In a nutshell, a capsule wardrobe is about mixing a select number of pieces into as many combinations as possible. A uniform is about knowing what styles, shapes, and variations work for you—and wearing them on repeat, with confidence.

Think: Steve Jobs in a black turtleneck and jeans. Queen Elizabeth wore the same style for 50 years! The fabric, length, and colors changed, but the style formula didn’t. It worked for her body—and that’s the point.

Over the years, many clients have come to me wanting to create a capsule wardrobe and to hear what I think of them.

Here’s what I tell them: Capsule wardrobes are probably not as practical as you think they are—and the reality is, they don’t work for most people. What most people are likely looking for is a uniform—a go-to set of styles that suit YOUR body and lifestyle.

Let’s break it down further…

Uniform

Uniforms are repeatable looks—a prescription of styles that work best for you and your body, a way of dressing that is easy and comfortable for you: consistent, flattering, and confidence-boosting. It’s the same basic style of clothing, repeated in different colors, fabrics, and style variations.

They have that set-it-and-forget-it vibe we all want (aka: it’s idiot-proof). If they sound restrictive, they’re anything but. They free you to easily and consistently create outfits that look great and take little effort to put together.

Once you know what colors, styles, and shapes flatter your body, it’s as simple as: wear, wash, repeat. The exact cuts and colors of your uniform will depend on your body, what feels modern, and what’s actually available in stores, which of course, changes constantly (that’s where I come in).

For now, here are formulas I swear by:

Shelley Golden best personal stylist in Silicon Valley and the Bay area
Women’s 3-piece formula

  • jacket (blazer, leather, jean) or soft cardigan (long, short, cotton or wool)
  • White or off-white T or tank (this is the glue)
  • Your choice of bottom: anything from boot cut jeans to full, flowy pants
Men’s 2 or 3-piece formula

  • Dark-colored shirt (button-front or polo). Darker colors are more modern than lighter colors.
  • Dark pants or jeans
  • Optional 3rd piece: jacket (casual or more formal) or 1/4 zip top

Shelley Golden best mens personal stylist in Silicon Valley and the Bay area
It’s really that simple. The style and cut of each piece will depend on what’s best for you while still feeling modern. If it fits and you’re comfortable, that’s what matters.

Capsule

What is a Capsule wardrobe? A lot of people think they want a capsule, but what they actually want is a uniform.

Capsule wardrobes sound appealing—12 to 20 pieces that can be mixed and matched endlessly. But most people don’t live that way. Most people I work with are not minimalists to that degree.

One of the problems with capsule wardrobes is how fast styles and colors change. Sooner or later, you buy more to “update” your capsule and buy something new for the season, and suddenly you no longer have a capsule wardrobe—you have a closet full of clothes that might not work together as intended.

So I’m team uniform! (With all due respect to the capsule crowd.)

Once you know what flatters you, you stop second-guessing.