Choosing a capsule wardrobe colour palette
A palette is what lets 30 pieces make 100 outfits. Without it, every new item needs its own matching shoes, layer and bag.
The three-layer palette
| Layer | How many | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Base neutrals | 1–2 | Trousers, coats, shoes, bags: the expensive, long-lived pieces |
| Main colours | 2–3 | Tops, knits, shirts: most of what you see in an outfit |
| Accents | 1–3 | A few tops, scarves, jewellery: optional and seasonal |
Start from what you wear
Lay out your ten most-worn pieces. The dominant dark colour is often your base already (navy, black, charcoal, brown, olive). Then look at the colours near your face that get compliments: those are good main colours.
Example palettes
- Navy base: navy and grey; white, light blue and camel; accent rust.
- Black base: black and charcoal; white, grey marl and burgundy; accent cobalt.
- Brown base: chocolate and cream; olive, tan and soft white; accent mustard.
- Light, warm-weather: stone and denim; white, sage and sky blue; accent coral.
Rules of thumb
- Pick one metal for jewellery and hardware (silver or gold tones) to keep accessories interchangeable.
- Black and navy can mix, but many people choose one as their primary base to simplify shoes and bags.
- Patterns are fine if their colours come from your palette.