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capsule wardrobe

American  
[kap-suhl wawr-drohb, -sool, -syool] / ˈkæp səl ˌwɔr droʊb, -sul, -syul /

noun

  1. a small, carefully selected set of clothes that go well together and serve as the foundation of multiple outfits.

    Everyone should have a classic white shirt in their capsule wardrobe.


capsule wardrobe British  

noun

  1. a collection of clothes and accessories that includes only items considered essential

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of capsule wardrobe

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many mastered the capsule wardrobe long before it became trendy.

From Salon

It’s nowhere near a capsule wardrobe, but it’s madness contained.

From Los Angeles Times

The 32 piece collection unveiled on Monday revealed a capsule wardrobe of neutral staples in muted colours - white, beige, light blue and black - and natural fabrics like linen and cashmere.

From BBC

"It's great to buy into trends if you think they will fit your personal style and will become a staple in your capsule wardrobe for the next 5-10 years."

From BBC

Consider this your capsule wardrobe of vases.

From Washington Post