Do you spend a long time deciding what to wear everyday? Do you feel frustrated that, although you have a wardrobe full of clothes, you struggle to pair anything together? If this sounds like you, you’re not alone.
Many of us find it tricky to decide what to wear because, in an era of fast-fashion, it’s easy to collect a random assortment of clothes that either don’t pair with anything or quickly go out of fashion.
One solution for this is learning to dress well with fewer clothes by creating a capsule wardrobe full of timeless, easy-to-pair garments.
If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. We’ve teamed up with British Clothing brand Cotswold Collections, who offer a range of essential high-quality clothing that’s perfect for building a capsule wardrobe you can rely on no matter the season.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
The idea of a capsule wardrobe is to have a minimalist collection of clothes, containing a selection of high-quality, sustainable pieces that can be mixed, matched, and are fashionable all year round.
The term capsule wardrobe was first introduced in the 1970s by Susie Faux – owner of a London boutique called Wardrobe. Susie noticed the impracticality of fashion at the time – highlighting that people were spending lots of time and money gathering clothing that soon went out of fashion, were low quality, or that didn’t fit properly.
Nowadays, this issue, paired with growing sustainability concerns means there’s never been a better time to build a capsule wardrobe – both for your wallet and the planet.
The amount of clothing in a capsule wardrobe can vary, but many agree that it should contain 50 garments or less. This includes shoes and accessories such as bags and belts too.
You can find more information about what a capsule wardrobe is and how to create one in our article; 8 tips for creating a timeless and sustainable capsule wardrobe.
Who are Cotswold Collections?
Founded in 1993, Cotswold Collections is a high-quality British Clothing brand specialising in unique timeless style that flatters and empowers mature women.
With both trends and comfort in mind, every Cotswold Collections piece is designed exclusively in house with great passion, care, and attention to detail.
Focusing on soft materials and versatile designs that can be easily dressed up or down for all weather and occasions, their range includes everything from tops, trousers, and skirts, to cotton knitwear, crewnecks, and stylish accessories.
The majority of Cotswold Collections products are made in the UK. And, focused on sourcing high-quality fabric and yarns, Cotswold Collections is a proud supporter of the British textile and clothing industry.
Below, we’ve picked some pieces from their Essential Edit, which is available all year round. Cleverly designed in colours that you can mix and match with all other collections across their site, this is a great place to start building a capsule wardrobe full of clothes that you can rely on for every occasion.
7 Cotswold Collections pieces to help you build a capsule wardrobe
1. Soft tailored trousers
£89
Available in grey, mocha, navy, and stone, there’s not much that you can’t pair with these soft tailored trousers.
Along with practical diagonal hip pockets, fly-front fastening, and belt loops, the simple, sophisticated, and versatile design of these trousers means they can be tailored to all different occasions and seasons.
For example, why not dress them up with a patterned blouse and casual jacket, or opt for a more casual look with a jersey or floral printed top? And for the finishing touch, you could pair these trousers with a stylish leather belt.
Available in grey, mocha, navy, and stone, there’s not much that you can’t pair with these soft tailored trousers.
Along with practical diagonal hip pockets, fly-front fastening, and belt loops, the simple, sophisticated, and versatile design of these trousers means they can be tailored to all different occasions and seasons.
For example, why not dress them up with a patterned blouse and casual jacket, or opt for a more casual look with a jersey or floral printed top? And for the finishing touch, you could pair these trousers with a stylish leather belt.
2. Pima crewneck top
£45
Every capsule wardrobe needs a few tops that can be relied upon to form the base of any outfit.
And this pima crewneck top that features three-quarter length sleeves and a deep hem with side slits is a great addition.
Made from 100% pima cotton, this top is simple, soft, and flattering, and available to buy in navy, oyster, and snowdrop tones and in two lengths, 25” and 27”.
To form a colourful spring or summer outfit, you could match this top with a printed bias skirt and lightweight checked scarf, or layer it up in the colder months with a lightweight jacket or soft jacket.
Alternatively, for a different neckline, you might prefer this pima v neck top, or this merino crewneck jumper for longer sleeves.
Every capsule wardrobe needs a few tops that can be relied upon to form the base of any outfit.
And this pima crewneck top that features three-quarter length sleeves and a deep hem with side slits is a great addition.
Made from 100% pima cotton, this top is simple, soft, and flattering, and available to buy in navy, oyster, and snowdrop tones and in two lengths, 25” and 27”.
To form a colourful spring or summer outfit, you could match this top with a printed bias skirt and lightweight checked scarf, or layer it up in the colder months with a lightweight jacket or soft jacket.
Alternatively, for a different neckline, you might prefer this pima v neck top, or this merino crewneck jumper for longer sleeves.
3. Panel skirt
£89
If you prefer skirts to trousers, this versatile panel skirt will make a great addition to your capsule wardrobe.
This panel skirt from Cotswold Collections is fully lined, made from easy-care fabric, and features 10 gently flared panels, an elasticated waistband, and side zip fastening.
Available in colours grey, mocha, navy, and stone, this skirt can be mixed and matched with just about anything. For example, you could pair it with this textured top or this scalloped neck trim top for a pop of colour.
Alternatively, for more of a straight-line skirt, you might prefer this plain jersey skirt, which features six gently flared panels rather than 10. With an elasticated waistband and easy pull-on style, this skirt is comfy to wear and versatile all year round.
If you prefer skirts to trousers, this versatile panel skirt will make a great addition to your capsule wardrobe.
