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capsule wardrobe

American

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

noun

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

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.

A capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be beige or boring; it can include sequins and feathers if that’s your thing.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025

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 • Mar. 24, 2025

In a capsule wardrobe — a direct repudiation of the micro-trend cycles dictated by fast-fashion brands — each item earns its spot on the rack.

From Washington Post • Aug. 25, 2022

I thought that meant that, like Moss, I should have a capsule wardrobe.

From The Guardian • Mar. 27, 2021

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023