Building a capsule wardrobe shouldn’t be hard: just prioritise versatile, neutral pieces you’re able to mix and match on a daily basis with little thought.
Yet while this seems easy enough, in reality many brands overlook the type of things that make a garment something you want to reach for over and over again. Fabrics are scrimped on, corners are cut and the finer details overlooked.
Not so with L’Estrange. The London-based label prides itself on its quality fabrications, premium hardware and sustainable production methods, ensuring each piece is built to last. From its cult-favourite 24 Trousers to its reimagined hoodie, L’Estrange enables you to quickly build a stylish capsule wardrobe of your own, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting great value for money.
But which pieces should you start with? Here are seven essentials that will set the foundation of all your looks.
The 24 Trousers
Your trousers anchor all of your outfits, so you need something that you can dress up or down while allowing the surrounding pieces to shine. L’Estrange’s 24 Trousers do just that.
Featuring a refined, tapered fit and crafted from exceptionally soft organic stretch cotton, these are trousers you can wear to the office, a first date, weekend pub drinks or – thanks to the hidden elasticated waist – just lounging around the house. A true all-rounder.
The Tencel Tee
Cotton jersey has long been the default option for T-shirts, but Tencel is daily upgrade you didn’t know you needed. An incredibly soft, sustainable alternative to cotton, Tencel has a silk-like handle and low environmental impact (it’s derived from eucalyptus trees).
Lightweight, breathable and surprisingly durable, once you try L’Estrange’s Tencel Tee you’ll never be able to go back.
The Modular Vest
A vest (or ‘bodywarmer’) is perhaps one of the most underrated wardrobe staples you can buy. Often overlooked, this multi-functioning garment comes into its own when layering, slotting underneath a coat or jacket without adding bulk while also working on its own as a top layer.
Crafted from a water-resistant polyester and filled with a heat-regulating microfibre, L’Estrange’s Modular Vest is ideal for wearing over a T-shirt, knitted polo or hoodie, and handily clips into The Modular Mac (below), turning it from an outerwear piece into a functional liner.
The Modular Mac
With its clean lines and minimal detailing, a classic waterproof mac is the definitive capsule outerwear garment. This version from L’Estrange is made using a water-resistant organic cotton and recycled nylon fabric, ensuring it’s lightweight enough to be worn in spring yet robust enough to be useful in winter.
This is particularly true when you button in The Modular Vest (above), which transforms it into an insulating overcoat alternative that’s smart enough to be thrown on over shirting, knitwear or even a suit.
The All Day Oxford Shirt
Possibly the most important garment on this list, the Oxford shirt is a key addition to any contemporary wardrobe. Able to turn its hand to a number of different looks, it works just as well over a pair of shorts in summer as it does tucked into tailored trousers for the 9-5.
L’Estrange’s All Day Oxford is made using a premium Italian cotton that’s lighter than traditional Oxford cloth and features a subtle 2% stretch, making it as comfortable as your favourite T-shirt.
The Monochrome Hood
The hoodie is a casualwear staple that has been around for decades, instantly adding a sporty edge and dressing down any look. But this relaxed nature can somewhat limit its versatility.
L’Estrange has seemingly solved the issue with its Monochrome Hood. Offering a more refined take on the athletic essential, it has been designed as a smart, fully lined jacket with inside pockets, but with all the comfort of a luxurious soft organic cotton hoodie.
Wear it with tailored separates, knitted polos, Oxford shirts and chinos to create effortless smart-casual outfits that don’t sacrifice comfort.
The Easy Sweatshirt
For in-between seasons, knitwear is hard to beat. But for a modern take on a standard crew-neck sweater or cardigan, try L’Estrange’s Easy Zip Sweatshirt.
Made using extra fine Merino wool – a fabric prized for its thermoregulation and antibacterial qualities – the quarter-zip design features a laid-back, tailored fit, helping bring a sporty feel to any smart-casual look.
Wear it on the weekend with jeans or dress down a pair of tailored trousers – either way you won’t fail to look good.
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A paid partnership with L’Estrange – words and opinion Ape’s own.
The post 7 Men’s Wardrobe Basics You Can Mix And Match Daily appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.