A spring capsule for men can consist of nine pieces that combine with each other, for example: three polos, a shirt, a cardigan, two pairs of trousers, dark jeans and a light jacket. With a base like that, you can make different outfits for work and leisure. A calm colour palette makes combining easier. Also work with different layers for changeable weather. Below you will find the list and the combinations.
Why a capsule works so well in spring
Spring is tricky. In the morning it is six degrees, in the afternoon fifteen. One day it rains, the next you are sitting on a terrace. A small selection can make choosing in the morning simpler. A capsule is a small set of clothing in which most pieces combine with each other. Layers are central, so you can adapt throughout the day.
The colour palette
Choose two or three base colours and one or two accents. For spring, this palette works well:
- Base: ivory, white, beige and khaki.
- Accent: light blue and navy.
Within a palette like this, many combinations are possible.
The nine pieces
- An open polo in light blue. An open lyocell polo in light blue is a light base for spring. Lyocell feels cool and soft, and the open collar without buttons looks relaxed and polished.
- A quarter-zip polo in ivory. A knitted quarter-zip polo in ivory cream made of cotton, silk and linen combines cotton, silk and linen and works well on cooler days.
- A striped polo with buttons. A striped cotton polo with buttons in white adds a stripe to the otherwise calm base.
- A shirt. A light blue or white shirt for the office and dinners. The shirt is your most formal piece.
- A wool cardigan. A wool cardigan with a business cut in beige is a practical extra layer for cold mornings and evenings. Over a polo or shirt it looks polished, and you take it off when the sun breaks through.
- Cream trousers. Light high-waist trousers in cream are light trousers that combine with different polos.
- Khaki trousers. Slim-fit trousers in khaki are a little darker and more practical for rainy days. The elastane makes them comfortable for long days.
- Dark jeans. For the weekend and casual days.
- A light jacket. A trench coat, Harrington or light wool coat in navy or beige.
Outfits for every day
| Occasion | Combination |
|---|---|
| Office | Shirt, wool cardigan, khaki trousers |
| Office, relaxed | Quarter-zip polo in ivory, cream trousers |
| Dinner | Open polo in light blue, cream trousers, light jacket |
| Weekend in the city | Striped polo, dark jeans, sneakers |
| Cold morning | Quarter-zip polo, wool cardigan, khaki trousers, jacket |
| First sunny day | Open polo, cream trousers, loafers without socks |
Shoes for spring
For shoes you can choose, for example: white leather sneakers for the weekend, suede loafers for the office and dinners, and a pair of sturdy leather shoes for rainy days. Brown suede suits all the light shades in this capsule, and white sneakers make every combination fresher.
Accessories that finish it off
A brown leather belt that matches your loafers, a watch with a leather or steel strap and a light scarf for cold mornings: only add more if you notice you are missing something. Choose accessories in the same calm shades as your capsule, so they suit every combination. Sunglasses can be handy on sunny spring days.
Materials for changeable weather
Spring calls for materials that feel cool when it is warm but are also comfortable on a fresh day. Choose materials based on wearing comfort and how well they layer. Lyocell, cotton blends and fine wool can be suitable for this. Read more about lyocell.
From winter to spring: what you keep
You do not have to store everything from your winter wardrobe. A merino polo or a fine knit sweater still works well on cold days in March. Heavy sweaters, flannel shirts and thick wool trousers you can put away. That makes room for the lighter pieces and keeps your wardrobe manageable.
How to look after your capsule
With fewer pieces you wear each piece more often, so care matters. Let clothes air after wearing and follow the care label for each piece. Store trousers neatly and look after knitwear according to the material advice. That way your capsule stays fresh all spring.
A capsule is not a straitjacket
Nine pieces is just an example. Adjust the number to your own week and wardrobe. The goal is not to own less, but to actually wear everything you own. If after a few weeks you notice you never choose a piece, you know it does not belong in your capsule.
For those who want to expand
If you want more variety later, first add a second shirt or an extra polo in another light colour, such as light grey or olive green. Choose additions that combine with several existing pieces.
Discover all men's polos, our trousers and all men's collections.
Shop the look
Theodore: open lyocell polo, light blue
Julian: quarter-zip polo, ivory cream
Atticus: striped polo, white
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Winston: high-waist trousers, cream
Vincent: slim-fit trousers, khaki
Frequently asked questions
How many garments do you need for a capsule wardrobe?
There is no fixed number. Nine to twelve pieces can be a practical base, depending on your work, leisure time and laundry rhythm.
Which colours are best for a spring capsule for men?
A base of ivory, white, beige and khaki, with light blue and navy as accents. Those colours combine easily with each other.
How do you dress for changeable spring weather?
With layers. A polo or shirt as a base, a wool cardigan as a middle layer and a light jacket over it. That way you adapt throughout the day.
