items, you’ll see just how much use each individual
piece will get.

Even with those rarely used clothing pieces (like your grey wool suit), you’ll be happy you
have it when the inevitable time comes that you need it.

And of course, these won’t be the only items in your entire wardrobe. They’re the
standards… the wardrobe go-tos that form the base of your out ts (or can stand
completely on their own… up to you!)

SEND ME A PHOTO OR TAG EG ON INSTAGRAM

If you take a photo wearing these items, let me know! Email me b@effortlessgent.com or
tag / DM me on Instagram @effortlessgent.

Can’t wait to see the out ts you put together using pieces from this casual capsule!
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