Acapsule wardrobe is the kind of thing that most of us chalk up as a nice idea, but not one that is actually achievable in the real world. The need for outfits for different occasions, seasons and moods seems to dictate against a wardrobe stripped back to its bare bones. But what if you could pare the chaos back to a lean, considered edit of only the items you need? Having bare rail between hangers sounds fantastically cathartic, and not needing to wade through a tidal wave of ill-fitting or unloved clothes every time you get dressed sounds dreamy. Annmarie O’Connor, author of The Happy Closet, says 20 items is the magic number: one coat, three jackets, five bottoms, five tops, one dress, five pairs of shoes. Jess Cartner-Morley spoke to her, alongside other experts, for their tips on investing in a chic wardrobe that covers all the essentials. And, below, we’ve edited the infinite choices out there to show the most universal version of what that might look like. But first, remember: even the chicest, most laser-focused wardrobe will fall flat if you don’t first commit to the idea that less stuff equals more ease. Guardian Fashion 1 Coat Made from hard-wearing wool, this coat is available in five tasteful shades, from black through navy and grey to beige. The belt offers the option of adding some shape if the mood dictates, while the oversized fit will work over any outfit. Buy: £225 stories.com 2 Blazer The experts agree that a black, single-breasted blazer is a must in any capsule wardrobe. This tailored version would cut a fine shape in the office or at a party. Reiss GABI TAILORED SINGLE BREASTED SUIT BLAZER View image in fullscreen Buy: £198 reiss.com 3 Raincoat Let’s be real, you need one coat that will stand up to a downpour. This smart but versatile belted design, available in olive, navy and black, will work as well for a trudge to work as for walking the dog. Bonus points for being cut and sewn in the UK. Buy: £199 communityclothing.co.uk 4 Smart, Chanel-esque jacket A chameleon, a Chanel-esque jacket will morph depending on your style and mood. This Mango version comes in understated black, brown and ecru, as well as a less-than-minimal firehose red. Mango Pocket tweed jacket View image in fullscreen Buy: £79.99 shop.mango.com 5 Classic cigarette pants One of two pairs of smarter trousers, as suggested by O’Connor, the cigarette is a chic, timeless cut that will work as well for more formal work days as for a weekend lunch. Jigsaw Bi Stretch Cigarette Trouser £140 View image in fullscreen Buy: £140 jigsaw-online.com 6 Wider leg trousers with belt loops The slouchy fit works well for a more relaxed look, while the belt loops give the option of formalising. The experts agree that colour is to be applied sparingly in a capsule wardrobe – and the beige and black are in keeping with that, but the apple green version could add a rare pop. Zara Pleated Trousers View image in fullscreen Buy: £29.99 zara.com 7 Cargo pants Able to span work-casual and a more chilled weekend feel, these cargo trousers mean business. As they are made from organic brushed cotton, practicality doesn’t have to mean a lack of comfort. Baukjen Oralie Organic Cotton Cargo Pant View image in fullscreen Buy: £109 baukjen.com 8 Skirt Joan Didion liked to pack two skirts for any trip. This one will do its best to cover all eventualities. The black, navy and ivory ones might be most versatile. Ghost Luna Satin Slip Skirt Black £69 View image in fullscreen Ghost Luna Satin Slip Skirt Black £69 Buy: £69 ghost.co.uk 9 Jeans The classic 501, the cornerstone of any capsule wardrobe. Wear with anything, anywhere – from the theatre to the market, the football to the pub. LEVI 501 ORIGINAL JEANS View image in fullscreen Buy: £100 levi.com 10 White shirt The top-half equivalent of blue jeans, a classic white shirt – or a darker colour, if sticky toddler hands are a concern – will be a wardrobe workhorse. WNU THE Boyfriend: WEAVE, WHITE View image in fullscreen Buy: £100 withnothingunderneath.com 11 Breton T-shirt Versatile, easy and never going to look dated or as if you haven’t made an effort, a Breton-striped short sleeve T-shirt is a chic and timeless choice. Sunspel Classic T‑shirt View image in fullscreen Buy: £85 sunspel.com 12 Denim shirt Another item that won’t be work-shy, a denim shirt is practical and no-nonsense, but can also be dressed up. Pair with jeans for a very on-trend double-denim ensemble. Albaray Denim Oversize Shirt View image in fullscreen Buy: ££79 albaray.co.uk 13 Silky top Even the most pared-back wardrobe needs a little playfulness – this silk cami top adds just that. Wear with jeans or a skirt, under a blazer or by itself. John Lewis Silk Cami Top, Black View image in fullscreen Buy: £39 johnlewis.com 14 Crewneck jumper The thought of only having one crewneck jumper might leave some people feeling cold, but a good quality layer, like this lamb’s wool one, will work for most eventualities. &Daughter Rosh Geelong Crewneck £295 View image in fullscreen Buy: £295 and-daughter.com 15 Dress Polished, simple, but definitely not boring, this red dress will pop in a wardrobe cut back to the essentials. Made from heavyweight ponte jersey but with a tailored fit, it will be comfortable enough to sit in for hours, without losing its shape. Me+Em Travel Tailoring Boat Neck Midi Dress LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Ponte-Jersey Tailoring View image in fullscreen Buy: £250 meandem.com 16 White trainer Again, a smart-casual classic makes O’Connor’s list. This leather pair will keep feet dry on days when a boot feels too much, but a slipper feels too little. Superga 2750 EFGLU - White (£85) View image in fullscreen Buy: £85 superga.co.uk 17 Loafer One of the five shoes on O’Connor’s list, a loafer can be understated and smart or, paired with a bright sock, full of fun and frivolity. Keeble, £275 by Russell & Bromley Stockist: www.russellandbromley.co.uk View image in fullscreen Buy: £275 russellandbromley.co.uk 18 Slingback kitten heel Another of O’Connor’s five, and a chance to add a bit of pizazz to the sartorial bare bones with their slinky shape alone. This version also has a bit of disco-ball magic. The M&S COLLECTION Kitten Heel Slingbacks View image in fullscreen Buy: £35 marksandspencer.com 19 Lace-up boot The bread-and-butter of any wardrobe, a lace-up black boot will, at least in a climate like the UK’s, be the most reached-for of all footwear. Penelope Chilvers Bartholomew Leather Boot - Black View image in fullscreen Buy: £279 penelopechilvers.com 20 Ballet flat While the ballet flat might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is a modern-day staple. Relaxed with jeans or fancy with a dress, these OGs of the genre come in more than 30 colours and offer more structure than the flimsiest models. Cendrillon shoes View image in fullscreen Buy: £280 repetto.com