Upgrading your wardrobe
The capsule wardrobe for men: 20 pieces, 50+ outfits
By sneakersInn team · Updated
A 20-piece capsule wardrobe gives a man more than 50 outfits because every piece goes with every other. It covers the office, church, weddings, funerals, weekends and the beach, in fabrics suited to Accra's heat. Here is the full list, built around navy, grey, white, black and olive.
The 20 pieces
| Category | Pieces |
|---|---|
| Tops (7) | 2 white tees, 1 black tee, 1 white oxford shirt, 1 light blue oxford shirt, 1 white linen shirt, 1 navy knitted polo |
| Layers (3) | 1 navy fine knit, 1 olive overshirt, 1 denim jacket |
| Trousers (5) | 1 dark jeans, 1 navy chinos, 1 stone chinos, 1 grey tailored trousers, 1 navy chino shorts |
| Suit (1) | 1 navy suit |
| Shoes (4) | 1 white leather sneakers, 1 brown derbies, 1 black oxfords, 1 brown loafers |
How do 20 pieces make 50 outfits?
Seven tops times five bottoms is already 35 combinations, before adding layers, the suit worn as separates, or shoe swaps. The suit jacket alone works with five of the tops and three of the trousers. Most combinations work because the colours are neutral.
Ten example outfits
- White tee, dark jeans, white sneakers
- Light blue oxford, navy chinos, brown derbies
- Navy knitted polo, stone chinos, brown loafers
- Navy suit, white oxford, black oxfords (formal)
- Suit jacket, white tee, dark jeans, white sneakers
- White linen shirt, navy chino shorts, loafers
- Navy knit over white oxford, grey trousers, derbies
- Black tee, olive overshirt, dark jeans, white sneakers
- Denim jacket, white tee, stone chinos, white sneakers
- Suit trousers, light blue oxford, navy knit, brown derbies
Why these colours?
Navy, white, grey, stone, olive and black all combine. See colour matching for men.
Why these fabrics?
Cotton, linen and lightweight wool breathe in Accra's heat. See knitwear in a hot country.
How do I build it?
Start with five pieces, as in the 5 pieces every man needs for a capsule wardrobe, then add the rest over a few months. See how to build a wardrobe from scratch on a budget.
What's missing?
Funeral black and traditional wear. Many men in Ghana add a black suit or black cloth and one traditional outfit. See funeral dressing in Ghana.
Questions
Do underwear, socks and gym wear count?
No. The 20 pieces are visible clothes and shoes.
Does it work for travel?
Yes; pick eight to ten pieces. See travel outfits for men.
Can I add personality?
Yes. Once the base works, swap one or two pieces for prints or colour.