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.

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capsule wardrobe British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of capsule wardrobe

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

One way to think about this is as the food equivalent of a capsule wardrobe.

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

This was my version of a capsule wardrobe, a small collection of clothing and accessories that can be mixed and matched into looks that fit your style.

From Washington Post • Aug. 25, 2022

“A capsule wardrobe means one you can rely on to make you look and feel good with minimal effort.”

From The Guardian • Feb. 20, 2020