This panel skirt from Cotswold Collections is fully lined, made from easy-care fabric, and features 10 gently flared panels, an elasticated waistband, and side zip fastening.
Available in colours grey, mocha, navy, and stone, this skirt can be mixed and matched with just about anything. For example, you could pair it with this textured top or this scalloped neck trim top for a pop of colour.
Alternatively, for more of a straight-line skirt, you might prefer this plain jersey skirt, which features six gently flared panels rather than 10. With an elasticated waistband and easy pull-on style, this skirt is comfy to wear and versatile all year round.
4. Merino crewneck
£69 (currently £39)
Gathering a range of different tops for your capsule wardrobe is a great way to keep it varied, and woolen garments are a useful style to include on your list.
Many people tend to reserve their woolen clothing for winter months, because these pieces can often be highly insulating. However, this essential crewneck from Cotswold Collections is the exception as it’s made from Italian-spun merino wool, which is much finer, softer, and lightweight than regular wool.
In fact, one of the main benefits of merino wool is its thermoregulating abilities, which enable it to keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather – making it great clothing option for every season.
Available in blue or pebble, you could pair this crewneck with a colourful chiffon skirt for a summer look, or some printed trousers when it’s a bit chillier.
Gathering a range of different tops for your capsule wardrobe is a great way to keep it varied, and woolen garments are a useful style to include on your list.
Many people tend to reserve their woolen clothing for winter months, because these pieces can often be highly insulating. However, this essential crewneck from Cotswold Collections is the exception as it’s made from Italian-spun merino wool, which is much finer, softer, and lightweight than regular wool.
In fact, one of the main benefits of merino wool is its thermoregulating abilities, which enable it to keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather – making it great clothing option for every season.
Available in blue or pebble, you could pair this crewneck with a colourful chiffon skirt for a summer look, or some printed trousers when it’s a bit chillier.
5. Merino cardigan
£75
Another capsule wardrobe must-have is a durable cardigan. And this Cotswold Collections merino cardigan made from the same gorgeous, high-quality Italian-spun merino wool as the crewneck above is just the one.
Super soft and fashioned with two front pockets and real pearl buttons, this cardigan is as stylish as it is comfortable. Plus, due to the lightweight and thermoregulating material, this cardigan makes a handy addition to any outfit, whatever the weather.
It’s available to buy in blue or pebble tones and would look great over the top of a jersey t-shirt or printed blouson.
Another capsule wardrobe must-have is a durable cardigan. And this Cotswold Collections merino cardigan made from the same gorgeous, high-quality Italian-spun merino wool as the crewneck above is just the one.
Super soft and fashioned with two front pockets and real pearl buttons, this cardigan is as stylish as it is comfortable. Plus, due to the lightweight and thermoregulating material, this cardigan makes a handy addition to any outfit, whatever the weather.
It’s available to buy in blue or pebble tones and would look great over the top of a jersey t-shirt or printed blouson.
6. Silk crepe de Chine scarf
£59
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a few stylish accessories to elevate your look. And this silk crepe de Chine scarf is perfect for adding a pop of colour and pattern.
100% silk and combining all of the Essential Edit’s colours, this versatile scarf will bring a new level of style and sophistication to your outfits – and with minimal effort too.
Alternatively, if this pattern isn’t for you, you might prefer this geometric print, Italian satin, or this paisley silk scarf, which features an embroidered floral design.
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a few stylish accessories to elevate your look. And this silk crep de Chine scarf is perfect for adding a pop of colour and pattern.
100% silk and combining all of the Essential Edit’s colours, this versatile scarf will bring a new level of style and sophistication to your outfits – and with minimal effort too.
Alternatively, if this pattern isn’t for you, you might prefer this geometric print, Italian satin, or this paisley silk scarf, which features an embroidered floral design.
7. Cotswold bead necklace
£59
Adding a few timeless jewellery pieces to your wardrobe can bring a touch of style, statement, and femininity.
This gorgeous Cotswold bead necklace is fashioned by artisan jewellers in Italy – and it features a string of hand-knotted Venetian glass beads that are both unique and timeless.
It has an easy hoop and bar fastening, and comes in blue, cream, and light grey. And to finish, it’s also embossed with the Cotswold name.
For other styles, Cotswold Collections has a range of timeless jewellery which you can browse here. You’ll find everything from half-hoop earrings to long bead necklaces and clip earrings.
Adding a few timeless jewellery pieces to your wardrobe can bring a touch of style, statement, and femininity.
This gorgeous Cotswold bead necklace is fashioned by artisan jewellers in Italy – and it features a string of hand-knotted Venetian glass beads that are both unique and timeless.
It has an easy hoop and bar fastening, and comes in blue, cream, and light grey. And to finish, it’s also embossed with the Cotswold name.
For other styles, Cotswold Collections has a range of timeless jewellery which you can browse here. You’ll find everything from half-hoop earrings to long bead necklaces and clip earrings.
Final thoughts…
Building a capsule wardrobe is a great way to save money, live more sustainably, and wave goodbye to the frustrations of not being able to pair outfits together.
From high-quality trousers, skirts, and tops, through to stylish accessories and timeless jewellery, Cotswold Collections will have you stylishy dressed for any occasion that may come your way.
For more clothing and gift ideas, head over to the Cotswold Collections website and have a browse.
Don’t forget, Rest Less members can get 10% off their first order with Cotswold Collections using code S22RL at checkout.